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All about Mom . . .
Friday | May 6 | 2011
Friday | May 6 | 2011
These are the moments...
All about Mom . . .
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All about Mom . . .
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Celebrating More Than Moms on Mother's Day Every spring individuals celebrate their mothers on Mother's Day. It has evolved from a day to honor mothers to one that recognizes all special women. Therefore, if there is a woman in one's life who isn't a biological mother -- but special nonetheless -- Mother's Day can be a time to tell her how much she is appreciated. There are many reasons a person may want to honor a woman that is not his or her mother. Perhaps the person's own mother has passed away or is not prominent in this individual's life. Maybe there is a grandmother or aunt with whom one is especially close. There may be a teacher or mentor that has touched the life of a person in a special way. Although Mother's Day is built around giving thanks to Mom, it's certainly acceptable to thank women in addition to dear old Mom. Furthermore, one needn't wait until a specific day in May to honor a notabl e woman. This can be done all year long with certain gestures and sentiments.
For those who are celebrating all women on Mother's Day, here are some ways to set the day apart. ❀ Create a handmade card with personalized sentiments that reflect the unique relationship with this special woman. This can mean more than a prepurchased card that may not offer the right words. ❀ Find out her interests and spend a day doing entirely what she wants to do. It doesn't necessarily have to take place on Mother's Day. A trip to a museum or a day at the park -- whatever it may be -- can be a nice outing. ❀ Treat her to a special dinner. Ask about favorite foods and create a meal at home. If dining out is a must, choose a day other than Mother's Day to avoid the crowds and have intimate moments with just the two of you, especially if you are also honoring your own mother on Mother's Day. ❀ Find something you both enjoy and then go and do that. Maybe you met up due to a hobby or interest. Remember the first
Mother's Day presents an opportunity to celebrate Mom and any other special women in your life.
day you met and reminisce by heading to that place for a celebration. ❀ Have an extended family fiesta. Host a Mother's Day party at home and single out all the special women in attendance. Serve cocktails and enjoy the time spent together.
Mother's Day is a special time of the year to honor not only a person's mom but also any other notable woman in his or her life. The holiday can be customized any way a person sees fit.
Friday | May 6 | 2011
All about Mom . . .
Mother's Day Minus Mom Mother's Day is supposed to be a happy occasion wherein individuals honor their mothers and other special women with gifts and tokens of appreciation. But for the men and women who have lost their mothers, this holiday can be everything from bittersweet to painful. Honoring Mom takes on new meaning. Any holiday can be particularly difficult to enjoy when a loved one passes away. However, Mother's Day and Father's Day -dates on the calendar specific to a special person in one's life -- can be even more trying, especially if the loss is still fresh. Individuals who have lost their mothers may experience Mother's Day in myriad ways. Some may choose to ignore the day, preferring to keep busy and not acknowledge that Mother's Day is taking place. Others may pour over memories of their mother, looking at old photos or videos. Some may make a trip to a cemetery or special place of reflection. Certain people pre-
fer to be alone, while others want to be in the comfort of a group. The way the holiday is spent is entirely up to the person and the way he or she feels the most comfortable. In fact, it can be downright challenging to wade through the rows of greeting cards at every store and watch scores of commercials on television reminding one not to forget to pick up something special for one's mother. If a person is looking for a way to celebrate Mom after she has passed on, here are a few ideas. ☛ Remember a good time had with Mom and then capture those happy feelings. ☛ Donate to a charity or do something special that Mom would have appreciated. ☛ Plant a tree or plant in her honor in the yard. ☛ Watch a video or look through pictures of Mom and remember all of the good times had together. ☛ If you are a mother, relish in the day
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On Mother's Day, men and women who have lost their mother often find spending time with their own children is a great way to lift their spirits.
with the kids and other family. Your Mom would want you to. ☛ Wear a white carnation to symbolize that you have lost your mother.
☛ Gather together with siblings or friends who have lost their mothers and spend the day together.
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All about Mom . . .
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When it comes to “Mom,” here’s what our Readers had to say! 20 Years ago, May 16th, 1991, respectfully, my Mother went to be with the Lord. As a child growing up in our busy, large family of 11, I never really thought about the enormity of my Mom’s chore list and the hours put into it each day, until I became an adult and married. I tried to fashion my life around what I saw and lived at home impossible-- She was one of a kind! Before sunrise, her day started with milking a barn full of cows, feeding us a hearty breakfast, packing lunches and getting us prepared to catch the school bus on time.. My Dad worked the second shift at a factory along with running the farm. Mom loved my Dad dearly, so she gave surely more than 100 percent each and everyday. Never a complaint, and she shined with her cooking to please him. Her schedule didn’t easily coincide with his outside factory job and raising a family of three generations, but again she did and made it all look so easy. She fluently flowed through each day fulfilling all chores and taking care of each child’s needs. We didn’t run out to the store for bread and milk; the bread was homemade, and the milk was provided by the cows she milked twice a day. The first washing machine I remember, (I’m in the middle of the 11 children) was a wringer washer used in her ve ry small kitch e n pulled up to the sink. The clean laundry was
to be hung on the clothes line whether it be summer or winter. There was never a dryer to be had at all. It was not easy taking frozen clothes off the line in the winter time and transporting them inside to dry thoroughly on the clothes bars. There was always a designated ironing day, most things were ironed, no soft, wrinkle-free clothing without a dryer. Our house was expected to be clean and orderly. And it always was. Nothing that a young child or teenager could relate to today, but at Christmas time, we always received a box of multiple games inside and it was used aplenty. The whole family would be seated at our dining room table enjoying the fun of it and each others’ company. As busy as Mother’s Day would be, you could always expect a bedtime story. All of us younger children piled on top of the bed, her reading from a thick, 365 stories, one for each day of the year; and it was read over and over throughout the years. God blessed us with a Mother whose shoes no mother could fill today!
