Remembering Mom...

Talk about delayed reactions... It's already May 22nd and I'm JUST NOW realizing why I've been feeling a bit blue and under the weather.  This is the month that we celebrate the joys (and pains) of loving, and being, mothers.  In my case, I get two (yes, TWO) whole days of extra cuddles and recognition for having relinquished my body and heart to bringing two perfect little humans into this world.  Why two you ask?  Well, I'm a first generation Mexican-American and in Mexico, Mother's Day always falls on May 10th.  Regardless of the day of the week, on May 10th you'd better make sure you celebrate mom.  Growing up, this was always a day for my mom, as it was for my husband's, so we've continued the tradition.  The joys of multi-culturalism.

Our kids have become the most important part of our lives and have claimed the center of our universe.  Having said that, I'm now able to look back with fresh eyes at all the times that my mom would tell me after I'd been a pain in her butt, "The day you have kids, you'll know why." 

Boy do I know why... why I work to give them as much as I can, why I want to be a better person, why I'd do anything for them, why I get up every morning after only 4 hours of sleep, the list of why's goes on and on.  And now more than ever, I miss my mom terribly.  Even if it is just to tell her, "YUP, you were right all along.  I'm sorry I ever doubted you or why you did things the way you did.  You are my hero..."

My mom passed away 6 years ago, very unexpectedly, and in those years, I've gotten married, we bought our first home (white picket fence and all), and had two babies.  I'm close to becoming a teacher, AND I've started this blog and stamping hobby.  She was my biggest cheerleader, and I've missed her so much.  So, you can understand why this month has been a bit bittersweet for me.  I know, I know, everyone tells me, "She's with you in spirit.." well, let me tell you, trying to hug empty air just isn't the same as burying my head into her shoulders and smelling her mami smell.  Just isn't... no matter how much someone tries to comfort me with these words, she's still not here... 

So, I still get her Mother's Day cards and this year, I made this one for her with the floral frames framelits and the petite petals bundle:

 

My mom loved flowers and plants and gardens, so every time I'm outside, I think of her and am inspired by what I see...



 

 

This beautiful mosaic butterfly sculpture sits outside of the Office of Education in Hayward.  Since I LOVE butterflies, I HAD to take a picture of it.  I use butterflies a lot in my projects.  We exchanged gifts at work and I came up with this bookmark using the scallop tag topper punch and my beloved Papillon Potpourri stamp set:

 

I couldn't leave it without some bling, so I added the sequins along with the ribbon.

I'm sure my mom would have loved her card, because I love anything MY daughter makes for me, no matter what the colors... Her scribbles mean more to me than anything.  Just as I'm sure mine meant to my mom...

I hope you enjoyed today's share, as sad (maybe) as it may be, but that's me, and this blog is about the projects inspired by my life.  Creating helps me celebrate the realities of everyday life, sad, happy or otherwise. 

What do you like to do to ease your creative soul?

Toodles,
~Maria