Motherhood Blessings

It's a bit early in the day for a blog, but since I couldn't deliver yesterday I felt compelled to write early. Plus, I'm it's not even 5 p.m. and I can't wait to go to bed tonight!

It was a special Mother's Day weekend for a handful of reasons. First, we were headed to a wedding where both our baby boy and his girlfriend were walking down the aisle – just not together. Then there was the fact there was going to be quite the UW-Platteville alumni contingent there – so some of the "boys" we considered our "kids" were there.

So the Readers' Digest condensed version (for those of you who even know what I'm referring to) is this: Carter and his now girlfriend Mamie met while working for Potosi Brewery and Halayna also worked there. They became fast friends. Then Halayna met Mamie's brother Amon the they became ... a fast couple. LOL. So the wedding this weekend was a combo of (Carter's girlfriend's) family and college friends. 

So celebrating the new Redfearns went a little bit like this...

Halayna's little sister wanted to be a REAL bridesmaid, not a junior bridesmaid and she wanted to walk with Carter. Heck, I'd choose him too! Side note: She's a little fireball and pretty much danced all night!

Mamie was one of the two maids of honor – and did a million thing beyond that role including sewing any alterations to anyone's wedding dresses. 

When you see Halayna escorted down the aisle with her big grin, this is her 100%. So when there was a point in the ceremony where they exchanged vows, we weren't surprised at how it played out. The groom did a great job, then Halayna took her turn. 

Then he said into the ceremony microphone something like: "That was so good!"

Then Halayna started giggling – also captured on the microphone – and we all thought "this is so them to a tee!"

During the ceremony, Carter had to hang onto the "flower girls" – their two Corgis. And at the end, those ladies led the way out!

If you couldn't tell by hair flying, it was crazy windy outside. So I guess I take no shame in my hair in this picture with hubby. I was just happy Jim an I coordinated and I coul fit perfectly into my "back up dress" from Casey's wedding 2+ years ago. 

Of course, spending any time of my Mother's Day WEEKEND with my baby makes all the difference in the world! I don't think kids comprehend this like us moms do.

And the kids... oh they just continue to be "matched" so perfectly! What a joy to spend some time with them and for me, selfishly, get to get out on the dance floor with the other "housemate" moms. That was fun. Also great to see and visit with a bunch of Mamie's family who we've come to know over the past 6+ years.

This morning was interesting because it was Mother's Day and I got to see and say goodbye to my baby... but at a hotel. Still, I wouldn't trade any Mother's Day WEEKEND experience with him! That was great!

I've been spoiled for more than a decade with the tradition Jim makes me Eggs Benedict for breakfast on Mother's Day. Pretty much the only day indulge. It took a few towns but on the way from Mineral Point to home, we found the Golden Eagle Cafe (or something) in Barneveld and we stopped and I could indulge in my tradition.

So yum!

When we got home, I hoped the rest of the day would be filled with spring-like thinks like flowers, but it really has been cold and windy. So I'll take my motherhood blessings I've gathered this weekend and run with it!

Hope all my mom friends and those in mother-type roles had the best weekend ever!

My "Mother's Day"

Today is my Mother's Day. Which I can officially acknowledge at 10:15 p.m. to mark 28 years since I brought our brown-eyed bandit into the world. Yes, 28 years! Next year will be terribly awkward since we'll both be 29 and I already have twin. Hmmm.

When my oldest sister (whom my "real twin" and I call our "upstairs mother") sent me the above image today, I had to cry. 

It's one thing to love your child and celebrate his existence. But it's a whole new level of pride when you can look at your adult child and realize you did good raising him. I mean we have to take SOME credit, right?

Despite his serious "Thinker" pose above prepping to be the narrator in a grade school play, he has the best sense of humor. A perfect combo of (yes both of us, LOL) his parents' quick wit, clever turns of phrase, and of course, sarcasm.

