Mother's Day #3

I posted this on my mom's Facebook wall (yes, we're Facebook friends) on Mother's Day:

Way back when I could remember my dreams, these two are distinct: 1) I had a dream that I could see you holding me when I was a baby, and I could FEEL your unconditional love; 2) For whatever reason, a woman who in my dream was a witch, was going to kill me. I figured that since she was going to do it, instead of putting up a fight, I'd just let it happen. But then she gave me one last visit with you. You told me to go into the room with her and fight with everything I had. At least I'd have given it a try, and not given up. So the dream ended with me walking into the room, ready to fight for my life, feeling empowered to do so.

Thank you for the lifetime of unconditional love and unwavering support. I love you!

I used to have some intense dreams from the time I was about 17 to around 28 or so. Both of those fell into that time.

I talked with my brother last night, and he pretty much summed up how we observe and celebrate special days and holidays by telling me that his wife, Amy, recently told him that he might as well be a Jehovah's Witness. The same is true for me. Not only do I not have the energy or patience to go out and find gifts and cards for every special occasion, I also resent being made to feel like I'm supposed to, so I rebel by not doing anything. Stefan is very lucky in this regard because I don't expect anything either!

That being said, it is nice doing a little something out of the ordinary on a day when everyone else seems to be doing it. Especially when it's as gorgeous of a day as yesterday was.

So, in the evening, after my nasty headache finally subsided, Stefan pulled together a picnic dinner from stuff in our fridge, put it all in a bag, and we took the girls to one of my favorite places in Seattle, the Arboretum.

Stella and Fiona were excited about the idea of a picnic, and were thrilled when I took off my shoes and socks and let them do the same. It was a beautiful evening, and we ate pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and pasta with parmesian cheese.

I wanted to get a nice photo or two of me with the girls, since that is a rare occurrence, but payback is a bitch I guess. I don't think I started making faces in my mom's (or anyone's) photos until I was at least 10 years old. My girls started before they were two.

Setting up (Fiona's in dark purple; Stella's in light purple):
Me: "Stefan, can you take a photo with the girls and me?" Stefan: "Sure, Stella and Fiona, can you smile for the camera?":

Stefan: "Can you try to smile again?":
Taking off for an after dinner walk. The parents were told in no uncertain terms that we have to stay behind:
Another attempt at getting mother/daughter photos:

On the way back to the car, I thought I'd give it one last shot. I also thought it would be easier with one kid...

"Hey Fiona! Where's Daddy? Can you look at the camera?":Fiona realizing that Stella is way back, sitting in a patch of dirt, shoveling it over her legs:And off she went.

When we got home and were getting ready for bed, I told the girls that today was a special day when all the mamas think special thoughts about their kids, but soon, it will turn into a day when all the kids think special thoughts about their moms. And, honestly, I want that more than I want a card, or earrings, or going out to dinner. Happy Mother's Day to all you moms; Happy Mother's Day to all of your moms; Happy Mother's Day to all of you future moms; Happy Mother's Day to my friends who don't have or want kids, but do and did have moms! You're all special!

PS I'd like to add that I do love and appreciate the cards that I have received!! I'm not that jaded!