*** Like the majority, I think my Mom is the “best.” Mostly, because of her quiet, sweet manner, loving hands, and heart of gold. She always was hard worker helping out on the fa rm while ke eping an immaculate home. At 94 years young, she is a genuine “lady.” She enjoyed the “Good Old Days” and showed incredible strength during the not-so-good days. Days like the loss of her beloved husband of 55 years and the loss of 3 children. I praise her for the determination in seeing her son walk again after being afflicted with polio during the epidemic, after being told by the doctors that he never would. I thank her for always being there and giving her family wonderful memories. I think god for giving her to us. Happy Mother’s Day, to my mom, Nellie Treat. We all love you! Submitted by Darlene Clark
just a few: When the movie, “The Wizard of Oz” would come on telev i s i o n , she wo u l d always make us scrambled egg sandwiches and hot chocolate. We would all sit around the television (usually on the floor) and she would serve us. To this day, some of us still do it. At Halloween time, she would make donuts. She would work on them for 2-3 days before Halloween and make them for all the kids in the town (of Jasper). These would be her treats. We also had sledding parties when we had a big snow storm. The kids in town would come by and she would make us “homemade” pizza and hot chocolate. She wasn’t only a mom to us, but to some of the kids in town as well. These are just a few things she did for all us. She also had her alone time. She would get up early in the morning, and have her coffee sitting on the front porch. This was special to her. We lost our Mom in April 2001, but these and many more memories stay with us.
*** In memory of Mary Charloett Magoon Fenton, b. 3-11-1924, d. 5-16-1991 With all my love, daughter and namesake, Mary Fenton Kline
My Mom was a very special person. She had 8 children and 26 grandchildren and her life seemed to revolve around us. Some of the special things I remember, and these are
Our Mom: Marilyn P. Willis We all love and miss her. Your kids, Jackie, Bill, Don, Darlene, Calvin, Jeff, Patty and Marty Willis
Friday | May 6 | 2011 I know that most people think that their mother is someone special, and I want to add my accolades for my own mother, Elise M. Micheli. My brothers and sisters concur with me. Our mother was a single parent of six children, and at the time, that was rare. She was a woman of strong principles, a strict disciplinarian, a gre at cook, a bit of a prankster, and one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Mom was a War Bride with no family here in the USA, and she didn’t have many resources available to her, so she just took the bull by the horns, and went to work to provide for us. She often worked two jobs just to make ends meet, and she almost always went without things for herself so that we had all that we needed. She made each of us feel special in our own way. When we became parents, we were able to draw upon her strong example of what it took to care for our children, as we had been cared for ourselves. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all have a special affection for their grandmother, and she loves each of them. We six siblings were always positive that mom had a set of eyes in the back of her head, because she always seemed to know where we were and what we were doing. We found out later, that she had many friends who would report any bad behavior to her, so it was easier for us to try to mind our p’s and q’s. Some of my favorite memories are the special sundays we spent seeing a movie at the Fox Theatre as a family, walking to Ken and Elsie’s ice cream parlor for a relished cold treat, going to Roseland Park in the summer, and the many happy times we sat around the dining room table playing an assortment of board games. There are a lot
All about Mom . . . more memories, but it would take several pages to list even half of them. I can’t think of many happy times in life when she hasn’t been there--- weddings, births, fi rst communions, c o n fi rm ations, graduations, etc., and she has been there to offer comfort to us when we had to face the bad times in our lives. I want to let everyone know how special she is to us. All those who know her besides her children already know this, and now you all know too. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom from your Grateful Children! Submitted by: Barbara Miller *** In memory of Dawn (Hulslander) Jessup I Miss You, Mom! I used to think that people didn’t need their moms so much after they grew up. But I’ve realized that’s not true. So often, when I’m making a decision, I wish you were here so I could ask your advice. And so many times, when something happens that I know you would enjoy, I wish you were here to share it with me. Now that I’m older, I’ve realized how “special” our relation was. And while I’m thankful for that bond, somehow it makes me miss you even more. Mom, even though you’re not here physically, I know you’re watching and listening. And I need you to know that “ I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!” Missing you lots Always in my heart, your daughter, Jackie Jessup
When I was about 9 years old, my family had just recently moved to another home in the fall. Out behind our house were big hills that ran back nearly to the highway. One winter day, I decided to ex p l o re the “unknown” territory up in the hills and took off all by myself. Once I got up into the hills, it started to snow and snow and snow. I couldn’t remember how I got up there, and I was wandering around scared to death and crying. It was getting dark and I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. All of a sudden I heard my mother, Alice Robinson, screaming my name but I couldn’t see her because it was snowing so hard. To make a long story short, she climbed that hill and trudged through all that snow until she found me. What I didn’t know until she got me back home, was that she had fallen down into a snowbank while trying to find me. Once she got me back home, and was sure that I was okay, she went to the doctor. Come to find out, she had a broken arm from her fall in the snow, and had to have her arm in a cast for weeks. I felt so guilty about that. She was so glad to find me, that she didn’t even yell at me for a couple of days. Then she let me have it because I was, of course, totally, totally wrong to take off all by myself into the hills where I had never been before. But, my mother truly saved my life that day and myself and my sisters, Joyce, Bev, Helene, Susan, Bonnie, and Michele, continue to thank God for her every day. In Honor of Alice Robinson, submitted by Kimberly Robinson