I love his courage to get a passport and study abroad. Not knowing anyone! But finding a career focus after graduation to work for a company that provides this same opportunity for others like him.

I beam with pride when I hear how much he does for others. His girlfriend's family cannot say enough good things about what he does for them – from physical labor to helping care for people and animals. I'm most proud of you for that, Carter. You have such a big, generous heart. 

You have such compassion. Even at 8 years old you'd be corralling wayward shopping carts in the Walmart parking lot with a "Mom, why can't people just put them where they belong? It takes like 5 seconds!" 😁

And I'll cry typing this... throughout your childhood (even in the sometimes surly teen years), every time I called my mom, you were willing to talk first with a "Hi, Grandma. How's it going?" She just thought you were so kind, smart, funny, and exceptional.

I'm biased. But I agree. 

Thanks for making my "Mother's Day" my best day! 💜

Oh, Mother!

 

Upon awakening, I was confident I could get through this first Mother'sDay without my momma. I wore my own "Mother's Necklace" and my mom's "Mother's Ring" to church. 

But I confess. I was sobbing before I left the driveway. So much for being strong! When I got to church, thank goodness my friend Kelly, also experiencing her first Mother's Day without her mom, gave me half her tissues. Because you know, every reading and song (and that dang Mother's Day video) will remind you of Mom!

God, bless my amazing husband for trying to keep me positively occupied all day!

Got home from church and this adorable balloon was floating in the kitchen...

Anchored by these gorgeous flowers! I was going to say Tulips but the last time I called flowers that, this black-thumbed momma was corrected. So let's just call them beautiful.

After asking me yesterday where I wanted to enjoy a Mother's Day brunch, I had a few places in mind. But then, on our drive home, we remember Two Lakes is open on Sundays now. One check to see if today counted and we were on our way.

They had a special Mother's Day menu but all I cared was that they now serve their beyond amazing Coconut Shrimp every day. Happy Mother's Day to me!

Later this afternoon, we ventured over to TriCity for some Mother's Day golf. 

I love that all of us Foxy Mamas could golf. But it didn't take long for me to realize my spirit wasn't in it. Nothing spoils that good walk like bad – or in my case, sad – attitude. We did have some fun. But I was dropping tears more often than I was dropping putts.

A year ago, all 8 of us R's gathered to clean out Mom's apartment since she was actually excited to move into the nursing home part of the hospital in Grantsburg. She was excited to have a roommate, too, after living by herself since Dad died 10+ years earlier. We were happy for her acceptance about moving out of her apartment. And really thought we'd be seeing her in the home for quite some time.

The quick, downward slide of her health after Mother's Day shocked me and devastated me. 

While it officially hasn't been 365 days since Mom's passing, nothing impacts me more than missing her today – Mother's Day. 

My only saving grace really, is that I got to hug the one flesh-and-blood baby that is mine yesterday. 💜

Happy Mother's Day to all of you missing your mom for the first (or many) time. And to you who have kids, wanted children, lost babies, act as an inspiration to a young person, or serve as a mentor to ANYONE. This day belongs to all of us. 

No shame. Embrace the love!

About to Catch the Weekend

Just like last night's catch at second base wasn't quite on time, my weekend wasn't quite there either. But after a fast, productive day at work, it's here.

Not that anything exciting was planned for today. I did some quick shopping to put another raffle basket together for my friend Jeannie's upcoming cancer benefit. Then I got home and my neighbor Marigene and I got a quick 2-mile walk in while hubby was mowing the lawn.

I guess that's a sign of spring if anything!

Tonight I'm surging social channels trying to figure out where Jim can take me for brunch or lunch on Mother's Day. Hey, he offered. 

Apparently, most places think moms love prime rib. Not for me! I think I have it narrowed down to Anchor Bay – I mean, who cares if you have to wait if you can sit outside on the river? But if YOU know of something NOT of the rare meat variety, let me know!

