Holidays/Parties Archives • Page 11 of 23 • New Nostalgia

Mothers Day

A Great Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is really a great day for me. I get permission to take the day off. I get to let go of laundry, dishes, and making food. I find this permission causes me to focus more on the precious moments I have with my family and enjoy them.

I also get time to do whatever I want to do. When the girls were younger, this always meant getting away for some quiet. Now that they are older, I have mixed emotions. I still long for quiet still moments and took some this Mother’s day, but when I am away I find myself wanting to be with my family.

Every Mother’s day for the past 4 years has started out the same. We load up in the car and drive to Granite City for Mother’s Day brunch. We meet my Mother-in-law, Sharon, there. Granite City has wonderful food and gives away flowers to mothers. I love this tradition.

We then go home and I receive gifts. This is so much fun. I delight at each girls personal gift. They are really the best gift givers and know their mommy’s taste well. Todd is a wonderful dad who takes them out shopping and gives them each some money to buy me a little something. This year I took my oldest to the Farmer’s Market and she was sneaky and purchased a beautiful plant for me while we were there with her own money. Be still my heart!

My middle girl chose yellow tulips. They are so beautiful! She also gave me a dark chocolate bar from Trader Joes. I love that she had dad take her to Trader Joes, she knows it is a favorite place of mine.

My youngest made me an awesome Mother’s Day card. She said it took her FOREVER so I HAVE to keep it. 🙂 She knows this mama is a trying to become more minimalist and seems to be getting rid of everything, so she had to let me know her art is a keeper. Taped to the back of her card was a gift card to Starbucks. Whee!

After gifts, my hubs takes over the kids for the rest of the day. I took a nap and then laid in bed like a lazy bum and played around on my computer. I heard some sister drama and felt a bit sorry for my Todd who was playing referee. So glad it is not me!

I then decided it was time to get up and get out into the beautiful weather. I tip- toed past the drama, giving my hubs a sympathetic look, and drove downtown, took out my camera, and practiced photo taking. It have to say it was really enjoyable! I’m hoping practice makes decent…not even worried about perfect!

I got hungry, so I stopped in to Dozo for a sushi snack. I sat and read a book on…what else…photography.

Right next to Dozo is Scooters Coffee shop, and that is where I sit writing this post with my journal, a highlighter, a coffee and my laptop. It is the perfect place to edit photos, write, and eavesdrop on a lively debate going on behind me.

I am picking up a pizza on my way home so I won’t have to cook dinner. We have plans to sit and watch the Survivor finale as a family tonight. Can you say PERFECT day?

I feel so thankful.
I know my family is feeling very thankful, too.

My girls and I were talking on the way to brunch about precious young girl we know who is spending the day driving with her grandparents to her Mothers grave, to see the newly installed headstone. We discussed how we need to send a few thoughts and prayers up for her today. I can’t type this without getting choked up. This girl and her family have become super special to me, as her mom was super special to me, and they have been on my brain all day…all week. We know their story could be our story, and we pray for them, for healing. For comfort. For courage as they face that beautiful headstone and the reality the writing on it brings.

I know this day is not an easy one for everyone.
I know my perfect day is a gift.
I am thankful.

Love/ Mothers Day

Thank You, Mom.

I see you, Mother.

You are mine. A gift.

I take a minute to see of all the good in you, and it takes many minutes as one memory leads to another.

Minutes tick, memories come, and I know some of the most life- giving and life-serving moments you gave me, are the ones that I have no memory of.

I see Mom, young

The moments you spent with me as a babe, nursing & bathing. Whispering sweet nothings and singing melodies. I know you sang to me with that beautiful voice of yours, so beautiful that at one point in time you traveled and shared with others your melodic singing voice.

You have told me so many times that some of your favorite memories are of us as babes, on your hip. You would recount the memories and start to bounce, and I can picture it years before, Mother bouncing daughter on her hip. A mother’s hip, the perfect perch, a shapely mold made for bouncing babies.

I grow, as do my 4 siblings, and Mother grows busy. I now am grown and have 3 of my own, and I, too, have grown busy. How oh Mom, did you do it with 5?