PAGE 7 *** My Mother: Whenever I see pink roses, I think of Mom. Actually, anything pink. Rosie's her name. I would just love to smell her perfume again. No one could smell as good as Mom, wearing "White shoulders" perfume. She is gone from us now but she is still the best Mom ever,because I know she is still with me. Whenever I feel blue or down, I can feel her hand on my shoulder as if she is telling me, "things will be alright." Some times when I look in the mirror, I can see her in my face. It is very comforting to me. I have many great memories to last me until I see her again. I miss her smile. She was so pretty. She is the perfect Rose! She is loved and missed by her daughter Shirley. *** ARVILLA M. PHINNEY My Mom was not just My Mother, she was My Best Friend and My Confidant. She truly was a Shining Star in My Life. She was always there for me no matter how many miles separated us. She was My Guardian Angel!! When she got sick and God took her home, my life didn't shine as bright anymore. Even though she is gone, I will Always have the Memories. She will Forever Live in My Heart!! Love You Mom Kate
All about Mom . . .
PAGE 8 My Mom, the most remarkable mom ever! She is gone from us now but we all have so many memories to draw upon, so she is always around. Being one of (18) eighteen children, one can just imagine the memories that are stored in our hearts. Mom would let me use the car when Dad was working and give me money for gas too! She was the best cook ever. I loved the way Mom and Dad used to bake and cook together. Mom had most of her children at home. She did not complain about where the money would come from for new shoes or clothes. She just knew it would be alright. She was always laughing and ready to give a big hug and a kiss. I miss Mom and Dad. With love from your third child, Kenny *** I have a very special memory of my Mom, Alvora Baker Gamet. In October 1998, I went to her house to have her show me how to make apple butter. We spent an e n t i re day together laughing, peeling
apples, cooking and making the apple butter. I have eaten all of it except one jar which I keep as a memory, because she went into Corning Hospital the end of October. From there she was transferred to Arnot Ogden in Elmira with kidney failure. She passed away December 2, 1998. I really miss her. Submitted by: Sharon J Calkins *** I can't put into words how amazing and wonderful my mother, Kathy, really is. She has been there for me my entire life, even when others have not. She's more than just a "mom" to me, she is an extension of who I am. If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "You act just like your mother," I'd be rich. I think that is one of the highest compliments someone can tell me. I am honored to be like her, lucky to have her as my mother, and thankful for every moment we share. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." - Jennifer DeKay
*** Our Mom She raised eight children in a manner of life that brought fruitful bounties of childhood stori e s , the fondest of memori e s , moral-bound family structures and all with limited compensation for the degree of hard work that she completed. I recall warm summer days spent beneath an old oak tree, shelling peas while Mom tended to babies in bassinets and toddlers scurrying about. Dad would be in the fields with my older brother often by his side, and I, being third eldest of those eight – had a bird’s eye view of what it meant to be a great Mom. We (and by we, I mean “she”) canned home-grown goods from the end of J une until midOctober and brought Popsicles to us b e t ween unloading hay. She saddled in close to my father on Sunday drives and recognized the value of families being together. She scurried us through the one bathroom and limited the timing, but made sure each of us was clean and dressed warm. She mended jeans, shirts and even took part in the silliness of 4-H projects through the years; laughing at what her girls were learning to sew. She ordered peaches for summertime treats, and passed down the trick of cooking for a family of ten on a budget of two. My favorite was waking to her humming a tune, the smell of coffee from the kitchen and the feel of her rubbing our backs as she pulled blankets back from our snuggled nests. Because dairy-farming is a labor of love with long hours and rare breaks, our show of affection for such a mother was presenting bundles of flowers from walks through the meadow, and random trinkets from yard sale finds along the way. She was always so very thankful. We knew that it would be appreciated, and even better – that it would
Friday | May 6 | 2011 be acknowledged. If it needed to be done she would calmly proclaim, “Where there is a will, there is a way so let’s find a way!” and carry on as if nothing was too much of a big deal. Together, we ventured many ideas – from the creation of firecracker cake sales for the Fourth of July and selling eggs door-to-door for a bit of spending money to hanging drywall, spackling ceilings, making cheese, and many “let’s see what this does” projects. I recall a certain hero aspect about her though; one that still exists. To me, she was capable of anything…everything. She was uninhibited, undeterred and loved beyond measure. She does not accept “no” or “I can’t” as a reason because to her, you can. She filled the role of not only Mother, but of wife, counselor, family doctor, nutritionist, chef and baker, confidant, and friend. She exudes a presence that is not demanding, but anticipating – for what she may be so blessed to experience. She set high expectations for her children, for her family, and for herself and met them all. And mostly – she facilitated an understanding of what it means to not only live, but to live life well. She is my Mother, and to her I give an abundance of gratitude, appreciation, and love. Thank you Mom! ~From all of your little “Biebers” (Danielle, Jeremy, Patti, Aaron, Faith, Ben, Tim, and Rebecca) you mean the world!
