Yesterday produced a busy morning in which there was a wedding we were involved with. Not a lot of preparation, but I did have some things I needed to do and take care of. It was good to see all my children and some of the grandchildren. You know me, I am blessed when I have those I love close by. Everything seemed to go well and it was a beautiful day. I was a bit busy, but that was ok.
I'm sitting here trying to think what I did after that - and I am drawing a blank. Oh yeah, I did the traditional take roses to two delightful women whom I love to call "Aunt" and have for over 30 years. It started out 30+ years ago I would give these four sisters each one rose for Mother's Day. None of the four sisters had children, so they adopted me as a niece. Every year I have given them a rose for Mother's Day - then as two of them have died, I started giving two dozen roses each to the remaining two sisters. I try to always get them to them before Mother's Day; ran it close this year.
I got my daughter to take the trip with me and we had a delightful visit with Aunt Mae and Aunt Sue. They loved the roses and Aunt Sue - who used to work in a Florist shop - was itching to do her arranging with them, which she did as soon as we left. I told my daughter that if I should die before Aunt Mae, who is 101 now, or Aunt Sue, who is about 92, I think - I want her to carry on this tradition. It has been a delightful, and important tradition for me to do for these delightful women who have blessed my life so abundantly. I always said I wanted to be like Aunt Mae. She traveled the world, the volunteered for 50 years teaching children, she cooked numerous meals on Wednesday nights at church. She loves everyone and is such a blessing. Her younger sister is onery and sometimes a bit jealous of Aunt Mae. I've always had to be careful of things I say to Aunt Mae in Aunt Sue's hearing. Also on any cards I've sent. Aunt Mae told me that Aunt Sue was jealous, so I tried to make sure Aunt Sue got attention as well. Not that I didn't want to give her any, it's just Aunt Mae is a bit softer.... but Aunt Sue is a delight as well.
When we first moved to Arizona I missed my family so much. I hadn't been so far away from family that I couldn't get there in a couple hours before. The first few years was really hard. Aunt Mae, Aunt Sue, Aunt Vera, Aunt Lena, and Uncle Joe all adopted us - and they became our family away from family. They have been such a blessing.
My Mother's Day started with me cooking breakfast for hubby and I. We went to church and I was delighted to see my youngest child and his bride come to sit with us at church. They go to another church but for Mother's Day, came to ours. I also had a surprise by getting to see one of my beautiful granddaughters who is up for the weekend. Of course a beautiful daughter-in-law too! AND the grandsons. After loving on them we headed home - only hubby took me to Arbys for lunch. Then home, I peeled and cut up fresh peaches (my hands are sore!) and made about 9 cups of peach jam. I froze some peaches so that after I pick up more Certo pectin I can make some more. It's freezer jam so by tomorrow morning I can put in the freezer with the Peach Relish Jam I have already made and I think I have two jars of strawberry jam left in the freezer.
I wonder if any of my children or grandchildren like jam. Hmmmmm. I know we can't eat all this. I guess if they read this and want any, they can speak up. Otherwise, as I have done with the majority of the orange marmalade I made and canned, I give it away. I love to bake and I love to cook and try new recipes. I still want to make some more cherry strawberry jam that I have made before. Just haven't gotten the things I need for it yet. Maybe I will block out a day this summer and see which of the grandchildren want to come spend the day with grandma and make jam and other things. Or maybe I should just wait until Christmas time .... but one never knows if one has another holiday, or even another day.
I think I will see what I can do for the summer. Life is far too short when you start getting older. I want to make memories that the grandchildren - and children - will remember doing with me. It is so important to me. Not that they remember me, persay, but more that they remember doing fun things together.
Like the summer one grandson and I canned I can't remember how many quarts of bread and butter pickles. I really think he enjoyed doing it. Don't know if I will get that many cucumbers again, but I may buy enough that he will come help me again.
I need a fun day with the grandchildren! Make salsa, bread and butter pickles, tootsie rolls, lollipops, cookies, bread, pies, cakes, jams and jellies, the list is endless of what we could do!
Memories.
I think of my mother... some fond memories, some not so good. I imagine we all have some of each. I miss my mother, but for many years we were not close. I guess it had to be the last six or seven years of her life that I felt that she really loved me. Long story no need to go into. Sometimes life is hard and in her words "you do what you have to do". I don't agree, yet, I understand. I still love her, and I still miss her. Some days more than others.
Mother's Day.
Men,teach your children to love their mother no matter what. Teach them to respect her. Teach them to regard her highly. You are their example. How you treat their mother, is how the young men will treat their wives and mothers, and your daughters will expect to be treated. It is what is modeled before them.
Men, love your wives as Christ loved the church. Be the example your children need to see on how to treat a woman, especially one you declare your love for.
Women, respect yourself. Esteem yourself highly, for your were created by God to be a helpmate for your man. Your man chose you. You chose your man. Regardless of things life throws at you, be an example that no matter what, you work through troubles, issues, trials, and hardships. You don't run away when the battle gets tough. You don't run and find someone who "understands" you better. You work through it all.
A wise woman once told me, "you hate the behavior, but you love the person". Words to live by.
Hope your mothers - and those of you who are mothers that read this, had a very special day. I received cards and numerous texts from those that love me. I am truly blessed among women. I am loved.
Time to fix dinner - it's the end of the day. Might be time for a movie.
Blessings!
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