"How to be a Mom"

On a recent trip to Lancaster, Jessica and I took an opportunity to clean out a few of our Mom's multiple closets, a few of the many hutches throughout the house and one of her desks. Yes, she has four bedroom closets full of clothes, purses, shoes, jewelry, etc. At least five solid wood hutches full of photos. And two desks filled with paperwork, notes and cards.

A few things about my Mom...

She is/was a serious shopper. My Mom loved, loved, loved to shop. Sometimes for herself, and mostly for others, she was a regular at Macy's. So much so, that I think her rewards from her Macy's card put us through college. Maybe not quite, but you get the point. In the 80s, Eastland was a regular outing for us. When Easton came around in the 90s, my Mom was in heaven. In her 50+ years, she has accumulated more capri pants and purses than one can reasonably wear. And if she's shopping with you and you have any question about whether that perfect winter coat is right for you, or if that great red dress is a sensible purchase, be certain that she will convince you that you deserve it, and it would be a mistake to pass it up. My husband (and my closet) can attest that I come by this honestly.
She is/was an incredible gift giver. Jessica and I both credit her with our love to give thoughtful, special gifts to our loved ones. She taught us by example how to pick out the perfect card, book, and meaningful gift. We grew up in a family where you never asked others "what do you want" for birthdays or Christmas. You came up with ideas on your own, and got someone something that YOU thought they should have, based on your relationship with them. Sometimes it was something that you needed, like a pair of shoes. Other times, it was a framed picture, with a short note about why the picture meant so much. I think about my Mom constantly. But especially so as I'm choosing gifts for friends and family this time of year. From the theme gifts, like a fun Halloween movie and individual popcorn and goody bags for nieces and nephews - to the Christmas gifts for my siblings and best friends - I think about how generous and thoughtful my Mom has been throughout her life.

She is/was an avid writer of thank you notes, birthday cards, thinking-of-you cards, etc. Jessica, Jared and I were taught at a very young age to acknowledge and thank the giver of gifts. Handwritten notes have largely been eliminated by email and texting. And unfortunately, for my Mom, her ability to read and write has been taken by her disease. If you're reading this blog, though, there's a very good chance that you have received a note from my Mom, as I think nearly everyone who has crossed her path has.

So, while going through a few items to help simplify our Mom's belongings, we came across many hand-written notes that she's received that have touched her enough to hang onto them. One brought me to tears. It was a note that I wrote to my Mom on her birthday a couple years ago, thanking her for so many of the things that she's taught me. But, especially, for teaching me, "How to be a Mom."

Weekend in the Hills!

About 6 years ago, we started a tradition, that we've come to look forward to every fall! We spend one weekend (October or November) in Hocking Hills to celebrate fall birthdays, and to just check out of life for 3 days. Everyone from this area knows just how beautiful it is in Hocking Hills. There is incredible hiking - Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, etc. And the foliage this time of year is breathtaking.

We typically choose an away OSU game for our long weekend. We've stayed at cabins with anywhere from 1 to 6 bedrooms, with anywhere from 2 to 16 friends. This year, with all the major life events (babies, weddings, babies and weddings) we kept it pretty small, with just us and the Lipps. This was Emerson's third cabin trip, and Berlynn's first! She's 10 weeks old, so it was about time we introduced her to our traditions.

A few of the many pictures from the weekend...

All things that move.

Emerson is all boy. He loves anything that moves and makes noise. Tractors, trucks, cars, trains, planes. He has a new love for tunnels. Everything that you can go under is a tunnel. Going under Daddy's legs on the ottoman. Tunnel. Going under an overpass while driving. Tunnel. Going under low-hanging trees while walking in our neighborhood. Tunnel. We see so much imagination and creativity in Emerson. He loves to play, and wants everyone to play with him. There's no lounging in our house. If you're home, you're playing.

Yay for new train sets! With tunnels!

Choooooo! Choooooo!

I believe these trucks are getting ready to race. (Please note the red car slipper that's included.)

Emerson sings to them, and straightens the row. My bets are on the classic, wooden car. I'm old school.

Emerson rolls over to admire his work from another angle...

And hurdles them...well...because he can.

Emerson builds his own tunnels from whatever he can find. This one includes the red step stool, a clear book bin, a number of animals and a random purple cup thrown in for variety.

Ran out of room up top for the elephant and chimp. Good thing they're friends.

"Tunnel!"

Dapper Don.

Emerson and I were both in a wedding this past weekend for my dear college friend, Leah.

When Leah asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, I was absolutely thrilled! When she later asked me if Emerson would be the ring bearer I was thrilled again! I was so excited for my little boy to be a part of such a fun event, for one of my closest friends. But I was also a little anxious when I realized there was a great likelihood he wouldn’t make it down the aisle. He wasn’t yet two when these plans fell into place.

Emerson turned two in August, and with the wedding right around the corner (October 2), we were finalizing plans. Borrowing a tux and shoes (from his cousin Spencer, that he wore in my and Jason’s wedding!), making hotel arrangements for us and planning for Jessica to come with us to help with Emerson. We had options and back up plans. Since I was in the wedding party, Jessica would “send” Emerson down the aisle, and Jason would be sitting near the front to “receive” him.

Friday afternoon, Emerson was wound for sound. We arrived in Wheeling a little after 3 and got checked in to the hotel and ready for the rehearsal and dinner. Emerson is a child who cherishes sleep. He sleeps 3-4 hours every afternoon and 12-13 hours overnight without interruption. So, when he goes without a nap, it’s hard to know what to expect. But, we’re all flexible and traveling requires different schedules. So, off we went!

The ceremony rehearsal was a preview to what the next day would bring. At a beautiful rooftop location at Oglebay, the wedding party practiced heading down the aisle. After the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their entrance, Emerson at a full sprint, raced to Jason in his seat. Twice. OK, this works. At least he’ll get down the aisle. It may be fast. But he’ll get there. Ava, the sweet flower girl told her Mom, “My date is really silly.”

At the rehearsal...Emerson, goofin'.

After a brief appearance at the rehearsal dinner, Auntie Jessi took Emerson with her back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. He had a fun next day with Auntie Jessi while I went for spa time with Leah and the maids. He even was able to take a 2-hour afternoon nap before the wedding. I got ready with all the girls, and trusted Emerson to Jason and Jessi. The next time I saw him, he was looking oh-so-dapper in his little man tux. But, all that traveling and off-routine schedule was catching up to him. He wanted Momma. This was really difficult since I was heading down the aisle before him. Melt. Down. Emerson lost it when I left him to walk down the aisle with the other girls. He never did make it down. Jason scooped him up and took him inside, where they watched the ceremony from a window.

Emerson quickly recovered, and was introduced at the reception with me. He had some fun and food, and then made his departure with Jess back to the hotel.

This handsome little ring bearer turned out to just be a cute kid in a tuxedo.

A picture of the three of us...and Terra!

Emerson and his date/nanny, Auntie Jessi.

Emerson and me with the happy couple, Nick and Leah

When Emerson gets tired...he starts to sing.

Yep, this kid is done.

A good night kiss for Momma, and off to bed he goes.