Also, now that I got the sports pictures done from last night, I have to share this series of pix where Anna "possibly tripped" to throw out the runner at first. It makes you realize how two teammates are obviously BFFs.

And that's why I love what I do in my "free time!" These two are seniors and I'll miss them so much. But I'll save the mushy sentiments until those last pictures.

For now, we have a big day ahead tomorrow (can't wait to share) and Mother's Day. Make sure all you mommas are spoiled like you deserve!

 

Mother's Day Treats

A summer day like this is a treat any day, but on Mother's Day it feels like maybe Mother Nature was catering to us moms who love sunshine and warmth! 

Of course, Mother's Day is always special because hubby makes me homemade Eggs Benedict for breakfast.

A delightful meal at Cafe el James with country fresh egg a la Trevor (our neighbor). Perfect!

Since we didn't have any offspring visiting, Jim also treated me to golf at Northern Bay. It's located in Adams County and going to be the next big thing until Sand Valley stole the spotlight. We've played there a few times but it's been a few years.

Their claim to fame is several "replica" holes closely mimicking famous golf courses. 

Some were a bit of a stretch, if you ask me.

But the Sawgrass island green was definitely one I recognized.

And just like the pros do (sometimes), both our drives took a swim! Still, it was fun.

Only downside was lots of mosquitoes, high winds, and like the top weather picture mentions – poor air quality. My eyes were so full of sand and pollen that they were itchy and bloodshot by the time our round was done. The price we pay for fun, I guess. 

All that fresh air – and my first 18-hole round of the season – and I'm sure to sleep good tonight. Thank goodness it's cloudy so I won't be tempted to view the remains of the Northern Lights.

Hope all you mothers had a wonderful day and were spoiled like you deserve!

Lights, Memories, and Bears, Oh My

The past two days felt more like a very long weekend with all the activities going on between here, Up North and back again.

First of all, even though I left by 8:30 a.m. Friday, it was a long haul going up to Grantsburg. For you future travels, it's almost all one lane going north on I-94 from Osseo to Bloomer (via Hwy 53). In the picture above we were pretty much at a standstill the last few miles on I-94 before I could exit onto 53. 

Guess Friday is a travel day even if it's not summer. Of course, those weren't my only delays.

Saw at least 5 deer – hey, they even cross roads in daylight! And, for the first time in my life, a black bear crossed the road in front of me. I was so startled that between slamming on my brakes and trying to grab my phone for a picture, I only caught this...

His quick scamper into the woods. Unreal! I mean most of my siblings who live in the Northwoods have seen a black bear – even Carter did vacationing up there as a child – but not me. Wow.

The only other delay was one of my own choosing – stopping to visit Dad. Unfortunately, the only flowers nearby were dandelions. 

Still, it was nice to visit with him and see my childhood church! 

I also stopped to see Mom at the nursing home before going to her apartment so I could give her her Mother's Day gift and visit a bit one on one. She's been having good days and not-so-good days. But she wants to get better and get her strength back!

The main purpose of my visit was to help go through her apartment with my siblings and decide what we wanted, what others might want, and what we could donate as we clean out her place by the end of the month. Friday afternoon was spent with a handful of my sisters as we cleaned out things and organized them into piles we could all look at today to see what we wanted to keep for ourselves.

Four of us had dinner at T-Dawg's in Grantsburg and Renell, who I was staying with, had some work training. 

I was enjoying the pretty sunset view from her apartment and considered it a good day. 

But it wasn't long after she got home that Jim texted me a picture of the Northern Lights from the Rapids area. My mind has been in so many places this week that I didn't realize this was a big thing that pretty much everyone in the contiguous United States could see.

So we got in the car and headed north of town to Phantom Lake in the Crex Meadows area. And dozens of other cars full of people had the same idea.

It was really strange. To the naked eye, we couldn't really see the colors, just some wisps of "clouds" in the sky. But then when we took pictures with our phones, we could see the brilliant colors everyone else was capturing. Pretty amazing.