*** My friends and I invited Mom to join us for a night out with the girls. She had never taken us up on it before. Mom worked hard as a housewife and mother of four. She packed lunches and made dinner without complaint and seldom took time for herself.
Friday | May 6 | 2011 She decided that night to join us for some fun. My friends treated her like one of the girls. She had a great time. We all talked and laughed all night. It was great to see Mom laugh and enjoy herself. By the time we brought her home my Dad was there and wanted to know where she’d been. She just told him she was out for drinks and a good time with my friends. He was speechless and it was priceless. I miss her so much. Happy Mothers’ Day, Mom! Debbie Brant *** I remember going out in the backyard in the early evening one summer night. We, my Mommy and me were on a “Back Yard Safari.” I was only three at the time, but it was a fun trip. On our backyard adventure we saw, bugs, spiders, worms, flowers, antsand up in the tree with the birds where these big eyes looking out at us- I grabbed my Mommy’s hand, and half-way backe d behind her. Riley she said, “It is ok, sweetie. That is a raccoon. They do not hurt people, but we will go inside and watch Mr. Raccoon and see what he does.” So inside the house we went, and I sat at the sliding glass door, in the dark for the longest timelooking to see if Mr. Raccoon would come up to our house. The next thing I remember was Mommy tucking me into bed- and saying- that Mr. Raccoon did not come to the backdoor, but maybe tomorrow night when we take another back yard safari- we will see Mrs. Raccoon, or Mrs. Possum. Goodnight Riley- Mommy loves you always. Submitted on behalf of Riley West *** My Mother is Mary Knapp and she is my angel. She is the most Caring, Loving and Giving person I have ever known and I am so glad I have been blessed with such a Wonderful Mom and Grandmother. She has helped me through so much and I love her with all my heart! Love your daughter, Jill ‘I LOVE YOU’ AROUND THE WORLD On Mother’s Day, it’s time to tell your mother how much you love and appreciate her. Impress her by saying “I love you” in different languages: German: “Ich liebe Dich” Spanish: “Te amo” French: “Je t'aime”
All about Mom . . . *** When I was younger and someone would tell me "You act just like your mother". I would say, "No way, not me". I thought that was a horrible thing for someone to say, but now, after becoming a mother myself... for someone to tell me I act just like my mom would be a great compliment. It wasn't until after my children I realized just how wonderful she really was. She is the most giving woman I know. Always there for me when I need advice or just an egg. From my questions about cooking to questions about diaper rashes, she's there with an answer however silly the question may be. She is the best, and I am thankful there are times that I act just like my mother! Thanks for everything mom, I love you! For my mom Kathleen Keefer from your daughter, Jillian Stinson
*** Folks ask my Mom, "...And how old are your children, Gladys?" "Well, she replies, "My eldest is 81, her sister is nearing 75, and my baby is going on 69." My Mom who will be 105 on Christmas Day has been amazing all her life. The only living member of her nursing class of 1928 at Syracuse University, she spent 30 years nu rsing at Corning Hospital. Always in demand by family, neighbors and friends, she offered helpful care and encouragement to so many in times of need. While wo rking and raising her thre e daughters, she also was a great help to my Dad who was an employee at Corning Glass Works, as well as founder and pastor of a church in Curtis. Whether teaching a Sunday School class, tip-up fishing, camping clear across the country, traveling to Canada, Togo, Africa or the Holy Land she loved a challenge and adventure. Her children, her 11 grand-children and 23 great grandchildren praise her being a mentor, a friend, a teacher, a counselor and the most loving and AMAZING Mom and Grandma! A Tribute to Gladys H. Lane Written by her eldest daughter, Marcia H. Lanctin of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, and on behalf of her sisters, Eleanor Brennan and Esther Marmor.
*** Memories of my Mom, Marie Lundgren – Oh where do I begin? The very first special time was the minute I was born. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was born on her birthday. As I think back over the years, I think of the love she gave me. We weren’t rich but we lacked for nothing. The love of God was very important in our family. Because of this I now know Jesus as my personal Savior. Christmas was a very special time for us. Mom and Dad made sure we had a good Christmas even if there were only a few gifts under the tree. We knew they were there with love. We were a family. Always doing things together. Sledding, ice skating, vacations, visiting relatives, family reunions, playing baseball or kickball in back yard, swimming, planting garden, podding peas, snipping beans, cutting corn off the cob, digging potatoes, canning and freezing. Many may thing of some of these things as chores but we had a lot of fun doing them. Did we eat more peas or beans raw than were frozen? One will never know. She always wanted the best of her children. I remember her
PAGE 9 being given a fur coat when we were children. She never wore the coat. Why you ask. Because she didn’t want to look like she was dressed better than her children. Then when her children were around 10 and into early teens, foster children became a part of our family. Spreading all the love they had around to children who weren’t as fortunate as us. Then adopting two handicapped children. Then along came grandchildren – once again there was still love left over for them. One of the saddest memories I have is the day of her death in 2006. Upon entering her room at Waters of Three Rivers I never expected to see what I saw. I sat on the edge of the bed and put one hand on her hands. Her breathing was labored. I said “Mom, it’s Mary Jane”. She repeated my name. Within in a couple minutes she was gone. I was there alone with her. Oh how it hurt. Both of my parents were now gone. I can’t wish her back because I know she walks the streets of gold and I will be reunited with her someday. However, I still miss her. These are the memories, as well as many others, I will never forget. I love you Mom. Mary Jane Semple
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All about Mom . . .
