Loud Fish Bag

The fashion of a SAHM is...complicated. Even though most of us give an honest effort to look presentable to the world, sometimes we fall short. Below is an example of what I like to call, “When bad fashion happens to a good SAHM”.

I present to you, “The Loud Fish Bag”. Perfect for holding Capri Suns, toys to occupy kids at a restaurant, and a large bottle of hand sanitizer, this bag is hot for Summer 2010. The drawstring allows for easy access to your prized belongings. This bag is also versatile and can go from day to night. A SAHM could wear this stunning accessory to the PTA meetings at school then hit the town for a night out with the girls. Nothing says cocktail party chic like a “Loud Fish Bag”. My only question is, "Does it come with a coordinating whale wallet?"

I'm Not A Real Doctor, I Just Play One On TV

Greetings, I am Dr. Mom, the boo-boo kisser. Instead of diagnosing problems with science, I use good old common sense. My apothecary consists of hugs and kisses, not medicine. If that is not enough to satisfy the patient, I prescribe a round of tickles and 30 cc’s of milk.

Like a doctor, the work of a mom is never finished. Once a patient is treated, another one comes forward in need of help. New ailments roll in everyday, and as Dr. Mom, I have to find a way to treat it.

The relationship between a doctor and patient is similar to a parent and child. Both need each other. A mom needs someone to nurture, instruct, and love. A child yearns to be cared for, disciplined, and poured into. This cycle of give and take provides life and security to both parties.

The doctor and patient relationship also draws the same parallels in our relationship with the Lord. Sometimes, our doctor gives us advice that we don’t want to hear or disciplines us when we make health choices that could be detrimental. As a patient, we can either ignore or take heed of his/her advice. In Proverbs 4: 20-22, God (the Great Physician) says to us, “My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body".  I can only provide a temporary relief if my child is hurting.  However, true health and vitality is found in Him alone.

God speaks to us and offers advice for our own good.  Isn’t it time that we started listening?

Basking in the Afterglow of Mother's Day

The other day, I jokingly mentioned that Mother’s Day should actually be Mother’s Weekend because one day is not long enough to celebrate everything that moms do. Little did I know, I was going to get what I wished for.

Friday night, I joined my mom and her friends for Mother/Daughter Dessert night at our church. The highlight of the night was when my mom and I wore matching necklaces. That will become a new tradition. It was a perfect kick start to my stellar weekend.

My brother surprised the ladies in our family, on Saturday, to one hour massages. The therapist utilized a lot of Thai techniques and by the end, I felt like Gumby. My mom described it as a, “gentle wrestling match”. There was one point when she was actually judo chopping the back of my head! It was different and wonderful.

On Sunday, I woke up to Bryce serving me blueberry pancakes in bed! Ryan had no idea that he was doing this; he just made his own plan to surprise me. Then Bryce took me outside for one of the most creative expressions of love that I have ever received. Ryan and Bryce wrote on our walkway and driveway wonderful little notes to me in sidewalk chalk. I was so overwhelmed with love. Later, we drove to Walnut Creek for an early dinner at my favorite restaurant, Tomatina (their garlic rolls and blood orange Italian sodas are the work of the Lord). On our way home, we made a pit stop for ice cream at Fenton’s in Vacaville. The evening ended with all four of us in our bed watching home videos on my Iphone. We laughed, we hugged, and I felt cherished and loved..

It’s good to be a mom.

Mom's Handbag

In honor of Mother’s Day, I have written a poem...this is me being deep.

"Mom’s Handbag"
by me

You wonder why my purse is not small,
Do I really need all the stuff that I haul?
If you take a look inside you’ll see,
All of the things I need to be me.

A 20 foot hose to put out fires,
Elbow grease to change flat tires,
A mixing bowl to prepare yummy meals,
A watchful eye to find good deals,
A wooden spoon to spank little buns,
And loving arms to comfort my sons,
A listening ear for all of life’s issues,
A Ziploc bag to hold dirty tissues,
Stories for kiddos who can’t fall sleep,
A Shutterfly book for memories to keep,
A comb and product to fix everyone’s hair,
And patience when lecturing little blank stares,
Constant reminders for kids to say, “please”,
Bactine and Band aids to treat scraped up knees,
A Bible to spend time with the Master,
A cell phone for pizza when dinner’s a disaster,
A night light to ward off a fear of the dark,
And bleach for grass stains and permanent pen marks,
A whistle to break up sibling fights,
And concealer to cover up sleepless nights,
Big and small, I have it all, right here in my handbag.

Happy Mama's Day!!!