And pretty cool seeing them by a lake where we could capture the color reflecting on the water. First time since childhood I've really got to see them. It was awesome!

This morning, the 7 of us (with Rachel there in spirit) were sorting through things at 10 a.m.

I wasn't expecting that Mom had all our baby shoes ready for us to take home. Yes, I guess my tiny shoes are antiques.

And yes, Mom wanted evidence that we were all alive and not fighting each other over anything. We survived it fine and really didn't had any reason for fisticuffs. 

By mid-afternoon, after I had two boxes of stuff "I don't need" but took anyway, I stopped by to see Mom one more time and hit the road.

I took a different route back. But turns out Highway 53 from Spooner to Rice Lake was just one lane so that wasn't a quicker route home. And, if you can believe it, I saw another black bear cross the road in front of me between Neillsville and Pittsville. It was far enough down the road, I didn't have to slam on my brakes but too far for me to get a picture. Just unreal to experience 2 bear crossings in 2 days.

And tonight, I could experience the special lights 2 out of 2 days. At least some of my unexpected surprises were good. And the others, thank goodness, didn't cause any damage to my car! 

Thanks, God, for the beauty and the safety!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day for all you special ladies who have made the world a better place by being in it! It's fun to celebrate how awesome we are, isn't it?

My day was a little centered around food! I'll comfort food since my baby texted at 6:30 a.m. that they were officially leaving Wisconsin on their way home to Raleigh. 

Jim's usual tradition is to make me Eggs Benedict for Mother's Day. This year, since we saw a commercial that iHop had a variety of Benedicts, we figured we'd give that a try. We both ended up getting the "classic" anyway. And honestly, Mr. Austin makes it even better! 

And although we were full, it just so happened that after a stop at Menard's, King Cone was open!

Hello, Blueberry "Yes, Please" Cake ice cream! Good stuff. I was super full and couldn't finish it.

But Sylvester helped me lick the bowl clean later!

My other Mother's Day treat was going to be golfing. We had a tee time and it just kept raining all day. It stopped now but it's only in the 50s so I sent Jim along with a buddy. It's not a "treat" for me to be cold and miserable.

Plus, this way, since I'm done with Queen Charlotte, I can jump into season 2 of Firefly Lane on Netflix and all that mushy stuff! 

Hope you all had a relaxing day and were treated like the queens we all are!

Happy Mom's Day

Happy Mother's Day! I found a card with the above sentiment and sent it to my mom. I knew I'd get one of two reactions. She'd either think it was funny or she'd apologize for making me split the beaters with my twin – and only after scraping off as much batter as possible.

I got both reactions. She found it hilarious and apologized for not letting us lick the bowl more when we were kids. I'm like, "Mom, we're all old, fat and sassy so we turned out just fine." She did appreciate the humor. And she had time with a handful of her nearby kids between yesterday and today.

My brother even took some "senior photos" of Mom at a park when it was so nice yesterday. Thanks, Ron!

Today was not nearly as nice. Cloudy, a bit rainy and windy. So I declined hubby's offer to take me golfing for Mother's Day.

I did, however, let him make me Eggs Benedict for breakfast. (His Mother's Day tradition for me.)

And let him gift me with some gorgeous orange-red roses!

And, after eating pizza at his parents' house with his sister and brother-in-law, I let him buy me a small Thin Mint Blizzard on the way home.

So yes, it was a happy Mother's Day for me! 

We also finished watching the final final episodes for Ozark. I did not like parts of the ending, but I won't spoil it for anyone still watching. And tonight, we'll just chill out before our busy week. 

I should say, busy SPRING week. It's going to warm back up with temps in the 80s even. I'll have no excuse but to get back out in the backyard and finish digging my roots and stumps. Unless Mr. Deck Chair calls, of course. Ha. It's already a great week and it's only Sunday.

Hope you had a joyful Mom's Day, too!