Friday | May 6 | 2011
Friday | May 6 | 2011
All about Mom . . .
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Famous Quotes for Mother's Day Mother's Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world. Many countries and cultures choose to celebrate Mother's Day in March , Ap ril or May. Though the Mother's Day many people know today dates back a little more than a century, historians note that ancient Romans kept a festival to Cybele, a great mother of the Gods. In addition, Europe has several traditions aimed at honoring mothers that date back quite a while. One of the traditions associated with the current Mother's Day is to give Mom a gift. Some people only give their own mothers and wives gifts, while others extend their generosity to sisters with children, mothersin-law and even grandmothers. Chances are, over the years Mom's gifts have run the ga mu t , f rom a homemade tre a s u re kids made in elementary school to jewelry from
hubby to breakfast in bed. For those who want to add a literary tilt to their Mother's Day gift this year, consider including any of the following motherly quotes when preparing a gift Mom won't soon forget.
Mother o' mine, O mother o' mine." -
“I remember my mother's prayers and they
wife the best, but his mother the longest." Irish proverb
have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America
Rudyard Kipling, in his poem "Mother O' Mine"
“ A man loves his sweetheart the most, his
“The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find for-
“Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of
giveness." - Honore de Balzac, French
friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, American author
playwright “The future destiny of a child is always the wo rk
of
the
mother."
-
“"All women become like their mothers. Bonaparte, Emperor of France
That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his." - Oscar Wilde, Irish poet
“If I was damned of body and soul, I know whose praye rs would make me whole,
N ap o l e o n
“The God to whom little boys say their prayers has a face very like their mothers'." - James Matthew Barrie, Scottish author
“Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." - Lin Yutang, Chinese writer
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All about Mom . . .
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Friday | May 6 | 2011
All about Mom . . .
t h a n k s , mom ! WAY S T O S AY, ‘ I L O V E Y O U ’ O N M O T H E R ’ S D AY
It’s Mother’s Day.
Instead of giving your mom a new pair of socks or some potholders, give her something she’ll truly appreciate – a gift from the heart. Here’s an idea for bright and fun coffee filter flowers:
in half a few times (making a triangle), tape the pipe cleaner to the center (as a stem), then fluff up the petals to make it look like a flower.
What you’ll need:
MORE GIFT IDEAS
■ Paper towels
■ Make three “gift certificates.”
■ Some coffee filters
On each, write a gift you will give her that she can redeem anytime in the future. You can offer to make her breakfast, give her one hour of quiet time or do any chore she would like you to — with a smile.
■ Washable markers ■ Paint brush and a small cup of water ■ Pipe cleaners ■ Tape
1. Line your work area with a few paper towels. 2. Put down a coffee filter on the paper towels. Color one side of the filter with markers, using a variety of bright colors and shapes. Fill the whole filter with color. 3. Paint on top of the marker with a paintbrush and a little bit of water. Watch the colors as they start to bleed. Be careful not to soak the filter because it will tear. 4. When the filter is dry, it’s time to make your flowers. Be creative in how you put them together. One way is to fold the filter
■ Write her a poem.
Title the poem “Mom,” and make sure to include all the qualities that make your mom great. ■ Make your own bouquet
of flowers. These don’t have to be expensive. You can pick them from a field, your garden or a tree (with permission, of course) and tie them up with a ribbon or twine you have around the house.
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All about Mom . . .
Friday | May 6 | 2011
Friday | May 6 | 2011
DRAW A PICTURE OF YOUR MOM Use crayons, markers or colored pencils to draw in the space on the right.
All about Mom . . .
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MOTHER’S DAY
WORD FIND Find these Mother’s Day words: CARING CHILDREN FAMILY FLOWERS GENEROUS HUGS LOVING MOM MOTHER SPECIAL
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All about Mom . . .
