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Monday, May 12, 2014

Random Thoughts on Mother's Day



I love murano glass beads, specifically Trollbeads
and got this lovely necklace for Mother's Day.
The sterling blossom is my favorite part. 
T & L got me an etsy gift card, too.
Can't wait to go shopping!

I was thinking this morning about my most vivid memories
being a mother.  Some wonderful, some painful and life-changing,
some so funny it's possible to pee your pants in laughter.

Here are a few, in no particular order...

  1. Both times the pregnancy tests showed positive.
  2. Laying eyes on my first born Taylor for the first time. He was one week late.
  3. The smell of a baby, freshly bathed in the kitchen sink.
  4. Getting that sonogram that said there were three and calling parents and inlaws but nobody would believe us.
  5. The day the triplets were born.  I carried them to 37 weeks.  18 pounds of baby.  About that many doctors/nurses in the room, too.  Healthy, happy and heavy boys. ha.
  6. Living in a fog for a year with three newborns and a two year old.
  7. Learning to love coffee as a necessity.
  8. Those first words, whether they came at 10 months or many years late.
  9. Two year old Taylor, having had enough, demanding, "Get these babies outta here!"
  10. The many times that two year old crawled in bed with us and wet our bed.
  11. The day the training wheels came off.
  12. Spencer around age 4 running off several times.  Sometimes buck naked, sometimes coming home in a police car, one time in the grocery, stealing a bag of suckers. Oh, yes, buck naked that time, too.
  13. Putting locks on the doors at the top, only to find the triplets scooting chairs and stools to the door and helping each other try to reach them.
  14. The heart-wrenching realization that the triplets had autism and choosing to make the best of it instead of becoming bitter.
  15. Falling asleep each night praying for wisdom, safety, health and help!
  16. Soccer, track, golf and basketball games, meets and matches.  Oh, and all those practices I drove to!
  17. Finding Harry after his bath, in fresh jammies, back in the tub with the jammies still on.
  18. Potty training three boys at once.  They ran around naked for over a week.
  19. Bandaids, ice packs, and ER trips.
  20. Girl friends.
  21. The family room full of teenage boys watching sports and clearing out all the food in the house.
  22. Teaching a 15 year old to drive.
  23. Not falling asleep until I heard him come home at night.
  24. Managing the stress of extra doctor visits, tweaking medications, special education, IEPs, journals and phone calls.
  25. Feeling like I really wasn't part of the normal group of moms because my boys weren't normal.
  26. Feeling like I really wasn't part of the special ed moms because everything they complained about, I thought, "Try having three!" or "At least yours can talk!"
  27. Doing without many times over to be able to buy baby formula and diapers, and then in later years, college tuition.
  28. Praying that your son will grow up to be kind, happy, honest and put God first in everything.
  29. Praying for his some day wife and seeing that prayer exceed all expectations.
  30. Getting texts from Taylor during NASCAR races.  It's almost like we're still watching the race together.
  31. Spontaneous smiles and kisses.
  32. Thinking that I wouldn't want to be any body else or have any other kids.


Did you have a good Mother's Day?
I didn't cook or do dishes, I got kisses and hugs
and I got to spend time with my five men and one girl.
And I got presents!
Lovely.
Tomorrow, we go back to the regular routine! haha.

72 comments:

  1. aw Betsy, you deserve all the best that life can give, a few of on your list I can relate too, buck naked, running away, happened with our four yearold autistic grand daughter, Lyndsy has high locks on all the doors but over night guests left them off, Gracie escaped yesterday morning, in her birthday suit, in the freezing cold, its was very scary for a while, she is fine, but I really really admire you, I truly do, best wishes to you lovely lady, you had a great day with your beautiful family,

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    1. Just yesterday? Oh dear! Yep, there is nothing worse than that dreadful feeling when your child is missing. But when you find them naked and standing in the grocery parking lot with a stolen bag of suckers, nothing else really matter than the fact that you see them. ha. I did have a lovely day, thank you! Tell Lyndsy that I admire her, too...she's only begun this journey but I just know she will do wonderfully!

