Saturday, May 9, 2009

Happy Mother's Day MOM!

Dear Mom,

Thanks for being my mom! I know that you haven't gotten the 'main' gift yet - but I wanted to also give you a tribute on my blog. I am so grateful that you're my Mom...and for all the wonderful things that you've taught me.

Let's take a look, shall we...

(cue dream-sequence-like music. probably a harp...)

You taught me how to be a good sister. Both Karyna and I survived our childhood and are now good friends.
Except for the second floor stair banister on the Como house, I think most things remained unscathed...

You taught me how to see the world from a different perspective.
And that things aren't always as they seem. And that's not bad - there is much beauty in things that aren't always recognized initially.

Vanocka. Yes - in my lifetime - I've probably eaten more Czech Christmas Bread dough than actual bread...but it was delicious! And now, I can make it myself.
Christmas (and Easter) wouldn't be the same without it. Sorry for taking so many samples as a child - your patience with me as a kitchen assistant was incredible. As was the foresight to have tums and alka-seltzer on hand when I became ill.

Thank you for having me write down my goals each year at the North Shore. It's something that I do to this very day...

In addition to the goals, I've added a few motivational words. It works! As testament to #3 on the list. I made this list back in 2007 when I wanted to stare at something during a particularly grueling bike trainer session.

You (and Patti) always encouraged me to try new things.
Even though they don't always work out... it doesn't mean you still can't have fun trying! (I only fell twice...luckily I wasn't going fast. I couldn't really get enough grip on the ice to go fast... man, those edges are small!)

What would life be like without being silly, or having fun? You taught me to be less serious - because sometimes I'm too much for my own good.
I may look like a dork - but at least I'm having a good time. And everyone else was amused as well...

You gave me an appreciation for art and music... and that is something that I will carry with me forever.
Every time I look at this picture, it makes me feel happy. I remember the April day the we got it...Nathaniel and I spent hours trying to figure out if we really wanted to pay THAT much money for it. And you supported us with thoughtful questions - and to this day I'm grateful that we got it (and two others...)

And you've supported my love for art and all-things-artsy in a very special way
I don't know what it is with me and teapots. I just love teapots... and Mom has really nurtured that love.


You've also taught me to go after the things that I want, but that the road won't always be easy.
Yes, life sometimes seemed like an uphill battle, but with your support I've always ended up on top. (Or else close to the top).
Kim and I, Palomar Mountain General Store. January 2009. COLD descent!

And you've taught me about love. I don't know how else to say it...
Better yet? You've loved this guy from the start - even though he was my first boyfriend ever, and even though he was in ROTC at the time, and even though I had only been in Madison for a week... nearly 9 years later and it's working beautifully. Yes, the Marine Corps thing is (still) a little weird to me - but he's really incredible. Thanks for making him 'one of yours'. He loves you too!

I love you Mom! I wish more than anything I could be up in Minnesota, spending the day with you and Dad. But we'll have to postpone the celebrations for another month until we meet up in Idaho (knock on wood). OKAY - EVERYONE PLEASE KNOCK ON WOOD!

Thanks!

Have a GREAT Mother's Day Mom - thanks for being my MOM!

PS - there were so many more things I could have added to the list... I hope you know that. Endless, really...

14 comments:

Jen said...

Marit. Beautiful. Really, really beautiful...just like you!
Happy Mothers Day! : )

Jennifer Harrison said...

VERY nice, Marit! Happy Mother's Day to your great mom!!! :)

GoBigGreen said...

aww that makes me want to go hug your mom AND you!
have a great day both of you!!!

Anonymous said...

Marit's Mom,

Thank you. I love you so much. YOU are my inspiration.
Happy Mother's Day to Jen!!!!

Pedergraham said...

Nice, Marit. (And thank you for the photo of the elephant/cat. I am always up for a rerun on that one!)

Missy said...

Thanks for making me cry this morning, sheesh;) For the love of mom's...there's some things only a mom can do!

Beth said...

What a great mom!! Likely the reason you are so great yourself. ;)

Ben said...

Marit - next time I am visiting my folks in San Diego I would like to climb Mt. Palomar.

m said...

Such a nice post!

Oh, And I love the picture of the cat with the eyes on the butt that is supposed to look like an elephant.

ADC said...

Here I am knocking on wood. Lovely post.

Mel said...

Awweee what a beautiful write up for you awesome Mom:) and I so LOVE that photo of you and Nathaniel...stunning!!! and can't forget about the house Monster's eyes/ass...too funny:)ha!

Kim said...

This is SOOO sweet! Love the pics.. You in a girly dress...LOVE IT! Cute pic of us too. I will always remember that ride! We'll do it again, I promise!

Damie said...

I was smiling, and then I got to the teapots and really started to laugh. WTH Marit? SO funny!!! Okay, and now I feel like I total loser with no goal board, and I am going to create one immediately as I see now why I have no motivation. If I looked at that every day, I would be training. May I borrow some of your words?
:)

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD said...

That was a sweet post!
Your vanocka looks SOOO Much better than mine! When Karel and I head out west someday we can cook a czech dinner together! :)
-marn