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More Memories of “Mom” from our Readers! My mom? I don't even know where to start. I will try at the beginning. My mom is a very strong woman. Her father died when she was twelve. Back then the oldest were expected to help with the youngest. In this instance the oldest also had to work doing anything to help with finances to care for the other siblings in the home, the home, and property management. So that's when the cruel reality of no more childhood and, growing up fast took place for her. By the time we were born that's what my ma knew was work. Of course with four children in a row, a pizza business and, a 32 acre farm to run well, it was work all day and night with four kids you are on call twenty four seven. Eventually we moved to Campbell and after dealing with horrible marriage, college and
f u rther education was a must. My ma pushed on raising us four whom we re teenagers at the time, caring for a house going to college and, taking care of finances, clothes, food, yard. She was the mechanic when something went wrong with the car. She was the plumber, electrician, an all around do it yourself woman. We broke it, she fixed it with 3 boys and a girl that were teens this happened a lot. Anyhow, she maintained dean’s list at college, graduated with dual degrees, cleaned homes, prepared taxes for a temp agency, ran us to sporting events, the usual mom stuff. Plus she was dad too relationships with him were impossible. She was the strength the unity the all in all bond that held us together. At any time one of our friend were in need she opened
the doors of our home with love compassion, food, clothes and never turned anyone away. Over the years my ma witnessed in Christian love and compassion. Sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone from her twenties on. My mother didn't drink, do violence or any abuse to us. There were no secrets, drugs or neglect. When she walked away from abuse she made sure that everyone was educated how to do the same and avoid it. And when I married she watched me walk away from it and educated me how to stop with our generation of children. Over the years my mother has done a lot. Been strong and worked. Never a cross word but chastisement when needed. How she did it I don't know. I do know my ma is awesome her story is long but, there's not enough time for it all. I pray everyday for a miracle for her. Her arthritis from years of work has crippled her. Her fibromyalgia battles the arthritis. I wonder why my ma? She is literally a saint. I thank God for my ma. Submitted by: Gwenn Vanetten *** All about my mom: 90 years young and still concerned about both of her children. At any age, mom would always help me
when I need her. Especially through all of my medical problems. She still drives daily to the post office to get her mail and other needed things. Also, to help others who need help. She also drives alone to West Virginia to see a 90 plus cousin. She does this twice a year. A mother can never be replaced. The kindness and help she has given her family is priceless. There are things that only a mother can teach us. These are the things, Ruth Darmstadt, that we will remember long after you are gone. Mom, this is your day, enjoy it! Your son, Ron *** Mom’s New Hat We lived through the depression era. With three kids to feed and clothe it was a struggle. Mother needed a new coat. The old one was fast approaching threadbare. I was her daughter and we went shopping. Mom was on the frugal side, but practical. We visited a number of shops and finally after comparing the merits of the various selections viewed, Mom made her decision for a coat with a zip in the lining that would be warm enough - and at a very favorable price. Having made that purchase came the matter of the hat.
All about Mom . . .
Friday | May 6 | 2011 We went to a couple of hat shops at one of which she found a couple that seemed worthy of consideration. Decision - one was favorable economically, but the other one looked better. Finally, my mother stepped completely out of character and said, “Well, I think I saved it on the coat, I guess I will blow it on the hat!” Nothing ever did me more good. Submitted by: Elaine Johnson *** My mom and I sometimes don’t get along the greatest, but I still love her. She has been through a lot in her life and she has been strong all the way through it. She has been a surv ivor through a domestic violence shooting. She was shot in her upper right arm and was lucky it was a few millimeters away from a main vein, or she would not be here today. I was at a friend’s house at the time, and when I found out about my mom that night, I just wanted to run and see her at the hospital. When I got to the hospital, she had already been through surgery, but when she saw me pop my head through the door,
all I could see were smiles on her face. I stayed there for a few hours, but I couldn’t stand staying there any longer because I couldn’t stand seeing her in so much pain. I love my mom a lot! She is a special mom and has been through a lot! I just want her to know that even though my dad had passed away ex a c t ly 3 ye a rs ago on Mother’s Day, that he will always be here for us! I love you mom! Love, Jaclyn Gabrielle *** My mama is such a wonderful person. I love her berry much! You mean so much to me, Mama! I wish sometimes I could come to work with you all day. If I can’t, I will cry, “Please Mama! I be a good boy!” I have so much fun when I am with you. You are an awesome Mama in this world and I am glad you I can call you mine! I can’t wait to see you soon and just want to say you are my Mama and nobody else’s. I mean it! I love you, Mama with all my heart. Love you always, Happy Mama’s Day with Love! Love you always and forever, Dakota. ***
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MY MOM (Carol Calkins) 1917-2008 An Angel on Earth An Angel in Heaven That was "my Mom" A hard worker, a loving heart and a friend to everyone. She loved her family, interacted with all people. Enjoyed cooking, gardening and taking care of elderly family members----while still working two jobs. After her retirement she volunteered her services at The Steuben County Infirmary. I miss you and think of you AND "Thank" you every day for giving me life and guidance. MOM YOU are my Angel ~ Joanie ***
I have the best Mother I could ever ask for and more. She has always been there when I needed her advice. She’s my best friend and just a great person! My mother is a strong person and very driven to complete her life long goals in life. That is why we are so much a like in many ways. My mother has always been my inspiration to further my education and get my Associates Degree in Human Services. She earned her degree in Nursing while being a single mom of twins at the age of eighteen. My mom is a very talented person in everything that she does. I hope one day I can be as beautiful a she has always been! My mom is a very patient and understanding woman and she means the world to me. I remember when I was a little girl and my mom was home sick. The next door neighbor brought some soup for my mom and I said, “Thanks,” and shut the door. The next day, our neighbor came back and wanted to know how the soup was. And me, being a little girl of maybe seven years old said to the lady, “I’m sorry, but my mom didn’t like the soup and my mom threw it away in the garbage. Sorry!” and I shut the door. My poor mon had to explain that one and after we had just moved into
All about Mom . . .
