Mothers

For those who are lucky to still be blessed with your Mum, this is beautiful.

The young mother set her foot on the path of life.

"Is this the long way?" she asked. The guide said "Yes, and the way is hard, and you will be old before you reach the end of it, but the end will be better than the beginning."

But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years.

So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes, and ride a bike, and reminded them to feed the dog and to do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young mother thought "Nothing will ever be lovlier than this".

Then the nights came, and the storms, and the paths were sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms and the children said "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

The morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there."

So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. With this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all.....unconditional love. When they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."

The days went on, and the weeks and the months, and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. The mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and now are passing these traits onto their children."

When the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. Mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey. Now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride with their heads held high and so can their children after them."

The children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." They stood and watched her as she went along, and the gates closed after her. They said, "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A mother like ours is more than a memory, she is a living presence."

Your mother is always with you. She is the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she is the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you are not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is so much of who you are.

A Mother is always hoping and praying that you will only the good feelings in life. She is the place you came from, your first home, and she is the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time.....not space.....not even death.

To all you Mums out there - we did not know what we were in for when we began this journey of motherhood, but we would not change it for anything. The happy times, the sad times, the "tough love" times, the times of worry and much prayer are all worth it when we see our children growing into young people of strong character who are learning to do life properly. It's a tough gig, there is no manual, but, oh, the joy it brings to a Mother!!

Happy Mother's Day - enjoy the day - you deserve it.

Happy parenting
I wish you Jesus
A choice to make
Remember God's esteem
Ideal Valentine
I'll keep you in my prayers
Why/How
The Greatest
The joy of Motherhood

One of the secondary staff, Mrs Michelle Roux, gave birth to her baby girl on Monday 5 March. A whole new phase begins in her life. No-one quite prepared for the strong bonding that occurs once we become parents. Mother and baby, (Mia), are doing well.

I saw this poem recently, and thought I would share it at this time - (With apologies to parents with sons) -

I'LL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS

When you were a baby;
I held you all so close.
I kissed your little cheeks;
I kissed your little nose.

I taught you how to sing.
I held you on a swing.
I taught you how to pray.
I taught you so many things.

When you were a toddler;
As cute as you could be.
I taught you the bible;
You sang Jesus loves me.

On your first day of school;
I hugged you, oh so tight.
A tear ran down my cheek;
I prayed you'd be alright.

When it was time to sleep;
I'd lay beside you.
I'd talk about Jesus;
Until our time was through.

When you became a tween;
Sometimes I felt afraid.
I'd lay in bed at night;
I prayed and prayed and prayed.

"Lord please protect my child;
Help her make the right choice."
The Lord heard my prayers;
I would sing and rejoice.

Then there were your teen years;
You made some choices then;
That were not very wise;
But soon you turned from them.

I never ceased to pray;
That the Lord would shield you.
I prayed from day to day;
That He would strengthen you.

Now you are a woman;
You're living for the Lord.
You are heaven's blessing;
I pray you'll touch the world.

With God's love and kindness;
With gentle hands that give.
But yet standing strong;
And willing to forgive.

Thank you for the blessings;
Throughout these many years.
You are full of sunshine;
I'll keep you in my prayers.

No matter how old our children are, we will always be praying for them and eventually (God willing) for the grandchildren. What a comfort it is to know that the Lord loves our children much more than we do and that He has a plan for their lives if they are prepared to seek Him and to walk with Him.

Happy parenting.
I wish you Jesus.
A choice to make.
Remember God's esteem.
Ideal Valentine.
I'll keep you in my prayers.

She could not paint, nor write, nor rhyme
Her footprints on the sands of time,
As some distinguished women do;
Just simple things of life she knew.

Like tucking little folks in bed,
Or soothing someone's aching head.

She was no singer, neither blessed,
with any special loveliness
to win applause or passing fame;
No headlines ever blazed her name.

But, oh, she was a shining light
To all her loved ones, day and night!

Her home, her kingdom, she its queen;
Her reign was faithful, honest clean,
Impartial, loving, just, to each
And every one she sought to teach.

