Good Old Mothers' Day

I have been incredibly spoiled with time away from my kids over the past month.  That said, I really didn't expect much for Mothers' Day--no great fanfare at least.  I woke-up early to go to work and so did Adam.  While I was in the midst of a pile of laundry, literally, my children regaled me with a Happy Mother's Day song and their respective cards and artwork.  We ate a leftovers lunch and then joined some friends for the afternoon for their son's birthday.  we were so tired at the end of the day that we collapsed after giving the kids cereal for dinner.  I smelled a steak being cooked some time that evening, but I was far too tired to move myself out of bed.

The above gifts were priceless.  Addie signed her own name and Elias wrote me a poem.  I don't know if you will be able to read it, but the last line reads, "My mom is helpful.  She helps me when I am sad."  This meant more to me than you can imagine.  As most of you know, Elias is prone to meltdowns.  His meltdowns used to really upset and agitate me as well.  During the course of this year, I have learned to hold him when he melts, instead of responding with anger or frustration.  I have tried to mirror a calm and stable mother on the outside even if I am not feeling it on the inside. And, also we have tried to allow Elias to understand the difference between anger and sadness.  He would much prefer to be angry than to be sad.  So, it's a great stride to see that he chose to write about being sad to begin with.  And, I'm so glad to know that I can be helpful.  I sure thank Hallmark for lifting up the day or else I may have never known these important strides.