My strong Mama!

My mom had both her knees replaced today. It was a decision that was not reached lightly. She has been in pain for so long that we have encouraged her for a while to take the plunge. We just hoped it would change her quality of life, and of course it was hard for all of us to see her in pain.

The surgery went well, better than expected even, but I cried all day. I cried thinking of my dad and sisters there in the waiting room without me. I cried thinking of my mom under the knife. I cried most of the way through the boys at gymnastics, and having Landon there in the big boy preschool gymnastics for the first time did not help my already emotional state.I tried to be discreet with my tears, but I am sure the other moms were thinking, ‘Seriously? Girl you need to get out more!’

Carter’s coach awarded him with a trophy for how hard he worked today. He was given special instructions to ‘Spit shine it every day and put it by your bed to remember how hard you worked to get this.’ Now, that really got that tears flowing. Just kidding. I was dry by then.

As a minuscule tribute to my mom on her surgery day and in an attempt to feel closer to her, I went to 4 different nurseries looking for geraniums. My mom always plants the most beautiful pots of mixed flowers, but she always has geraniums somewhere. I finally found some, and my hunt was worth it. They were a beautiful fall coral color. I knew my mom would approve. My hunt with 3 kids lasted until dusk, but I couldn’t wait to pot them. I planted by porch light while my kids made oatmeal for dinner. (Oatmeal would have been a better choice, but I went with a chocolate bar for my dinner instead…in honor of my mom, of course!)

Something that I have always admired about my mom and dad is that they ALWAYS leave things better than they found them. They are always up for a project and one of the first questions they ask when I pick them up from the airport is always, “So, what can we do to help you while we’re here?” They are both extremely talented at playing extreme makeover home edition, and I love being the recipient.

When my parents visited last February, they decided to make my back porch a little retreat that I could enjoy. We went and picked out some beautiful glazed pots, flowers to fill them with, and two super comfy swivel rockers and a table for my back porch. My dad also put together the new grill that I had gotten Damian for Christmas that had been waiting for some love while it sat in the garage for a couple of months. Voile! A beautiful cozy retreat and back entrance for our family to enjoy. I have the best mom and dad! Please keep them in your prayers!