Heavenly being Holmes: May 2013

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Celebration at Victress Bower

Being at a school with a staff of 50 people, administration, teachers, Instructional assistants, custodial, clerical, kitchen, and various support staff, it becomes a family, and after being at Victress Bower for 15 years this fall, I tell you...our work family knows how to celebrate! The month of May brings Day of the Teacher, Day of the Nurse, and Classified Week.

Nathalie Ford just celebrated 20 years at Bower. Denise, Vicki and Connie enjoying the day!

We come together one day and everyone cooks, and shares, and visits and we have a lovely time. This year, no exception. We voted to have a mexican fiesta, and of course no one disappoints. I traditionally bring in my chocolate chip cookies. I didn't one time, and boy...did I get in trouble!! I get up at 5:00 am to make them, so they are fresh and yummy.

Many are equally well known for their specialties.

Sue Goudy's brownies,

Mr. Rob's Guacamole

Even Ms Jan our resident healthy eater...goes a little crazy on potluck day!!

Mostly we are known to be excellent creators of the delicious and delectable. That's why when you begin work at Bower, we warn about the "Bower 30". Yes it is typical if you regularly eat what is daily shared at Bower, you will be 30 lbs. heavier within a few years. So beware! We are loving, we are amazing cooks, and we shall snare you at this place we love to work!!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Mother's Day 2013!

I have been a mom for 33 & 1/2 years. It is quite a roller coaster of emotions, this Eternal calling. We try everyday of the year to live up to the title, and grow in this role, and those of you out there know what I mean. I think most mothers have a love hate relationship with Mother's Day. For some reason we tend to reflect on our inadaquacies instead of our strengths. We know the Holiday flashlight will be shining on us from outside our home, and our expectations of what happens at home is always varied, and the realities surprising.

Adult children spoil mom's with sweet heartfelt gifts. On Friday, I received an early surprise, a sweet package from Texas with some very pretty earrings I have had on my Amazon wish list. LOVE THEM. Grant and Julia's family gave me a beautiful Brighton bracelet, Jordan and Bre....CHOCOLATES with nuts and toffee & Caramel!! Yum!! Skyler gave me beautiful earrings. It isn't about the gifts...but it sure is fun and sooooo thoughtfullly sweet, and who doesn't love a gift of remembrance!!

When the kids were little, I would receive sweet handmade gift prompted by crafting at school, or church. Tradition would also bring breakfast in bed. with a tray and a flower, with my cherubs glowing with their accomplishments. After about 10 years of this beautiful experience, I decided that to really enjoy my Motherhood celebration, I would rather be sitting at the table with my family and enjoying their banter and excitement of the day.

This Sunday Morning I awoke to the smell of sausage cooking and hustling about in my kitchen. Cody measuring for the second batch of waffle batter....

My three men, Russell, Cody and Skyler were busy with my favorite breakfast of strawberry waffles. I was happy to hear that Brendon carried this tradition on for Stephanie.
As I peeked over the counter, Skyler was busily making a heart shaped pancake to go on top of my waffle. At 23, he was just as excited as when he was 10, "see what shape this is mom?". Loved the thought and the execution of his love.

Having the blessing of both of our Grandma's close by, this year we celebrated with the Holmes clan. I am so blessed with an amazingly talented loving, sweet woman to be a forever presence and example in my Mother In Law ~ Hazel Holmes.