What is it about moms?

I'm not necessarily sure if this is something about ALL mothers, or just my mother(s) - my mom and mom-in-law:

If you ask them to do something for you... not matter how inconvenient, time-intensive, out-of-the-way it is... they will do it. It is wired in them.

If you ask, you shall receive.

I think it even gets worse as the children get older - into their own adulthood - because since you ask things of them LESS, they feel even MORE like they have no choice but to say yes to whatever it is you ask of them.

So here's the thing...

my mother-in-law makes DELICIOUS chicken and rice. I don't even know what's so dang good about it. I don't know why I love it so much... especially when I'm feeling under the weather. Chicken and rice isn't something my mom made growing up... my mom is chef extraordinaire, but she's not a traditional "southern cook."

But anyway, it hit me today that I really, reallly, reallllyyyyyyyyyyy want some chicken and rice. Like pronto.

My instinct is to pick up the phone and ask if my m-i-l can make me a pot of it so I can pick it up on the way home from work and have it for dinner.

My dilemma?

She'll say yes. No matter if she has a day packed full of things she HAS to do. No matter if she is completely out of rice and all her chicken is frozen. No matter if she's not even AT the house and has no plans of being home until she's at church this evening.

If I call and ask if she'd mind, she'll say "Of COURSE not... what time will you be by to pick it up!" Because that's what she does... and that's who she is.

I wish I could ask Chad to do it but, 1) he's out of town and 2) she would more likely do it for me since I'm carrying her grandbaby.

And I can't ask her for the recipe because I've done it before and she refuses to give it to me because she wants to be the only one who can make it for me. This is what mothers do to you.

And my mom is even worse. If SHE really knew I was dying for chicken and rice that she didn't know how to make... ohhhhhhh lord. I don't even want to know. Well, she'd likely break into my mother-in-law's house, search through her recipe books and files and find the recipe, and THEN go home and have it made for me by suppertime.

So in the end, all I really want is some chicken and rice.

But if I ask for it, I know there is a 50/50 chance it could be majorly inconveniencing my m-i-l... but she'd do it anyway.

What to do, what to do.

... to be continued...

My Mama

Today is my sweet mama's birthday! I know everyone says this about their own mom... but other people say it about mine too, so I think it's safe to say that my mom is without a doubt one of the greatest women on this planet. She is just so caring, and nurturing, and smart, and beautiful, and kind and talented.

But as great of a person as she is, she really just is the most amazing mom. I have to remind myself frequently, that not all moms are like mine... and to never take advantage of it. I always assume that every mom is as supportive, caring and loving as mine is. But that's just not the case.

I think back for all the special little things she (and my dad) did for us as kids. Let me first remind you that I am one of FIVE. But my mom never let that busyness get in the way of making every day special. Like how every December... my mom would put together an advent calendar for us (not just the little ones you buy at the dollar store and open a window each night for a piece of chocolate.) Oh no! My mom would write a rhyming clue for EACH DAY leading up to Christmas, that we'd get to open, read and would lead us to some spot in the house where she hid some sort of "prize" - be it a game or candy.

Or how my parents were committed to finding each of us kids own "special" thing to do with mom and dad. For me, my parents would buy tickets to musicals to take just me. I'd get all dressed up, and have a special evening out with my mom and dad.

And now that I've gotten older, I look back in awe at how the woman did it all!

But more than anything, I appreciate her "mothering" as an adult myself. Every day she continues to teach me so much. I'm so thankful for her and our relationship.

Happiest of birthdays to my darling mom. You are loved.

Happy (Late) Anniversary to my parents!

On Monday, my mom and dad celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, they headed up to gorgeous Asheville, NC for the week.

They spent the first few days at famed Biltmore Inn, doing tours, having afternoon tea, eating yummy meals and enjoying time together. Yesterday, I believe, they moved to a little cabin where they'll stay until Saturday. It has been a long time since my mom and dad spent a full week, just the two of them. Every time I've talked to my mom she sounded giddy with excitement... and, likely, wine.

Here's the problem: I miss my mom! Every weekday morning during our commutes to the office, my mom and I get a good 30 minute phone convo in. And mind you, I live 5 minutes from my parents... it's not like I don't seem them. Sure there are some mornings we don't have much to talk about, but they are usually few and far between. Usually the time flies by, and I'm rushing to get off the phone with her so I'm not sitting outside my office in the parking lot for an extra 15 minutes.

And in addition to our morning calls, it's a given that at least twice or three times during the week, Chad or I will have a question for one of my parents that merits another phone call.

But I resolved that I'd let my dad have my mom all to himself this week, and keep my phone calls to a minimum: emergency calls only! I'm definitely ready to have her back. Not that I don't miss my daddy too... but my life just doesn't spin as neatly unless my mom is around.

With that said - I've got to say for the millionth time how blessed I've been to watch my parents navigate the at times crazy waters of marriage. I've read before that the best way for a father to show his children how much he loves them is by loving his wife. And truly, there has been no better gift for me - and all my siblings - than the stability they've provided us throughout the years with the steadfastness of their love for us and each other. That didn't mean days, and seasons, were difficult, but I'm glad they've pushed through.

So congrats, mom and dad! I hope the next 30 are even better!