Her name? Of course, no other
In all the world so sweet - just Mother!

Happy Mother's Day!

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her......
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone....

A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape....
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape....

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything.....
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.....

A strong woman walks sure footedly.....
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.....

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face......
but a woman of strength wears grace....

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey....
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong!

The strong falters, but strength increases.

Time to celebrate Mother's Day again!

My thoughts go to all Mums who are raising children alone; to those who are carers for children with a disability; to those whose children have a terminal illness or are fighting cancer or are in hospital. Being a Mum under normal circumstances brings with it times of worry and concern let alone coping in the above circumstances..... However I have no doubt that there are also times of great fun and rejoicing.

In all circumstances though we know that we can trust our ever faithful heavenly Father to guide and strengthen us.

This Poem can be sung to the tune of "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling".

It was written to honour Nancy, a widow, who cared for her grown daughter Karen with a Mother's love and devotion. Karen had the mentality of about a 3 year old. There are some Mothers like Nancy whose close walk with God is the only explanation for their joy in Motherhood.

May God richly bless every "Nancy" in this world.

Happy Mother's Day to all our Mums.

SHE'LL GIVE JESUS HER CARES

Sometimes a mother is faced with a burden
that seems too heavy to bear;
But then the Saviour speaks lovingly to her,
"Come, cast on Me all your care."

She knows; She snows His Love;
He understands when there's no one there;
Jesus will give her His courage and comfort--
Yes, she'll give Jesus her cares.

Sometimes a mother is lonely and frightened;
No one to comfort and guide;
Then in the tempest she hears Jesus whisper,
"Peace, child, I'm here by your side".

She knows; She k nows His love;
He understand when there's no one there;
Jesus will give her His courage and comfort --
Yes, she'll give Jesus her cares.

- Connie Faust -

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Bible:

"Come to Me,
all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

a Mother's love is something
That no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
And of sacrifice and pain.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28

Today honour and remember
your mother in an appropriate
manner - a visit, a prayer,
a message.

Sometime ago a Mother punished her five year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.

Money was tight and she got even more upset when the child used the gold paper to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to her Mother the next morning and then said, "This is for you, Momma".

The Mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, but her anger flared again when she opened the box and found it was empty.

She spoke to her daughter in a harsh manner, "Don't you know young lady when you give someone a present there's supposed to be something inside the package?"

The little girl had tears in her eyes and said, "Oh Momma, it's not empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full."

The Mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put her arms around her little girl, and she begged for her forgiveness for her thoughtless anger.

An accident took the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the Mother kept that gold box by her bed for all the years of her life.

Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems she would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us, as human beings, have been given a Golden Box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and GOD.

There is no more precious possession.

Friends are like angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said:

"When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue with out complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

My sister and I have finalised arrangements For our Mum's Mother's Day. Mum Is 91 years old and doing well. She still Worries about us and gives gentle advice - some things never change - once a Mum, always a mum. When my own children Tell me not to worry about them, I Tell them I'm their Mum and it's my right to worry and to Pray for them - that's what Mums do. No-one ever said it Was easy to be a Mum - you just do what you think is right. Here's to all the Mums out there - you are doing a great Job. Happy Mother's Day. I pray your day will be especially Blessed.

JUST A MUM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license, was asked by The woman at registry to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the woman at Registry, "do You have a job or are you just a ...?" "Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mum."

"We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, "housewife" covers It," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in The same situation.

The clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, And possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "City Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply Popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant Words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement Was written, in bold, Black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what You do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard Myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the Laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working For my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole Family) And already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the Job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any Mother care To disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than Most run-of-the-mill careers and The rewards are more of a Satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's Voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personallyUshered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous New career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, And 3. Upstairs I Could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, Testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had Scored a beat On bureaucracy!

And I had gone on the official records as someone more Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research Associates In the field of Child Development and Human Relations' and Great Grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates'?

I think so!!! I also think it makes aunts 'Associate Research Assistants'.

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink.

She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mummy?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white".

