I'm so thankful we got to spend Mother's Day as a family this year. It didn't go as expected (at all) but we managed to stay flexible and make the best of a piano moving mess, cold and rainy weather, and a handful of other little inconveniences that got in the way of plans. All day Brett and I would stop and look at each other knowingly as if to encourage the other one that things could be worse.
My piano not fitting into our house because of 1/4" thickness, children not napping until the last minute, my sewing machine giving out during nap time when all I wanted was to finish my projects, the DVD we'd rented being almost too scratched to watch through the rest of nap time, needing to cook two meals because the piano fiasco ate up the rest of our entertainment budget on the last day before pay day, reassuring the kids we'd reschedule their cheap theater movie date, feeling too grubby and cranky to attempt any sort of Mother's Day family photo, and staring at a mountain of laundry at the end of the day because laundry doesn't give you a day off - all of that was disappointing.
However, I have a husband that made plans for me to have a relaxing day because he loves and appreciates me, a son that woke me up at the crack of dawn to kiss me and wish me a Happy Mother's Day, a daughter that picked out the perfect musical card, beautiful flowers and a thoughtful gift at the start of my day (with two more on the way), patience from everyone during the piano hassle, an extra long nap time that helped make up for not getting any alone time, two lovely meals shared together at home without whining or fighting, a finished sewing project, phone calls to both of our moms in other states, and a hot shower at the end of the day. It wasn't what any of us expected but we managed to still have a good time as a family and remain thankful for what it was.
I don't always enjoy motherhood but I'm so thankful I'm a mom. There's no way I'd trade it for something else.
How was your Mother's Day?
-Rachel
Guess what?! I have the glasses that go with your plates! Woo hoo!
Posted by: Kate @ Songs Kate Sang | 05/13/2012 at 10:05 PM
Rachel, I love your blog and i LOVE this post.
Thanks for your honest comment at the end Re: not always enjoying the job of motherhood but still feeling thankful. Motherhood is a tough gig... enriching and a blessing but it's refreshing hearing another Mum just call it!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
http://bleednread.blogspot.com.au/
Posted by: SHIV | 05/14/2012 at 12:11 AM
Happy Mothers Day! Mine was great because it started off with church with my two guys but ended up being a little lonely because my husband had to sleep all day because of his job. I was happy to snuggle up with baby boy all day long on my first mothers day though :)
Posted by: lacey | 05/14/2012 at 01:55 AM
i have 4 sons now!! and you know what this has made me acutely aware of? my mother-in-law.
one day *I* will be the mother-in-law - four times over! (um, yikes!) - so i suggested we take my MIL out for lunch.
then we came home and watched Tintin.
that's what we did :)
happy mamas' day to you Rachel!
~dee
Posted by: Dee | 05/14/2012 at 03:03 AM
This is one styles of writing about you and your blog that I love. That you are open and honest without being a grumpy nag, you're so relatable and it's so nice.
I love that you shared what wasn't fantastic and picture perfect about your day, but you still are a half-glass-full kind of person and appreciate all the little positives from your day. Just because it's Mother's Day doesn't mean that it's a walking, living, breathing Hallmark card. ;)
My heart is sinking over the piano. Does this quarter inch business mean it didn't work at all??? Please tell me you found a way. Please tell me you found a way.Please tell me you found a way.
Posted by: Jenny | 05/14/2012 at 05:24 AM
So you didn't find a way to get the piano in?! What a bummer. I get so invested in projects and plans that when it doesn't work out it's crushing. I had to take off the door casing to get our couch in and I think I would have taken a sledge hammer to get that thing through I was so determined :)
It's not always easy to be a mother but you are right that it's the little things that let us know we're lucky even on our worst day. That skirt is a dream- I love that fabric!
Posted by: Mama Smith | 05/14/2012 at 05:54 AM
That skirt is wonderful. I pinned it because I want to make one like that. Happy belated Mother's Day!