I know you sacrificed. I know you spent days serving. Constant mouths to feed and bills to pay and house to clean, laundry to fold. So many underlying worries that I was too young to understand.

You did her best and yet would say your best was not good enough. Don’t we all, us Mothers, feel this way? I disagree, Mommy, I saw your best. What more can one do but their best?

I see Mom, sad.

The day wedding ring slipped & flew across the floor and disappeared forever in an air vent. You walked committed to a marriage, with a finger naked too many years. Oh if only I were older then and known better, I would find a way to get a ring right back on that finger. I would make you one if I had to, for I know this absent ring broke your heart and you longed for the symbol of completeness and commitment. These things matter to us women. I am now woman and I play with my own wedding ring as I pause from writing, thinking of your pain. I remember your beautiful ring, and those long elegant fingers, and I too, now mourn. I mourn for what became and how your heart broke when marriage broke and the pain nearly split you in half. I mourn that I was not able to comfort you in your pain, for broken marriages bring pain to whole families, and my own paralyzed, as did my age.

I see Mom, happy.

You sing silly. Do YOUR Ears Hang Low? Do They Wobble To & Fro? Can You Tie Them In A Knot, Can You Tie Them In a Bow? and How Much Is That Doggy In The Window? I hear your giggle, I see at times your child-like delight in the quirky details that to many walk through this life and miss. I see you embrace the part of yourself that is free spirit, I learn to let go of my control as I watch you delight in the free.

I see Mom, most loyal.

One of the most precious gifts you have shown to me is how to be loyal. You never speak ill of your children, especially from one of your children to another. You do not judge us. You are not a gossip. I know I can share with you and you will keep it to yourself.

I see Mom, forgiving.

In many ways, but one specific is we both know I can be so slow in returning phone calls. Your forbearance in this makes me want to call. I will show the same grace to my children, for I have learned from you.

I see Mom, scared yet strong.

You are a Mom who has had the dreaded phone call. “Your daughter has cancer.” I so didn’t want to tell you knowing the pain it would bring. You were there, watching as chemical chemo dripped, as nurses poke, as Oncologist joked about my heart rate “as fast as a train.” You watched as I woke from one of many surgeries, high on morphine. You tell of how scared you were when I was not responsive, how eyes rolled back, an image that would scare any Mother. You are this image burden bearer.

You rejoiced with me in the mall when we got the call that scan was clear, you held my heart when I crumbled in the doctors office when we were told the second scan was not. It was you who I wanted to feed me ice as I woke up from mastectomy surgery. I think of how strong you had to be in that waiting room, as your daughter was getting cut on and cancer was getting cut out. I think of how beautiful and symbolic it is, when I lost my bosom, you offer me the comfort of yours in all your actions. You were there. You fed my family your famous sloppy joes, you helped me organize my basement which gave me the feeling of order and control when life was spinning. You put away all my Christmas decorations. You held my gross drains and helped me dress.

Your texts to me in the night were at times the only thing that could comfort when I was so scared and so sick. All Day All Night, Angels Watching Over Me the same song you would sing to me when bouncing bald babe on your hip, is the one that you text your now grown bald babe. “Angels are watching over you my sweet Amy” your text would read. Nights in a row I would get that same text and comfort came from you to me and I would drift off with angels watching.

One of my most favorite cancer memories was with you, when I took off my scarf to show you my shaved, bald head. I moved slowly, thought you would break down. Instead, a twinkle in your eye, then a grunt as you tried to hold in your laugh, then we both bust up laughing. Oh how I loved that! I laugh out loud as I write even in this moment. You spared me the sympathy eyes, you spared me your tears, and you gave me the best medicine–laughter.

People say I am strong from this battle

I am. But not just from this battle, but from watching your strength as you have battled what this broken world brings.

I have looked, I have learned.

I see you, Mom, in me.

Happy Mothers Day!

Mothers Day

Easy Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Source: creaturecomfortsblog.com via New on Pinterest

A free printable to wrap around those mothers day vases.

Source: everydaycelebrating.com via New on Pinterest

Put photocopies of your most treasured photos of you and your mom into vases Group together for a unique photo display.