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Mummy, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

We did not know what we were signing Up for when we became mothers, But I am sure none of us would change it Now.

I hope you would agree with me, That our children have taught us so much About ourselves, they have made us better People (well, hopefully) and they Have enriched our lives so much.

As for The challenges, well - the older you get, The more forgetful you become - were there so many?

My Mum speaks as if we were perfect children.

I remember Only too well that we had our moments.

Mother's Job Description

POSITION:

Mother, Mum, Mummy, Mumma, Mam

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for Challenging permanent work, in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication And organisational skills and be willing to work variable Hours, which will include evenings, weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required -- including Trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends And endless sports tournaments in far away places.

Travel Expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties are also Required; frequently, on very short notice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life -

* Must be willing to bite your tongue repeatedly.

* Must possess the physical stamina of a pack horse and Be able to go from zero to 60 kph in three seconds flat -- in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are Not someone just crying wolf.

* Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, Such as small gadget repairs, mysteriously sluggish Toilets, computers that will not send work to print, and Stuck zippers.

* Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate Production of multiple homework projects.

* Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until Someone wants something.

* Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings For clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

* Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and an Embarrassment the next.

* Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a Half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated Devices.

* Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the Worst.

* Must assume final complete accountability for the quality Of the end product.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

Virtually None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, Without complaining, constantly retraining and updating Your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass You.

You may be promoted to grandmother and thoroughly Enjoy it.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required, unfortunately.

On the-Job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this!

You pay them!

Offering Frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due When they turn 18, because of the assumption that further Education will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest Thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually Enjoy it, and wish you could only do more.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Must be sourced yourself, Through lots of prayer, reading, seminars and seeking advice.

BENEFITS:
No health or dental insurance, no pension, no Tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options Are offered -- however, this job supplies limitless opportunities For personal growth and free hugs for life, if you Play your cards right.

We are doing an awesome job - given no training, no Preparation and so many variables (each child is so different From the other).

Each mum is doing the best she can.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there. I pray you Will have the opportunity to be with family and loved ones.

A weary mother returned from the store,
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door.
Awaiting her arrival was her 8 year old son,
Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall!
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den.
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear - he knew that meant doom!
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper, and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair,
She condemned his actions and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got,
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart.
It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it,
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all,
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.

I went to a party, Mom, I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would.

I didn't drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom, I knew I'd get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road, the other car didn't see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say the other guy is drunk, Mom, and now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom.... I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom, I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom.

The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is, he drank and I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?

It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now.

Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.

Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom, put "Daddy's Baby" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I'm becoming very scared.

Please don't cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom, before I say good-bye, "I didn't drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?"

This is the end Mom I wish I could look you in the eye To say these final words

"I LOVE YOU AND...GOODBYE"

I saw a young mother
With eyes full of laughter
And two little shadows
Came following after.

Wherever she moved,
They were always right there
Holding onto her skirts,
Hanging onto her chair.
Before her, behind her-
An adhesive pair.

"Don't you ever get weary
As, day after day,
Your two little tagalongs
Get in your way?

She smiled as she shook
Her pretty young head,
And I'll always remember
The words that she said

"It's good to have shadows
That run when you run,
That laugh when you're happy
And hum when you hum -
For you only have shadows

When your life's filled with sun."

One day I was lying on the bed, reading, when my mother came into the room. She held out a vase--a rather ugly vase. She asked, 'Would you like to have this vase?'

"I replied quickly, 'No, I don't want it.'

"As she turned to walk away, I picked up something that said to me, 'Wait a minute, don't shut this off yet.' So I asked, 'Where did you get it?'

"She said, 'Oh, I got it when I filled an order.' Filled an order? I thought--no communication here. So I asked, 'What do you mean, filled an order?'

'Well,' she said, 'when I was a little girl, the Smith Company mailed catalogs to people. I would take the catalog around the neighborhood, and I'd get people to order from it. When I filled an order and sent it in, they gave me a prize. One time, I got a porch swing for my family.'