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  2. Gosh - a lot of infornmation tonight!
    Will have another read tomorrow and will comment - had a busy day today :)

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    1. Oh, I know...sorry! I got a little carried away!

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    2. Oh please don't apologise - it is very interesting to me, I just wanted to read it thoroughly when my mind is in better shape LOL
      Turning in . . . Night!

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    3. Betsy, I could not do justice last night to these very moving and powerful thoughts you list. I've read them three times now and each time my eyes moisten when I read the very difficult times and challenges you met and coped with so successfully. I don't know how you did it, Betsy! It is both a measure of you as an exceptionally loving and kind person and the help you undoubtedly received 'from above'. I've told you before how much I admire you for being an exceptional 'you' and for your positive attitude to life - I shall always admire you. Those boys are so lucky to have you as their mother - you were hand picked by God for them and I am so glad you have a loving daughter in Karen. I found the most powerful point you make is No 32. What a wonderful mother you are. Hugs ~ Eddie

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    4. Thanks Ed...you very sweet and I appreciate your thoughtful comment. Parenting is not for the faint of heart, is it? haha. And now you see why God allowed us moms to multi-task!! It's always fun to look back. There were so many more funny things that happened. I really should have written a book. We did have some help the first couple of months...meals and people entertaining Taylor, which we appreciated a lot.

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    5. I think you SHOULD write a book.
      On the funny side I love this:

      Two year old Taylor, having had enough, demanding, "Get these babies outta here!"

      I bet he is a wonderful brother to them now - he will look after them - he looks a kind and strong man and I feel all your prayers were answered regarding him. :)

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    6. I can still see Taylor doing that. haha. Poor little buddy...he went from being the only child to utter chaos. We did our best to still show him lots of love and attention. He was a wonderful child, independent and easy going. Yes, he loves them now and does well with them. He turned out alright, I think! :)

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    7. Just off now to help Jon but this reminds me of when we told 10 year old Selina she was going to have a little baby brother or sister. She HATED the idea because she saw another baby as a threat. I stold her she was the first and we shall always love her and she could be deputy Mum and help with the baby. She changed from then on and the two are inseperable now ;)

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    8. Aw, I'm sure she was a wonderful help. That's the perfect age for wanting to be second in command. ha. So great that they are close even now!

      I'm off, too....a day of errands and shopping!

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  3. Must have been a huge fog indeed
    With that many babies at once at your feed
    And ewww to the pee
    Nothing wrong with running butt naked to me
    I did it until I was six or so
    At least in public at my show lol
    Glad you had a good day
    At your 5 men bay

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Must be that 'born free' feeling they get
      when naked, kids run, in public yet.
      He's my only boy that did
      as their eyes the old grannies hid. haha.

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  4. Well, this list made me tear up! Our one son has been a handful to raise, thus far, so I really admire your frankness and guts as a mom.

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    1. Boys are great, aren't they? I didn't have any brothers, so it was all new to me! ha. So fun!

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  5. Now see.... THIS is why I'm just loving you Betsy. What a wonderful Mom you have been. What a strong woman you have been. To say your hands have been full would be an understatement at best! And through it all you've been a woman of faith. Maybe BECAUSE of that you've been able to do such a magnificent job raisin' those young'uns.... and then you post those absolutely gorgeous pictures of YOURSELF... Wow!! Just wow!

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    1. And see....THIS is why I think you're my favorite man of the south. haha...Thanks so much for always taking the time to write and encourage me. I appreciate it more than you know, truly. You're the icing on the cake of my day, Don. :)

      And I absolutely agree...I couldn't have done it without help from above!

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    2. I like being the icing...:)

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    3. ha! Good thing...because you are!

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  6. Happy Mothers Day Betsy! Glad you had such a fun day. I love the necklace.
    I really enjoyed your memories too. Good times and hard times together make up what we are today.

