Mother Knows Best

Moms teach us so many things, many without uttering a single word.  And sometimes they are teaching us valuable life skills, not knowing we're even paying attention.  (I can't wait to find out what I've "taught" my kids without realization.  Let's hope it's nothing too outlandish, but let's face it--it probably will be.)  Here are just a few gems I've learned from my own mother, in no particular order or importance.

Make two casseroles, you can always have leftovers and freeze some.  Or you can throw an impromptu "It's the feast of St. John's Wort today!" come on over!

A family can get by with one bathroom, until mom decides to use cloth diapers on the baby--then you'll never be able to 'sit without looking' again.

Never throw your gum out on the grass, a bird will choke and die.

But go ahead and throw your banana peel out in a field, it will decompose and you'll help something grow.

If you're not suffering while getting your hair brushed, it's not being done right.

And if some of your hair accidentally comes out, it's ok because "stray hairs make good birds' nests."

Putting your kids in lots of activities will give them friends and memories for life.   

And it will get them out of YOUR hair.

Underdogs.  The only way to swing.

But don't eat polish sausage while laughing.  Or while doing an underdog.

You don't need recipes to be a great cook.  Especially if you're serving anything that goes with syrup. 

Laughter is the best medicine.  Except at church, where it is the best way to get the stink eye.  And pinched.

Neil Diamond concerts are cool at any age. 

Begging will not get you sugared cereal, a later bedtime, or anything you want from K-Mart.

It will get you back home, time by yourself in your room, and some additional chores.

Life truly can be a day at the beach.  But then when you have to leave, it's just sand in your crack.

Singing Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire" really loudly with your best friend while exiting the movie theater is just one more way to keep your children active and motivated with exercise...in the form of speed walking, heads down, to the car. 

Taking money from your mom's purse to buy candy from the concession stand has a funny way of coming back to karma haunt you in the bathroom because red hots and lemonheads aren't meant to be digested 8 boxes at a time.

If you don't agree with your mom, she's got 3 sisters and you've got 4.  Chances are looking pretty good, you have company. 

You can tell an ENTIRE story to your children with facial expressions alone.  And eyebrow placement can foreshadow the severity of the punishment.

There may be a shortage of mom's brain cells, but there is never a shortage of love...or advice.  They always come up with plenty o' that.

 

 

 

How Mom sees it.

 

How we see it.

 

How it is.

Thanks, Mom, for imparting so much of your priceless wisdom.  And though this is just the tip of the iceberg, I've also learned that some icebergs are not completely safe to explore all the way around. 

Love to my mom, her Teflon-like strength, fierce love, and sense of humor.  You still have your sense of humor, right Mom?  Let's hope. :)

May every mom enjoy her Mother's Day.

Love, Karen