Home is where your Mother is.

One of the things I realize now that I am a "grown-up", is that my Mom is the smartest and most amazing person on the planet.  

 

1.  My Mom was thrifty, she was 'green' before 'green' was cool - case and point:  

-Old ketchup bottles became new water bottles.

-Old paper bags were new text book covers.

-We washed and re-used all disposable paper goods.

-This list could go on and on...but I'll spare myself the embarrassment.

2.  My Mom was honest, and realistic:

-"Silence is agreement."

-"If you need an answer NOW and I'm not ready to give you one, it's automatically NO."  (unfortunately we weren't creative enough to re-phrase our question from "Mom, can I sleep over at my friends house? TO "Mom, can I NOT sleep over at my friends house?"

-"If you really want to fight, come over here and duke it out.  The rest of us will watch."  Note:  that was generally a scary enough prospect to call immediate truce.

-"You're wearing THAT out?  Please, child.  At least take a jacket." :-D

3.  She knows just how to respond:

Noah:  MOM, I HATE YOU!

Mom:  I hate you too, Noah.

[Stunned silence and reflection ensues.]

...but knows just how to listen:

Me:  Mom, I'm pregnant.  What do I do?

Mom:  Love that baby.  What else would you do?

4.  She spent time teaching us the things that matter MOST in life:

-Walking in to her room, kneeled in prayer, is one of the most comforting memories of my childhood.  

-Meeting was never an option.

-And yes, bible studies every morning, even during [*gasp] summer!

So you know, in my ripe age of 28 and a mother of 2 sweet thangs, while most dread the thought -  I think of "turning in to my Mother" and swell with pride to imagine one day living up to all the greatness she IS.

I love you Mama.  For all you are, and all you will be.

Mama on Prom Day.