Things My Mother Has Taught Me

Things my Momma has taught me:

• How to choose love
• How to change a diaper
• How to iron, vacuum, sweep, clean counters, make beds, and do laundry
• How to host company
• How to prepare for a dinner party
• How to plan ahead for as many variables as possible
• How to enjoy reading
• How to follow my dreams
• How to pray
• How to lean on Jesus
• How to stand by my husband
• How to entertain toddlers
• How to bake cakes, pies, cookies, jams, and breads
• How to can food
• How to strip and apply wall paper
• How to care for a dog and a cat
• How to sing in the car
• How to enjoy a movie night with junk food
• How to workout at home
• How to give a good food rub
• How to curl my hair
• How to be low-maintenance (no manicures, no dyed hair, nothing that requires upkeep)
• How to go to the store and come away friends with the cashier (this may also be a midwest thing)
• How to be a friendly mid-westerner
• How to laugh
• How to re-tell a story
• How to maintain long-distant friendships
• How to be patient
• How to plant flowers
• How to give my children a very different life than I had (she gave me a very different life than she had)
• How to not take my children for granted
• How to apply sunscreen
• How to dress up
• How to relax
• An appreciation for farmers
• Respect for the elderly
• Kindness
• Joy
• Faith
• How to enjoy exercise

So many of these lessons, I have not learned well despite her being such a wonderful teacher.  But I am so grateful for everything she has taught me and I am so grateful that she is still here to continue to teach me.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I miss you.