Amanda Rose
http://sewmuchtosay.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amanda Rose | 05/14/2012 at 06:17 AM
Oh what a bummer about the piano! I hope you figure out a way to get it in the house. Last year my mother's day went something like yours, it was a disappointment that our plans didn't work out, but like you said, there's still the little things - husbands that planned a sweet day, children that show their love in special ways - I hope you get to have a re-do of this mother's day and that it goes perfectly :)
Posted by: jodi | 05/14/2012 at 06:34 AM
those days are hard! the days where so many things go wrong and there is no patience left!! -sigh- we all know those days. but we have to do exactly what you have said, dig deep and pull the last bit of grace and thankfullness and make it work! its hard, but its our job!! and i fail- often! but my kids still love me and im so proud to be their mommy!!!
Posted by: ira lee | 05/14/2012 at 06:43 AM
My day was very similar to yours. Hubby worked all day. The weather was beautiful! I had cranky whiny kids (they are ill), Mounds and mounds of laundry, and a day of cleaning. I feel pretty good about getting it all done, and I did make something yummy for myself : pain au chocolat cinnamon rolls... mmmmmmmmmm They gave me 2 yards of voile, a pair of fabulous shoes from Anthropologie and new lip gloss. How great is all that!!!
Love your skirt, you rock the midi!
Posted by: Kelley | 05/14/2012 at 06:50 AM
Happy Mother's Day to you!! xoxoox
Posted by: margot | 05/14/2012 at 06:53 AM
Well, your post is just a little snapshot of what motherhood is all about! Cope and adjust to everything that's thrown your way, and make the best out of it all! You're such a great mama. Happy Mother's Day! And I *LOVE* that skirt.
Posted by: ruthie | 05/14/2012 at 07:45 AM
I love your mom's day post! It's very refreshing! I am glad that you had a wonderful day with your family! I loved your post and I love your blog!
Posted by: Lucy | 05/14/2012 at 09:22 AM
Aw the 1/4 thing with your piano just kills me. What a bummer. Well I'm glad you enjoyed the fun small things about your day even though it didn't go as planned. Maybe the day after mothers day will be spectacular lol.
- Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | 05/14/2012 at 09:32 AM
Aw, what a bummer! I'm glad you were able to seek out the positive things in all that mess, it's very encouraging. Happy Mother's Day, Rachel! Keep that chin up and that gorgeous smile on your face!
Posted by: Sarah Elizabeth | 05/14/2012 at 09:38 AM
Your posts are always very honest! A lot of bloggers tend to create a sort of "life is perfect" picture and while I'm sorry that things didn't go exactly as planned for you, it's nice to read something 'real'. Happy Mother's Day!
Posted by: Krissy | 05/14/2012 at 09:40 AM
Thanks for reminding me of the beautiful and not so beautiful of being a mom. I love your blog.
Did you get the piano in?
MC
Posted by: MC | 05/14/2012 at 09:48 AM
I agree motherhood isn't always easy but it is rewarding. Your skirt is so pretty, I love the print!
Posted by: ana | 05/14/2012 at 11:48 AM
Recently started reading your blog & follow you on Instagram so just thought I would say hello ;-)
Posted by: Nadia | 05/14/2012 at 01:06 PM
Motherhood can be a challenge some days but as you said we wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm glad you made it thru and can still find the good in the day.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | 05/14/2012 at 04:33 PM
Aww, sorry for the mishaps but glad it all worked out in the end. :)
Glad you had a great Mother's Day!
Mine was pretty lowkey seeing my side of the family & at home spent with my loves as well!
Posted by: Sarah Joy | 05/14/2012 at 05:03 PM
All that and a shower to boot! Nice work, you! I've been enjoying your blog for a bit and I appreciate your style, and today, your honesty. Thank you for inspiring me.
Posted by: Lindsey Royal Anderson | 05/14/2012 at 09:59 PM
what happened to the piano? did u keep it at all? did you finally find a way to get it in? I sure hope u did! xo Happy Mothers Day to you. I love your vintage style gf.. keep it up.. u inspire me. xo
Posted by: bonitarose | 05/15/2012 at 06:10 AM
Oh booo, too bad about the piano.
We almost had the same problem when trying to move mine, however, after two broken pedals and a chunk gone out of the side we got that sucker in the house.
Posted by: karen | 05/15/2012 at 06:53 AM
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Could you post the recipe to your soup/stew!! It looks delish!
Posted by: Lea | 05/15/2012 at 03:51 PM
I have a set of those plates too, whoo-hoo~ and a bunch of "fire king" to match.
Posted by: Crystal | 05/18/2012 at 08:03 AM