When I think about how quiet my life would be without the kiddos, it reminds me to enjoy the chaos while I can…
I’m not sure what prompted me to google Haiku – perhaps my recent fascination of origami and other beautiful things originating in the Japanese culture. This Wiki-How article does a great job of explaining the difference between a traditional Japanese Haiku, and the English version (5, 7, 5 syllables) which is longer. It goes on to say that the 5-7-5 rule is no longer considered the standard, though that is what is still taught in American schools. I much prefer the Japanese view, that a Haiku should be able to be expressed in one breath (according to WikiHow that would be a total of 10-14 syllables). And who wants rules imposed in their creativity anyway?
With all of that in mind, as well as inspiration found in the rest of the same article, I looked out the window and my brain immediately formed the following thought – my first (10 syllable!) Haiku.
Remember Flat Stanley? Â You can read about his last adventure here, when Alex sent him to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Â Most recently, our family was requested to host him right here in Chelsea, Michigan, so the Flat Stanley adventures continue!
A big thank you to sweet Dayton for sending Flat Stanley here – we had a great time with him, and hope he enjoyed his visit.
Flat Stanley returned to Dayton with the following letter:
Sunday, May 12, 2013 is Mothers Day. At least “officially”.
But whether I’m sitting at the ice rink with my skaters, or cheering at a soccer/football/basketball game, or sitting down at my desk to pay bills and finding little notes that say “I love you Mom”, every day is Mothers Day for me.
In doing for my children, I reflect on the things that my mother did for me, and the things she now does for them. Indeed, I sometimes see in my own actions, those of my mother. Most often good, but occasionally with the thought, “oh crap, I sound just like my mother“. My choices in life may be different and we may not always agree, but my mother made me who I am and for that I am thankful.
There are many other mothers in my life. My mother in law raised the man who became my husband. With her guidance he has grown to be the kind of father we all wish for our children to have. She embraced me with all of my baggage and has surrounded my family with love.
I would guess that for my mom and mother in law, every day is Mothers Day too.
It takes a village of mothers to raise our children. That village is teaming with grandmothers, sisters, in laws, and our mom friends that share the joys and triumphs as well as the “OMG I can’t believe what happened” stories that remind us we are not alone.
For these moms I know, every day is Mothers day.
While the world sends cards and flowers to commemorate this one special day for moms, I want to add a hearty THANK YOU to every mom out there that touches my life every day. My mom and my mother in law (for everything, always), my grandmothers (love you), my sisters in law (you rock!), the mothers of my children’s friends that help out with rides and play dates and fun (I appreciate you!), my friends who are also mothers (thank you for laughing and crying with me!), and my photog friends (I treasure the pics of me with my kids!) – I could not successfully walk this journey without any of you.
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My girls each have a birthday coming up in May. As I look around my very cluttered home, I cringe at the thought of them receiving more THINGS. Things that they play with for 10 minutes and forget, things that end up perpetually on the floor – and the worst, big things that are comprised of many little pieces that ultimately end up separated to the far corners of our home never to be seen together again.
If I thought these things were treasured, or helpful in some way I don’t think it would bother me so much, but that is rarely the case. More often the excitement is fleeting, and the mess these gifts make is permanent (at least until we shovel the living room).
As my mind traveled down this path, it occurred to me that what my children talk about for years on end, and what they really treasure have always been EXPERIENCES. Places we’ve gone, amazing things we have seen, and things our family has done TOGETHER. We have a special book case full of photo books made with the images of our vacations, our holidays, and the milestones of my children. Those books are the one thing that the kids never tire of. Oh how I love when they reach for a special book and say “remember this?” or “this was the best vacation ever”. Coloring Easter Eggs, our Disney Cruise, golfing with Daddy – these experiences are far more special than any THING I could ever give them.
What better gift to offer them for their birthdays, than a memory? (and maybe another photo book as a forever reminder of that memory!)
So this year we are thinking of doing things a little different. This year in addition to the cake and ice cream but instead of the “things”, I may take a day off work so we can make a memory.
Some current ideas:
1. Detroit Zoo (Detroit, MI)
2. Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)
3. Mackinac Island, MI – this is my favorite place in Michigan!!
4. Air Zoo (Portage, MI) – my husband might like this one more than the kids 🙂
What about you? Â Where are the places that your family has had the most fun making memories? Â What do you think would make a memorable “non-thing” gift?
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