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    1. yes, it sure does....we're better moms and people for going through the hard stuff, too!
      I hope you had a lovely day...and your daughter...always fun when there's another on the way, isn't it? :)

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  7. Yes is amazing read or heard all these ramdom thoughts I always think the difficult was for you when you knew about the kids and all tho gs you have to learn and all for three !
    Oh dear.you know When we adopted the twins all was knew but I know how work was three more Taylor!
    But Ithink you are blessed inmany ways!
    Im happy you have a lovely day Betsy!
    xo

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    1. Thanks, Gloria! You know, I thought of you when I made my list...twins! And for your first babies! That is quite a change in lifestyle, isn't it? Oh my! How did we survive? hahaha....

      Hope you had a good day. Did you get to see your mom?

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    2. Yes Im here still and she say thanks and hope you had a nice day she say: Betsy is a wonderful Mom!
      Yes when the twins arrive was areally change lol
      Was hard and I think I survive like you!!
      Xo

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    3. Aw...she's so sweet! I'm glad you got to visit with her today!

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  8. Oh Betsy ~ What a insight into your life and your five men. I have to say with my four a few of your random thoughts rang a bell, but mostly I just pictured in my mind each of your thoughts, and stand amazed. I agree with every commenter ~ what a special life you have lived, and continue to do so. Your necklace is lovely, and what a precious gift for Mother's Day. Sending love, hugs, kisses and smiles.

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    1. Yeah, I was hoping all the moms could relate to most of the stuff....looking back is always fun, isn't it? Even the horrible stuff we can laugh at now. lol....

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  9. Such lovely words Betsy...
    Such a wonderful outlook on life....
    Your 5 men are lucky to have been blessed with you♥️
    Love the necklace...get a good nights sleep...'cause...as you say...
    Back to the regular routine tomorrow!
    Cheers!
    Linda:o)

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    1. Yes, tomorrow will be 'what's for dinner' and
      'have you seen my blue shirt?' haha.

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  10. Replies
    1. So fun reminiscing! You had boys! They're fun, aren't they?

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  11. Happy Mother's Day to you! I'm certain you would walk away with all the medals if motherhood were a competition. You have blessed and inspired many of us by sharing bits of your life. Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. ugh...no....I totally disagree with that. I can think of so many other moms that have it harder.....
      Anyway, I was hoping everyone could relate to something on the list...and looking back is so much fun!

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  12. The medal(s) are for choosing to make the best of the curve balls life threw at you. :) there is an element in every life that is difficult no matter who we are but not everyone chooses to be positive.

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    1. well, that is true...it is a choice, isn't it? That was sweet..thanks, Martha. :) You're one of those positive people, too, you know! xo

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    2. You're quite welcome! And thanks, I try to be. :) With my three boys I could probably write a list too :) although I'm not sure at this point that they would really like me extra much if I would. Haha some of their antics were quite interesting and I'm certain I don't know everything they did. Scary. :) we invited my MIL over for grilled burgers and campfire kettle corn. Yummy!

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    3. Now that Taylor's married he's telling us all kinds of things he did that we didn't know about. haha...boys!!!

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  13. ooo very pretty necklace...
    we had a nice mothers day...took my mom and T
    on a picnic...was a gorgeous day out...
    and took a short hike...mostly downhill...ha....

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    1. That sounds perfect! Glad you gave your ladies a lovely day!

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  14. Your memory list is very touching...tears in my eyes.

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    1. Aw, thanks Janice. I hope you had a good Mother's Day...and your daughter, too. hugs....

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  15. AHHH - sounds like you had a beautiful day. I smiled & laughed & choked up while reading your amazing list. Thanks for taking time to share. You certainly are every bit a Wonder, Woman! XO

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    1. Thanks, Marsha! I hope you had a wonderful mother's day.....along with your kids. I thought of your daughter, too....any mom with extra burdens and needs of their kids...hope she felt the love today, too! xo

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  16. I am so glad you enjoyed your day - sounds like a happy one. I loved your list - random and fun and poignant all at the same time. You "draw" each one so well that I can absolutely picture them.

    And what a beautiful necklace! I adore the sterling blossom - so pretty and unique. I have always thought trollbeads is such a funny name. Reminds me of those crazy troll dolls we had with the long, fluorescent hair - ha!

    You're a very special person, Betsy, and an extraordinary Mom. Your men are so fortunate to have you.