PAGE 18 the town of Campbell! I guess we can sit back and laugh about it now, but I'm sure at the time, my mom didn’t think it was too funny. Just want to say I love you with all my heart, and I know sometimes that I don’t say it enough. You have been the best mom that a girl gould ever ask for more. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom with lots of love from your darling daughter, Lauren! *** Our Mom, Phyllis Stratton was a wonderful, loving, funny, and caring person. She loved her family very much; the house that Dad built for us, their friends and the simple pleasures in life. She enjoyed working, country & western music, cards, doing crafts, traveling, camping and having fun. Mom passed away May 13, 2009 at the age of 82. I think about her everyday and all of the pages of wonderful memories I have kept. Here are just a few of them: I remember Hank Williams’ record playing on our record player and Mom singing along with it in the living room and Dad came in and they danced. I was 10 when I,
Mom, and her Mom walked down to the creek with the market basket in hand and filled with the violets we picked. We made all kinds of crafts together. During the summer we would play Chinese checkers and Scrabble to see who would win the most games by summer’s end. Prize was choice of ice cream treat, the loser had to buy. In 1977, I moved to Colorado, starting a new chapter in my life. After a few more years, Mom & Dad started another chapter in their lives, retirement. We wrote long letters often, and it was wonderful. The excitement in Mom’s writing - like when telling me about seeing the first robin and the crocus popping up through the dirt in early spring and the surprise of 2 deer walking through the front yard early one summer morning. Describing the garden that Dad planted and sending some pictures of the veggies they grew and the trips they took with Mom jotting down notes of what they saw and about the nice people they meet. In 1993, I came back to the Painted Post area and it was great being together again just like old times. I will always cherish the memories, wisdom, e n c o u rage m e n t , and love. We all love and miss you. Submitted by: Schelene Stratton
*** Grandma’s are out of this world and mine is the best one in this world! She has the most tender and loving arms and welcoming home. She in now alone and family means more than anything right now. My grandpa is in Heaven now, but at least he isn’t struggling each day to fight another battle of cancer! My grandma is a very strong, independent lady who looks forward and never looks back. I hope someday, I can be as strong as she has always been. If you got the chance to met her, you would say you are very lucky to have her in your life, because she is a gre at lady who deserves the world and mu ch more! I remember when i was a little girl, and she used to brush my long locks of curls and scratch my back for hours on end. That was the best and still she is the best grandma any girl could ever ask for and more. I also remember for my birthday, she would pick me up and she would take me to get a fancy hair do, buy me a new outfit, and take me to my favorite restaurant all in one day. She has been a thoughtful lady, and I love her with all my heart. I wouldn’t change her for the world. I love you grandma for who you are! She has always told me the ones who
Friday | May 6 | 2011 are patient in life will get the things they want out of life-- and she’s totally right! I love you grandma more than you will ever know. You’re the best and wonderful lady in the world. We love you with all of our hearts and am proud to call you my grandma! So Happy Grandma’s day with lots of love from Lauren, Brian and Dakota. *** Fond Memories of our Mom: Our mother’s life wasn’t always easy for her. Through it all, she always saw to it that each one of her children felt loved. Mom loved our family gatherings. She had the most beautiful smile and caring heart. The most treasured memories of our mom are the times we had our outings with her, of which we all enjoyed. Fond memories of picnics, rides by the lake, and of course, stopping by to get ice cream sundaes (which was her favorite.) With all our hearts, your children. *** Thank you to all our readers for sharing your memories with us!
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All about Mom . . .
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TREAT MOM to breakfast in bed EASY PANCAKES 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1-1/4 cups milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted
3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 egg Strawberries & powdered sugar, for garnish
1. Sift dry ingredients together then add the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated and let stand 5 minutes. 2. Prepare a griddle or flat skillet by heating over medium-high heat and greasing with butter or non-stick cooking spray. 3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto griddle for each pancake. Wait until bubbles form in the center and then flip. Let cook on other side until golden brown, then remove. 4. Repeat until pancake batter is done. 5. Cut a small cleft into the top of sliced strawberries to make them look like hearts and garnish the plate with powdered sugar.
Breakfast in bed is one of the staples of Mother's Day celebrations. Pancakes are an ideal breakfast to serve Mom. Easily created, pancakes can be made with just a few ingredients that are usually kitchen staples. Young children should be supervised if helping with the preparation of breakfast.
ANOTHER EASY RECIPE French Toast ■ ■ ■ ■
8 eggs 1/3 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional 8 day-old bread slices
1. Beat eggs, milk and nutmeg, if using, in shallow dish until blended. Soak one bread slice at a time in the egg mixture, turning once, letting stand about 1 minute per side. 2. Have your dad or an older brother or sister heat a lightly greased large nonstick skillet over high heat until hot. 3. Place as many bread slices in hot pan as will fit in single layer. Immediately reduce heat to medium. Cook until golden brown and no visible liquid egg remains, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Repeat to cook remaining bread. Serve immediately.
— incredibleegg.org
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All about Mom . . .
Mother's Day Tidbits and Trivia Mother's Day is a day devoted to celebrating mothers and expressing love for the special women in our lives. Mother's Day can also be a time to share some trivia and tidbits with those special women who mean so much. ☛ Americans owe Mother's Day to West Virginia native Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her mother two years after the latter's death in 1905. After the memorial, Jarvis devoted her efforts to a campaign to make Mother's Day a nationally recognized holiday. The hard work paid off in 1914 when the day was nationally recognized. ☛ Anna Jarvis and her sister, Ellsinore, eventually grew to detest what they felt Mother's Day had become. The sisters felt the day had grown too commercialized, and spent their family inheritance campaigning against Mother's Day.