"Now you have to understand," said Hensley, "that my mother is 81 years old. She is one of six children in a family that her father deserted when she was quite young. Money was real hard to come by. My grandmother managed to keep the family together through the years, although I don't know how.

For my mother to win a luxury like a porch swing was a significant accomplishment. Although she no longer had the swing, she had the vase--a vase full of meaning--which she offered to me. Instantly I said, 'Mom, I want the vase.'

Now it sits in a prominent place in my living room. It symbolizes a precious meaning which my mother and I share:

Unless you and I are sensitive to the other person and hear meaning, we may well have a communication problem.

A Mother's love is something that no-one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain.

It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may,
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away.

It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking.
And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking.

It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rearest, brightest gems.

It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation.

A many splendored miracle man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.

Things mothers would never say:

"How on earth can you see TV sitting So far back?"

"Yes, I used to skip school a lot, too!"

"Just leave all the lights on...it makes The house look more cheery!"

"Let me smell that shirt... Yeah, it's Good for another week!"

When Children Resist Instructions -

When a child continually demonstrates resistance to instructions, Then it's time to decide whether you need to Emphasise relationship more or you need to discipline for A lack of responsiveness.

Sometimes, we take our children For granted, order them around, and don't appreciate them Enough.

As a result children tend to resist instructions.

If That is the case in your family then it is time to show more Love and emphasise the value of your relationships together.

On the other hand, some children resist instructions because Of poor character.

Training is hard work and some children Need to learn how to demonstrate genuine responsiveness When someone wants to talk with them.

If you ask your son To come help in the kitchen, and before you finish your instruction he's whining and complaining, then stop the process.

You may have to postpone discipline for a time because You need to get the table set in order to stay on schedule, But don't just let it go.

After dinner, talk to your son and confront Him about his poor attitude.

Explain the importance of Co-operation and that you're going to have him help you with Dinner every evening for a while.

Increasing the workload to Give more opportunity to practise may be just the constructive Consequence needed to build a co-operative attitude.

Children want life to be easy.

The reality is that life is hard.

Co-operation is an essential character quality all children Need, and now is the time to teach it.

Scripture for the week:

"Train a child in the way he Should go and, when he is old, he will not turn from it."

We pray that you enjoy a blessed, quality time with your Family over the Easter holiday break.

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"I'm so sorry!" was my reply.
Then he said, "Excuse me too...
I wasn't even watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
Then we went on our way, and said good-bye.

But at home, a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later, in the kitchen, as I cooked our meal,
My daughter crept up to me, very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked her down.
"Get out of the way!" I barked with a frown.
She sauntered away, with her little heart broken.
I didn't realise how harshly I'd spoken.

That night, as I lay awake in bed,
God's quiet voice spoke to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, you're calm and polite,
But with those you love, you're QUICK to excite...
Go look right now on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers she brought for you.
She picked them herself...pink, yellow, and blue.
She stood there quietly, not to spoil your surprise,
And you never saw the tears in her eyes."

By this time, I felt sad and small
And now my own tears had begun to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by her bed;
"Wake up, sweetheart, wake up," I said.
She smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I wrapped 'em in a napkin, just for you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "I'M so sorry that I missed them today...
And I shouldn't have fussed at you that way."
And she whispered, "Mummy, that's okay...
....I still love you anyway."

I hugged her and said, "I love you too...
And I LOVE my flowers, especially the blue."

Are you aware that:

If you die tomorrow, the company that you are working for could easily replace you in a matter of days.

But the family you leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into our work than into our families - an unwise investment indeed.

Remember that:

FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER, (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU....

It is worthwhile to share more time with those you love while you can.....Create balance among all the things in your life, and re-focus your perspective every morning on what matters most.

Grandmas are mums with lots of frosting

- Author Unknown

What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars worth of pleasure.

- Gene Perret

Grandmothers are just "antique" little girls.

- Author Unknown

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.

- Welsh Proverb

A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television.

- Author Unknown

Never have children, only grandchildren.

- Gore Vidal

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and pre-historic.

