1. I recently saw that according to Google Trends data, more people do searches for flowers around Mother’s Day than they do around Valentine’s Day. Growing up we always had the tradition of going in the afternoon and buying my mom flowers and hanging baskets. Today even the last minute shoppers can usually purchase a rose after Mass in case the occasion slipped their mind!
2. Going green…I do not have a green thumb, at all. We have a garden, which my husband takes care of and I will help by picking, preparing and enjoying the fresh produce. In case you do not believe me, let me give you a few examples. My mom gave me a beautiful ivy to put in our new house, it was one my grandmother gave to her. It started out great, vibrant and flourishing. A few months in, it began a rapid decline and nothing I did could resuscitate it. My mother in-law gave me an aloe plant, which I didn’t realize at the time is basically like a cactus in the not needing water category. I watered it occasionally and when I saw it wasn’t looking so good I thought it needed more water, so I increased the hydration. It wasn’t long before I had to sheepishly return the empty pot. Open to suggestions of hardy, low maintenance flowers before I make my attempt. (Last year’s success)
3. Mother’s Day can often be a difficult time for women who are experiencing infertility. It usually never passes without a few tears and the longing always there to hear the voice of little ones say “mama” as they reach their arms up to you. And then there is the awkward moment in Church where all the mothers are asked to stand for a blessing and you sit there praying that someday you are able to be among those women.
4. I wrote this article a few years ago, to the women whose motherhood remains hidden and the mothers that have experienced a loss they forever carry in their heart.
5. Recently my younger brother has taken to sending me recipes that he has found to be simple, easy and delicious! It’s like I have a free online recipe subscription of meals that have been tested and tasted. I have to admit I felt a little less domesticated when I had to ask him for clarification on what an ingredient was and even more so when I couldn’t seem to find it at the store (not to mention he found it the first time he looked). Hominy, really what is hominy?
6. Chocolate covered bacon, first time for everything! I was given a few strips of both dark chocolate and milk chocolate. In my analysis the dark chocolate was better, less of the bacon taste and more of the salty-sweet. The milk chocolate, I was definitely chewing bacon, would you like a serving of eggs with that? Has anyone tried it? What do you think, delicacy or disgusting? (Don’t say I didn’t give you any ideas for Mother’s Day!)
7. Make sure to see Jen and check out her new book, Something Other Than God. Plus, her post on her recent travels, flight delay and driving a monster truck for a rental car. It had me laughing out loud and at the same time caused me anxiety about the next trip I will take to anywhere!
Ann, what is the best way, do you think, to support women who are struggling with infertility around Mother’s Day? I have a good friend who is, but I never know what to say.
I think a card, note or flowers are nice. A simple gesture to show that you are thinking about her, you recognize her desire to be a mother and acknowledge the pain she may be feeling this time of year. You don’t need to say much, just knowing she is being thought of will go a long way in helping her not feel so alone and isolated.
Hominy!! My favorite canned veggie! I requested this nearly every night growing up as a child. Only the yellow kind, though, had to be the yellow. I’ve since stopped eating it as much because my husband despises it and my kiddos won’t even look at it. Lol. 🙂 I may be going out on a limb when I say this, but you may not be familiar with it because I think it is primarily used in the southern states/Mexico dishes. Sort of like butter beans. 😉
And the chocolate covered bacon…I have yet to try it but I would like to some day!
(BTW, I’m visiting from the linkup.)
Haha, I had to go to 2 grocery stores to even find it! That makes sense, I was making chicken tortilla soup (and quickly added it in before my husband saw what it looked like).
Mother’s day two years ago, Nathan was in Afghanistan and I was pitying myself because although I had 3 children they were to young to wish me a Happy Mother’s day. During Mass I happened to glance at a friend of mine who has not been able to have any children and I felt ill to my stomach for being so selfish. You are a wonderful mother. I can’t comprehend why Our Lord wills you to suffer so much. The only explanation I can come up with is that your suffering will in the end save many more souls. I love you dearly. I hope you will offer a prayer or two for me this Mother’s Day that I will love my children as much as you love yours.
Thank you Becky, I really appreciate your loving words! I will most definitely say a prayer for you! 🙂
Mother’s Day can be a tough day, this year we are going to mass at a Byzantine monastery. Hubby loves it there, and we can avoid the sadness at church when it’s another year and I’m still not a mother. …chocolate bacon is yummy! …I got to try it once during a chocolate tour. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.
From The Muppets Take Manhattan:
Rizzo the Rat: What’s this supposed to be?
Pete: Is grits! Grits! Hominy grits!
Rizzo the Rat: How should I know how many? Count ’em yourself.