    I like these two quotes... one serious... one silly... a mother puts up with both!

    “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” -- Rudyard Kipling

    “The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.” -- Calvin Trillin

    xox xox xox

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    1. love both of those quotes! I'd never heard that second one..hilarious!

      I think the same thing about Trollbeads! Funny name. They are Danish, I think, so many that means something different to them.
      I posted my photo on their official facebook page. Fun!

      Did you get to see your mom yesterday?

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    2. Hi - yes, saw Mom yesterday at church. Dad was singing in the men's choir which only perform a couple times a year so that was great too. I was reading more about the trollbeads and they are called that because the very first bead they made was one that featured a troll's face on six sides. Go figure!

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    3. How odd. I wonder if it had hair. Ha.

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    4. Ha! Here is a pic and a bit of background... http://www.trollbeads.com/canada/en-ca/about-trollbeads/the-story

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    5. Isn't that interesting! It's very 70's looking, isn't it? Crazy! I would have never bought that first one! haha. And all on a whim, too, of a customer did that business start. Amazing!

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    6. I was thinking the exact thing - I never would have bought that first one either. Not my style. And yes, so amazing that it was a customer who asked to have more than one on a bracelet. And they have the most incredible variety now - I was hooked on the site for a very long time window shopping. Phenomenal choice - you name it and they seem to have it. And Pandora beads are also of Danish origin. Pugster is another one but not sure where it originated. So much eye candy!!!

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  17. What a great collection of memories!

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  18. What have I called you before? An iron fist in a velvet glove? Yes, yes, it still fits you! x

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  19. You list made me laugh and cry, and think of my own parents.
    My brother once disappeared too, well at least once... They found him sitting in a classroom at school. I think he came home in a police car too.
    I had the best Mother's Day in years! Six out of seven were here, one inlaw, and five out of six grands.
    :0)

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    1. Thank God the police can find our kids/siblings....sometimes even before we knew they were missing! ha.
      I am so glad you had a wonderful day...you certainly deserved a good mother's day....and you almost had everyone there! Just the out of state family missing. That's great!

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  20. You know, sometimes you reduce me to tears and I am just holding them back now while I write this and then I will go for a blub. xx

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    1. Aw, you guys! Hope you laughed at the funny stuff, too! Blub,....I haven't heard that word in years! It just isn't used here! But I do remember my mother, when I would cry, say, "Stop your blubbering!" ha. To this day I am not a crier.

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    2. We would say, "blubbing" instead of "blubbering" - strange how different phrases and spellings evolve.

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    3. . . . . and of course we (or I) did laugh at the funny stuff! :)

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    4. Yep, laughed at the funny stuff too - the buck naked moments in particular! - but it all just made me emotional! xx

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    5. Oh good...just so the blubbing and laughing are balanced out! haha.

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  21. I lived through a variety of situations in life that should have taken more than I could handle. As I look back, I did survive and found some joy in all the big and small steps that were involved. You have a wonderful family and wonderful way of working through all that needs to be done. Bless you with many more good days.

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    1. Thanks Larry. I think we all have to some extent.

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  22. I love these posts, Betsy...the good, the challenging, the joys and heartbreaks. I have had a similar wish for my kids too...Godly spouses...what a blessing. I cannot imagine what your life is like, but your love of family and trust in God shines through in all the trials you face...When I visit here I often say a prayer for you and your family...So glad we met through blogging!

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    1. That really means a lot to me, Anita! Thanks very much....love the prayers...and need them! Hope you had a great Mother's Day. Did you get to spend it with any kids or grand?

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  23. Hi Betsy .. loved Domino deciding the neighbours were a bit much with their lawn mowing. But this post is brilliant - a delightful read despite all the trials and tribulations you've been through ... how wonderful they treated you and gave you prezzies ... and looked after you ... lovely memories for you ... and them - happy times ahead - Hilary

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  24. I bet one of these still continue today . . .
    "Falling asleep each night praying for wisdom, safety, health and help!"

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    1. Most definitely I still do that! I think all of us moms do no matter how old our kids get, don't we?

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