- Pam Brown

Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is good because grandfathers have only so many horsey rides in them.

- Gene Perret

When grandpa enters the door, discipline flies out the window.

- Ogden Nash

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete.

- Marcy DeMaree

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies.

- Author Unknown

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever.

- Author Unknown

If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first.

- Lois Wyse

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or three hours with them, I believe it, too.

- Gene Perret

If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it!

- Hannah Withall Smith

It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world calls her grandmother.

- Author Unknown

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.

- Mary H. Waldrip

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother

- Proverb

An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Anything longer than that, and you start to age quickly.

- Gene Perret

The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby's grandparents. You feel completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods, which is why most grandparents flee to Florida.

- Dave Barry

I wish I had the energy that my grandchildren have - if only for self-defense.

- Gene Perret

Grandmother - grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love.

- Author Unknown

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.

- Alex Haley

Grandmother - a wonderful mother with lots of practice.

- Author Unknown

A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside.

- Author Unknown

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather.

- Joy Hargrove

It's amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one.

- Author Unknown

If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time", you're the grandma

- Teresa Bloomingdale

Grandparents are similar to a piece of string - handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren

- Author Unknown

Grandchildren don't make a man feel old; it's the knowledge that he's married to a grandmother.

- G. Norman Collie

Where does Mum keep her memories?

In a box worn beyond repair,
Tucked inside are memories,
Ask and she will gladly share.

Tattered Valentines "To Mummy With Love",
Papers boasting "Good Work....Well Done!"
A hand print small and fragile,
Blue ribbons proudly won.

Macaroni shells that once formed a flower,
A baby picture smudged with kisses,
The first tooth the Fairy spared,
Cards of IOU's and loving wishes.

Where does Mum keep her memories?

In a box this precious cargo rests
Reminiscent of days long past,
This box of love is her treasure chest.

I was picking up my children at school and Emily, another Mother, that I knew, rushed up to me saying "Do you know what you and I are.........?

Before I answered she blurted out thye reason for her question:

She had just returned from renewing her Driver's License and when speaking to the office she was asked to state her occupation. Emily was uncertain of how to answer, how to classify herself.

The lady at the office said, "What I mean is do you have a job or are you just a.........?

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily, "I'm a MOTHER".

"We don't list mother as an occupation....'housewife' covers it," said the lady emphatically.

Well I forgot Emily's story until one day when I was in a similar situation at a government office. When speaking to a Clerk who was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high-sounding title, like "Official Interrogator..."

"And what is your occupation," she asked me. I said, "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The Clerk paused and observed me as though she'd heard incorrectly.

I repeated myself slowly as she began writing my title down. She asked, "just what is it gthat you do in your field?"

Without fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research in the laboratory and in the field. I'm working for my masters and already have four credits (4 daughters). The job is one of the most demanding in the humanities and I often work 14 hours a day (more like 24). The job is more challenging than most run of the mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money!"

All of a sudden the Clerk showed a bit of respect as she completed my form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our drive way at home I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7 and 3. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in the child-development program, testing our new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant. I scored a beat on bureaucracy and I went down on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another...."

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mummy to Mum to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mummy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mum knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mum's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mum would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mum.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

If you want to help improve your kids' social skills and behaviour in difficult times, grandparents may be the key.

A study of 11 to 16 year olds in England and Wales found the more conversations they had with a grandparent, including asking for advice or even money, the better they got along with peers and the less hyperactive and disruptive behaviour was shown.

Grandparents are a positive force for all families but play a significant role in families undergoing difficulties.

Perhaps it's not Mum who knows best - but Grandma.

We know that parents who set firm boundaries, have high expectations of their children behaviourally, allow children to suffer consequences of actions (not make excuses for them all the time) and love them unconditionally are well on their way to raising confident, responsible young people.

I like this story which illustrated these points.

Someday when my children are old enough to Understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them, as my Mean Mom told me:

I loved you enough to ask where you were going, With whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you Discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to stand over you for Two hours while you cleaned your room, A job that should have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you see anger, Disappointment, and tears in my eyes. Children Must learn that their parents aren't perfect..