☛ Ironically, Anna Jarvis never married and had no children. ☛ Rajo Devi Lohan of India is believed to be the world's oldest new mother. Lohan gave birth to a baby girl at age 70 after receiving IVF treatment. Within two years of the child's birt h , reports indicated Lohan's health was deteriorating. ☛ Lina Medina is considered to be the youngest to ever give birth. Medina delivered a 61/2-pound baby boy in Peru at the age of 5 years and 7 months. Medina was believed to have a rare condition called k n own as precocious puberty, which enabled her to conceive at such a young age. ☛ Ancient Egyptians had their own form of Mother's Day by honoring the goddess Isis, who was known as the mother of pharaohs.
☛ The wife of Russian peasant Feodor Vassilyev is considered to be the record holder for birthing the most children. Mrs. Vassilyev is believed to have delivered 69 children between 1725 and 1765. These children were delivered in a total of 27 births, including 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets and four sets of quadruplets. Though little is known about the births or Mrs. Vassilyev, 67 of the 69 ch i l d ren we re said to have surv ive d infancy. ☛ The bond between mother and child is not exclusive to the human race. Mother chimpanzees, for instance, are said to develop lifelong re l ationships with their children. ☛ Carnations are the flowers most associated with Mother's Day. White carnations are wo rn in the memory of
Friday | May 6 | 2011
Friday | May 6 | 2011
All about Mom . . .
Who Played That TV MOM? June Cleave r. Roseanne Conner. Nora Walker. Over the years, there have been some interesting TV moms, and some interesting actresses who played them. Think you know a lot about TV moms and the women who played them? Take this quiz and find out. 1) Barbara Billingsley played Wally and Beaver's mother, June Cleaver, on Leave It to Beaver. True or False? Answer: True. 2) Jean Stapleton played Mike's mother, Edith Bunker, on All in the Family. True or False? Answer: False. Jean Stapleton did play the role of Edith Bunker, but Edith was not Mike's mother. She was his mother-in-law. 3) Florence Henderson played Lionel's mother, Louise Jefferson, on The Jeffersons. True or False? A n swer: Fa l s e. Isabel Sanfo rd playe d Louise Je ffe rson. Florence Henderson played mom Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch. 4) Roxie Roker played Jenny's mother, Helen Willis, on The Jeffersons. True or False? Answer: True. 5) Esther Rolle played J.J., Thelma and Michael's mother, Florida Evans, on Good Times. True or False. Answer: True. 6) Erin Gray played Kate Summers, who eventually became Ricky's stepmother on
Silver Spoons. True or False? Answer: True. 7) Cloris Leachman played dorm mother Edna Garrett early on in The Facts of Life. True or False? Answe r : Fa l s e. Charlotte Rae playe d dorm mother Edna Garrett in the opening season of the show. When Rae left the show years later, Cloris Leachman filled the void, playing Edna's sister Beverly Ann Stickle. 8) Sada Thompson played Alex, Mallory, Jennifer and Andy's mother, Elyse Keaton, on Family Ties. True or False? Fa l s e. Sada Thompson played Kate L aw rence on Fa m i ly. Meredith BaxterBirney played Elyse Keaton on Family Ties as well as Nancy, Kate's daughter on Family. 9) Roseanne Barr played Becky, Darlene, D.J., Jerry and Andy's mother, Roseanne Conner, on Roseanne. True or False? Answer: False. Roseanne Barr did play the role of Roseanne Conner, but Roseanne was not Andy's mother. She was his aunt. 10) Betty White played Dorothy's mother, Sophia Petrillo, on The Golden Girls. True or False? A n swer: Fa l s e. Estelle Getty playe d Sophia Pe t rillo. Betty White playe d Dorothy's roommate and friend Rose Nylund. 11) Suzanne Somers played Mike, Carol, Ben and Chrissie's mother, Maggie Seaver, on Growing Pains. True or False? A n swer: Fa l s e. Joanna Ke rns playe d M aggie Seave r. Suzanne Somers playe d
mom Carol Foster on Step by Step. 12) Two actresses played Carlton, Hilary, Ashley and Nicky's mother, Vivian Banks, on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Janet Hubert-Whitten and Vernee WatsonJohnson. True or False? Answer: False. Janet Hubert-Whitten and Daphne Maxwell Reid played Vivian Banks. Vernee Watson-Johnson playe d Will's mother, Viola Smith. 13) Marcia Cross plays Andrew, Danielle and Benjamin's biological mother, B re e Hodge, on Desperate Housewives. True or False? Answer: False. Marcia Cross does play the role of Bree Hodge, but Bree is not the biological mom of Benjamin. Her daughter Danielle is. 14) Dixie Carter played Bree's mother, Gloria, on Desperate Housewives. True or False? A n swer: Fa l s e. Dixie Carter playe d Gloria Hodge, Bree's mother-in-law and her husband Orson's mother. 15) Calista Flockhart plays Nora Walker, matriarch of the Walker clan, on Brothers and Sisters. True or False? Answer: False. Sally Field plays Nora Walker. Calista Flockhart plays her daughter Kitty.
Well, how did you do? If you got most of them right, give yourself a pat on the back. You really do know your TV moms and the actresses who played them.
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All about Mom . . .
Friday | May 6 | 2011
Friday | May 6 | 2011
All about Mom . . .
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