Source: onecharmingparty.com via New on Pinterest

So easy even kids can make it with dad’s help? Homemade Cinnamon almonds–1 c. sugar, 3 c. almonds, 1/2 t. cinnamon, 1/4 c. water-heat in skillet and then cool on wax paper. Give in a cute little mason jar, with a tag made from free printables above!

Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

Wonderful breakfast in bed!

Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

Using these tags!

Source: maryruffle.tumblr.com via New on Pinterest

Have you mom over for tea. A set up like this makes simple, special.

Source: skiptomylou.org via New on Pinterest

This is actually a teacher appreciation gift, but I for one, would LOVE this as a mother’s day gift! An easy printable. Send the link to those husbands out there with the subject titled “hint hint.”

Source: freeprettythingsforyou.com via New on Pinterest

This is a fun idea! It has a free printable that you print and cut, that reads “Excuse me, I need some air. Thanks!” Then the receiver blows it up to read the message. I’m thinking to improve the gift, there should be some money in that balloon, and the receiver has to pop it to get it out! Yes?

Source: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

A meaningful mother’s day gift from New Nostalgia! I gave this to my mom a couple years ago and it make her cry. 🙂

Source: amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com via New on Pinterest

5 Ingredient Homemade Chocolate Sauce for ice cream. I gave this to my mother-in-law one year with a container of gelato.

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I found these ideas at my Pinterest boards.
Wanna see more? Follow me there.

Brunch/ Mothers Day/ RECIPES

A Mother’s Day Breakfast-Coconut Crusted French Toast

Mother’s Day is a pretty special day for me. Not only do I have the honer of being a mom, but I have some pretty special ladies in my life that I get to celebrate. I know this is a gift. I know there are many of you out there reading who don’t have Mothers around to celebrate, or babes who call you “Mom.” My thoughts have been with you this week as I prepare celebrating my own.

Today I did just that, and had my mother-in-law, Kathy, over for breakfast. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have her in my home and just enjoy some great talk time and good food! She is always having the family over to her house, and is really good at entertaining, so it was much fun to have her to mine and serve her for once!

She is a coconut lover, so when I found this recipe for Coconut Crusted French Toast on Pinterest, I knew immediately who I would be making it for.

Let me tell you, it is GOOD!

If you are a coconut fan, this recipe is a must make! It uses coconut milk, coconut extract and shredded coconut. I made it in a jiffy, and had everything ready to go when she arrived.

{Isn’t she a beauty? Inside and out.}

This french bread is from Trader Joes. It was perfect for this recipe.

Eggs, coconut milk, coconut extract and vanilla extract with a bit of salt. Whisk.

Shredded coconut on a plate.

Dip bread in egg mixture. Press into coconut.

Then make cook it just like you would normal french toast.

Easy!

I added a nut mix, strawberries, & oranges to the table, rounding out the meal.

I picked some fresh roses from our bush outside.

We drank coffee and of course, lemon water!

Coconut Crusted French Toast

{via Two Peas & Their Pod}

3 large eggs

3/4 cup lite coconut milk (canned or fresh)

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup shredded coconut

6 slices french bread, 1/2 inch slices

Butter, maple syrup

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, coconut extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Place the shredded coconut on a plate. Dip both sides of each slice of bread into the egg mixture. Dip both sides of the coated bread into the shredded coconut. Drizzle a little egg mixture on top of the coconut to make it stick to the bread.

Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick griddle to medium heat. Cook the slices of bread until golden brown on one side and then turn and cook the other side. Serve immediately of keep French toast warm in a 250 degree oven.

Serve with butter & pure maple syrup.

_______________

I’ve learned creating meaningful memories takes little effort.

It just takes a bit of thought and follow through.

Thank you, Kathy, for always being the one who works to have us over and make the memories.

We’ve made so many good ones, haven’t we?

Thank you for coming to my house for breakfast and making some more.

I love you, and I’m so very blessed to have you as my Mom-in-Law!

Cancer Journey/ Easter/ HEALTH/ Love/ Spiritual

Indescribable Peace

In Christ Alone by Owl City

It was over 15 years ago, I was 21 years old, a newlywed. I was sitting in church on Easter morning, terrified, with the question of “what if?” on my brain.

The day before, I received a phone call while at work, hairdressing. I was drying my last client of the day, and I was called to the front for a phone call.

