Q is for Quilt: Grandma's Quilt

Grandma's Quilt

Grammy's quilt my daughter's call it.  They fight over who gets to use it, because even at the young age of four they can feel some sort of special comfort and healing from the quilt that my grandmother made when I was a little girl.  It's a patchwork quilt made with pieces of this and bits of that. 

My grandmother was a very special supermom.  I can't ever remember a moment in her home when her hands were not busy.  I remember her peeling potatoes, breaking beans, stirring a pot.  I remember as she made her quilts the great big frame that hung from the ceiling to be lowered for her to use.  No sewing machine for her, each and every stitch was lovingly made.  I remember her lips moving as she prayed over each square.  What were her prayers? I wondered. 

I don't know how my grandmother did it all. With 12 children and what is now called a "sustainable" lifestyle she raised her own chickens for eggs and meat, grew her own vegetables, and canned like crazy.  Apparently the original supermom.

Some of my fondest memories include watching my grandmother make her quilts.  As Easter approaches I remember the special, exciting Easter Egg Hunts that her church used to offer. Children were dressed in their best and ribbons flew from little girl's hair and hats.  I think that's why each Easter Egg Hunt my children do holds such a special place in my heart.  Not those everyone in the world community events, but the smaller more intimate special hunts of friends, family, and church. 

The other night my daughter didn't feel well.  She wasn't sick, just not feeling good. I said lay down and I'll let you have grammy's blanket and she said, "Grammy's blanket always makes me feel better," as she fell straight to sleep.  Is there some sort of magic in my grandmother's quilt?  I like to think so, maybe it's the prayers or maybe it's the hopes for her future children and grandchildren that went into it, but whatever it is I hope she knows that it works, bringing comfort, care and peace to those who lay under it.

No it's not the glorious, stunning patterns you see on some quilts that you simply must hang up to display but it is the quilt that when you are tired, sad, mad or even just want to relax and feel the simple joys at the end of the day that you wrap yourself up in.


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Judge not to be a supermom: J is for Judging

Maybe the full moon lasted longer then it normally does.  Maybe women are just sharing with me even more about the things that bother them, and mom's right now "judging" is a big thing that is bothering a lot of moms.  It doesn't seem to matter whether you are a SAHM, WAHM or a WOHM (working outside the home mom) there are just so many judgments about and between mothers.  Over the course of the past month I have heard mother's judging other mother's because they don't breast feed - or because they do.  I have heard mother's judging other mothers because some work outside the home and some do not.  I hear mother's judging everything from discipline to diapering, feeding and doctoring and in the end all that happens is that in the end one mother is telling another mother with her judgments that she is falling "short" in her quest to be a supermom. 

Why do we feel the need to "judge" other mother's decisions?  To offer our advice - when it hasn't been asked for?  Does it make us feel better about our choices?  Maybe that's it, but oh what a price to pay to feel like a supermom. 

Today, I leave you with these reminders;
"judge not lest you be judged"
 for every one finger you point at someone else there are three pointing back at you;
"people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." 
And, if you can't say "nuthin' nice then don't say nuthin' at all" (Bambi)

There is your secret to being a super mom today.  Be "super" to someone else who may really be needing a little encouragement or a pat on the back.  The next time you feel tempted to judge another mother bite your tongue or maybe you could just let her know that we have all "been there and done that" as a parenting.

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F is for Friends: Superfriends help make supermoms

I can't tell you how often I hear, "I don't know how you get it all done!"  Well, I don't not really, but I fake it really well.  It is tough being a mom, writer and all the other things that go along with all that.  But to be honest, I probably couldn't get by without "a little help from my friends."  And, I think it's important that they know that. 

So here is a super big thank you to the friends who:

Watches my children so I could meet deadlines or while I was sick.
Encourages me when I am feeling overwhelmed.
Bounces ideas around with me, no matter how wild and crazy they may appear to be- some of them I even find a way to do or write about.
Supports those ideas, thoughts, and plans for the future.
Has my "back!"
Helps me with my "tech support."

And who help me make it through the each and every day with love, encouragement and occasionally a kick in the pants when I need it.

Do you have super friends? Take a minute and tell them so. I leave you with this thought for the day and a little bit of music to get your started.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” - Author Unknown

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