Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Special

I think Mothers' day is a very special day.

On Sunday I thought about my grandma who was such a huge and influential part of my childhood and was saddened that I can no longer share things with her; I thought about my own Mum, now appreciating and understanding more and more what it was like for her, mothering us; and I thought about the so many wonderful women I know, who while not all of them have children, they are all so nurturing and caring.

(image from here)

We had lunch at our place on Sunday. I made the dessert, but everything else was done for Mum and me. I was so lucky to find a perfect gift for my Mum - a lover of all things Art Deco. This tray was shoved in a shelf at my local op shop - $4 and a nice polish later, it was looking very special!! I added some white chocolate (her favourite!) and this cute wrist pincushion I made from this pattern. Also, I made a little tray cloth using the beautiful Ink&Spindle fabric I bought at the Stitches and Craft Show.

As for me .... I get to go shopping for a *new* camera!! woo hoo :D

My Mothers day extended beyond Sunday though. I had the most delightful night last night; my boy's school organised a Mothers' Day dinner - just the prep students and their mums were invited. The tables were set out with handwritten place cards and a vase of flowers, there were special menus that the kids could tick off their Mum's choice of pizza and there were lots of excited five year olds!!

We were also given a special gift (little note pad) and card. The kids were instructed to serve their Mums first which was an amazing lesson in patience!! The Prep teachers, the teachers' aides, the prac students and the principal were all there to help the evening run smoothly.

After our meal - and this is the best bit!!! - we were given a hand massage and manicure from the kids!!! Just gorgeous - can you imagine what your nails might look like after a five year old has painted them?! Luckily the polish colours were all on the clear and sparkly side, not bright red! The boys at our table asked their Mums to reciprocate the nail polishing, so we all had fancy nails by the end!!

It was just such a lovely night - it made my heart sing seeing the beside-yourself-excitement in the kids, particularly my darling boy's, but also that the teachers had organised such an event (and given up their Monday night).

Special.

7 comments:

Bec said...

Oh Ali, this is such a wonderful post - such a beautiful way to celebrate Mother's Day. I love the present you bought/made for your mum. So thoughtful and special. Glad to hear you got the royal treatment as well :D
XX Bec

Hey Harriet said...

What an amazing thing that the prep school organises. That's such a lovely treat. Lucky you Ali! The gift for your mum is so sweet. Happy camera shopping! :)

Little Mary Moo said...

What a beautiful post Ali. The dinner sounded so lovely. I hope you enjoy your new camera.

bubbachenille said...

What a beautiful idea with the kids doing manicures..I can just picture it...

Chrisy said...

Yes so many wonderful women out there...I also had a special grandmother and wish that she was still around...but like you appreciate my own mum more and more...
...jealous of you getting to go camera shopping tho!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a wonderfully memorable Mother's day Ali. Love the nail painting, you are brave. I don't even have nail polish in the house incase my kids find it ;)

Oh and I totally relate in regards to appreciating our own Mums more after having kids of our own. Especially my Grandmother, she had 4 kids and widowed when her eldest child was 7 years old. Tough times.

Sandrine said...

That is a lovely post, you made up a really nice present for your mum.I wish I could have seen a photo of your nail art:)
S x