Things you miss when everyone is well

Kate's been under the weather for the past few days and, as such, we pretty much laid low this weekend. She's not sick very often and I'd never wish for her to be sick, gut I was thinking this weekend about what we would have missed out on if she hadn't been sick.

• Watching Toy Story 3 ten times. I know you think I'm exaggerating, but I'm really not. I know this movie by heart now. I think my favorite part is when Barbie and Ken meet for the first time, "I love your leg warmers!"
• Extra snuggles and hugs. Cleaning a child up repeatedly in the middle of night seems to endear you to them in a special way. Kate's been very giving with her hugs. 
• Appreciating sleep when it comes back. I think we had started to take sleep for granted again. This weekend was a good reminder of how wonderful a good night's rest can be.
• The preciousness of seeing your child bounce back and be her normal healthy self. Seeing her run around the yard, pick on her little brother, eat two hot dogs for dinner and want to stay up late.

May those of us who have healthy children never, ever, ever take their health for granted. I see and hear of families with children who suffer from all manner of illnesses and I know "but for the grace of God go I." 

A girl and her mom

Yesterday, Kate gave me a cookie she made for me at school for Mother's Day. Then she asked if she could please eat it.

Motherhood can be a thankless job. But there is something just so special about the bond between a girl and her mom. As I sit next to my girl typing this while we watch Toy Story 3 for the zillionth time, I think about the things I want to teach her that I've learned from my mom. Things like:

• It's okay to be different. When you follow your instincts and the Lord's guidance, it's okay if that takes you in a different direction from other people, including your friends. 
• If you take care of yourself and live a healthy and balanced life, you only get more beautiful as you get older. I'm still trying to learn this one, but my mom is a great example for me. I think she gets more beautiful each year. 
• Don't take yourself too seriously. Laughing, dancing, and being a little silly are all important parts of life. 
• Don't let yourself get caught up in gossip or other things that aren't your business. I've really learned from my mom that there is nothing to be gained from this. Focus on your own life and let your words about others be complimentary. 
• Love your man. There is no one my mom would rather spend time with than my dad. Growing up, my brother and I knew we were important to my mom, but when my dad walked in the door he had her undivided attention. He still does. 
• Cheer hard for your team. My mom is very loyal - to her family, to the Gators and to her colleagues. You have to keep cheering for your team even when they're losing. If you do, you get to cheer the loudest when they start winning again. 
• Love the Lord, with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. My mom and I have started memorizing scripture together in the last few years and I think she'd agree that it's been one of our favorite journeys together. 

Mom, I love you. I hope when Kate grows up she'll love spending time with me as much as I love spending time with you. 

Happy Mother's Day!