On the phone was my dermatologist, whom I had visited just a few days before. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this over the phone, but you have skin cancer, and it is the kind that is not usually nice. Melanoma. If we caught it in time, you will be fine. If it is in the bloodstream already, your chances of beating it are very slim.

It was a very short phone call, I went back to drying my client’s hair, not sure how I was holding on to the hairdryer, as I felt numb all over.

I don’t remember much of that weekend, but I DO remember that it was Easter Sunday, and as I was sitting in church, the only thing I heard the Pastor say was..“you can experience the peace that passes all understanding when you know Jesus.”

Right as he said those words, a deep peace came over me. Fear took a back seat, and I experienced for the first time what that verse meant. It was such a sweet feeling.

That was early in my walk with God, and over the years I have grown in my knowledge of what it means to walk in peace and to trust in the plan He has for my life.

It has taken many, many lessons, and many screw ups on my part. God has proven over and over that He is worthy of my devotion, that He is good ALL the time, and that no matter what, He will never leave me.

My melanoma was caught in time, and surgery was enough to get rid of it. I was thankful but so young. I’m not sure I really got just how blessed I was that we caught it in time.

Fast forward 15 years. As you all know, I had another cancer diagnosis last year. Again, I felt the numbness that comes with that phone call. This time I was much older, wiser, and there was so much more at stake.

I had a husband of 14 years whom I had grown to love so very much, who I desperately longed to grow old with, and I had 3 little ones who would hurt deeply if anything happened to me.

These facts made peace hard to come by. If you followed my journey on Caring Bridge, you know my emotions were so up and down and my peace and trust were tested all throughout my cancer fight.

Fear raged, but, I also experienced a peace and trust that I never thought was possible. I fell very, very deep in love with my Jesus who has been by my side all these years.

I’ve always loved Him, ever since I was young, but oh the sweetness of Him that I experienced in this trial. Beyond what words can describe.

So tomorrow, I find myself facing yet another Easter Sunday, where I will sit with the question of “what if?” I have tests next week to check a spot on my kidney, and there is a possibility that cancer has visited me once again.

I have realized something this time, though. Fear has lost its grip.

That doesn’t mean it won’t rear its ugly head at times, but it does not consume me, and I am FREE. This trust I have found, it feels like rest, and that is what I am doing.

I am in His hands and I am at rest. I no longer feel panicked when I think of my 3 precious girls and that question “what if?”

I realized this week, that I finally, FINALLY I have been able to go even deeper into my trust and give them to HIM.

I know that the amazing God who has loved me all through my years will have their little hearts and will take care of them, no matter what.

And that man of mine that I love so very much? I know He has him, too.

I smiled and felt a chill when I realized this. As the song says below, “no guilt in life, no fear of death, this is the power of Christ in me.”

This Easter is a special one. I am remembering. I am remembering how He chose death, so I can be free from the fear of death.

He hung on that cross and took on my guilt, so I stand here free of guilt, despite how messed up I am. He overcame death so that I can have eternal life, forever with Him.

Lyrics:

In Christ Alone, My Hope Is Found
He Is My Light, My Strength, My Song
This Cornerstone, This Solid Ground
Firm Through The Fiercest Drought And Storm
What Heights Of Love, What Depths Of Peace
When Fears Are Stilled, When Strivings Cease 
My Comforter, My All-in-all
Here In The Love Of Christ, I Stand

There In The Ground His Body Lay
Light Of The World By Darkness Slain
Then Bursting Forth In Glorious Day
Up From The Grave He Rose Again
And As He Stands In Victory
Sin’s Curse Has Lost Its Grip On Me
For I Am His And He Is Mine
Bought With The Precious Blood Of Christ

No Guilt In Life, No Fear In Death
This Is The Power Of Christ In Me 
From Life’s First Cry To Final Breath
Jesus Commands My Destiny 
No Power Of Hell, No Scheme Of Man
Can Ever Pluck Me From His Hand
Till He Returns Or Calls Me Home
Here In The Power OfChrist

I’ll Stand
Till He Returns Or Calls Me Home
Here In The Power Of Christ

I’ll Stand
Here In The Power Of Christ

I’ll Stand