I loved you enough to let you assume the Responsibility for your actions even when the Penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I loved you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all. I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too. And someday when your children are old enough to Understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them.

Was your Mom mean?

I know mine was.

We had the meanest mother in the whole world!

While other kids ate candy for breakfast, We had to have cereal, eggs, and toast.

When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, We had to eat sandwiches.

And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was Different from what other kids had, too.

Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were convicts in a prison.

She had to know who our friends were And what we were doing with them.

She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less.

We were ashamed to admit it, But she had the nerve to break The Child Labor Laws by making us work.

We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, Learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, Empty the trash and all sorts of cruel Jobs. I think she would lie awake at night Thinking of more things for us to do.

She always insisted on us telling the truth, The whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

By the time we were teenagers, She could read our minds And had eyes in the back of her head.

Then, life was really tough!

Mother wouldn't let our friends just honk The horn when they drove up They had to come up to the door So she could meet them.

While everyone else could date When they were 12 or 13, We had to wait until we were 17.

Because of our mother we missed out On lots of things other kids experienced.

We went through school trouble-free.

None of us have ever Been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's Property or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault.

We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out all night, or a million other things other kids did.

Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once.

We know better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays.

Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, all educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents just like Mom was.

I think that is what's wrong with the world today. It just doesn't have enough mean moms anymore!

Addendum - Proverbs 22:6 (Good News Bible)

Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.

It's tough when the current attitude is so much more relaxed and some parents are afraid to say "No" to their children and give them so much freedom. But our children only have one life and we want it to be the purest and best it can be for them, we want them to lead happy lives and be responsible adults.

My Mother use to always say,

When someone special passed away;

They'd send a rainbow to let you know,

They'd arrived in Heaven and low and behold;

On the day she left us to be with Him,

My youngest daughter came running in;

And said, "Oh! Mom, please come and see,

What Grandma's sent to you and me.

I ran outside and looked up in the sky,

We saw the rainbow and with a tear in my eye;

I looked again and there were two,

I said, "One for me and one for you."

I ran for my camera a photo to take,

It wouldn't last long, make no mistake;

I clicked away so I could show,

Everyone Grandma's double rainbow.

We talk about this every now and then,

And think about what's at the rainbow's end;

We'll see her again, I know this is true,

God has said to us, "Now, don't be blue."

"She's safe with me and all is well,

For in my house good people dwell;"

She sends God's angels to look over us,

She's o.k., for we have His word to trust.

We feel at peace and she is too,

This special thing we always knew;

Deep inside I feel this is so,

'Cause Grandma told us with her double rainbow.

It takes a Mother's Love to make a house a home,
A place to be remembered, no matter where we roam.

It takes a Mother's Patience, to bring a child up right,
And her Courage and her Cheerfulness to make a dark day bright.

It takes a Mother's Thoughtfulness to mend the heart's deep "hurts,"
And her Skill and her Endurance to mend little socks and shirts.

It takes a Mother's Kindness to forgive us when we err,
To sympathize in trouble and bow her head in prayer.

It takes a Mother's Wisdom to recognize our needs
And to give us reassurance by her loving words and deeds.

It takes a Mother's Endless Faith, her Confidence and Trust
To guide us through the pitfalls of selfishness and lust.

And that is why in all this world there could not be another
Who could fulfill God's purpose as completely as a MOTHER!

HERE'S A GOOD WAY TO LOOK AT YOUR HANDS. (MALE OR FEMALE) NEVER QUITE THOUGHT OF IT THIS WAY BEFORE

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you -- not because they are nice, But because you are.

~Author Unknown

JUST LOOK AT THE PICTURE A GOOD WHILE, AND THEN READ THE REST. IT WILL TOUCH YOU.

I was privileged to take a photo of 'Five Generations of Women'

GRANDMA'S HANDS (A "must read" )

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands..

When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.

'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?'

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.

'They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God.

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When you read this, say a prayer for the people you care about, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life.

Let's continue praying for one another.