Dear Mom…
What can I say here to the woman who gave me life, has always been there for me and pretty much is my hero?
I will be honest that I definitely had so much I wanted to say and yet all I could say sounded like the sentence above – a bit contrived and totally cliched.
A huge part of this is the fact that I took a lot of this for granted growing up.
To be completely honest, my mom would tell you that I was just like my oldest daughter having colic and crying many nights keeping her awake for hours on end.
She has also shared that by the age of three, I became a complete pleasure and so much so that she almost didn’t want to have another baby for fear that once she made it through to the other side with me that she would have another cranky baby and go through sleepless nights all over again.
In reality, she did have my brother, 6 years after me (god help her, but I guess it took her this long to get up the courage to go for another go around on the sleepless nights merry-go-round).
And thankfully for her, my brother was a good baby and child, too. So, her fears were for naught on this.
Although, she was a stay at home mom being the one there for us constantly day and night, too. So much so, that she was once quoted as saying, after an especially long and trying day of hearing us call for her all day long while duking it out over our own sibling issues, “I am going to change my name and not tell you my new name.”
Then came the teenage years and I must admit right here, I was downright awful. My poor mother what I put her through then.
But then, of course came marriage and kids for me. It was only then, that I realized how hard it is to be a mom.
Mom and I-2006 Before My Wedding (All Grown Up!)I, unlike my own mom, got pregnant when my colicky baby was only 7 1/2 months old. Yes, I fully admit that I wasn’t planning it this way and have never denied here that I was most definitely scared and nervous that I would get another colicky baby.
I thank god everyday that my second child was such a good baby. Someone smiled down upon me, either that or knew I truly couldn’t handle the stay at our local sanitarium!
And yet seriously, as much as I couldn’t wait for my girls to talk and call me “Mommy”, I admit that there are days after hearing them call, “Mommy” for the umpteenth time that I now finally get it and just want to say today, “Mom you were right about so much, especially about changing your name and not telling us the new one!”
Yes, sadly as I write this I am still being called to mediate a sharing toy issue and I will admit I do wish I could change my name and not tell any of them what the new name is.
However, both girls recently learned my real first name, so I fear that they would just call me, “Janine!”
However, I am still their mother and will always be. Now, if I only I could convince my husband that even though I am not his mother or as he tells me, “Without him I wouldn’t be a mother!”, he needs to buy me a Mother’s Day card from the girls since I am indeed their mom.
All joking aside, I did give birth to them, not him (but I digress!).
But nevertheless, it is Mother’s Day this upcoming weekend and I wish all the mothers, especially my own, a very, Happy Mother’s Day!!
Dana says
I had a new respect for my mother once I became one, too. And I tell myself that when my kids are driving me nuts…they will appreciate how hard this parenting thing is one day!
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Janine Huldie says
Dana, I try really hard to tell myself that too and god how I hope they too will get it someday. Fingers crossed π
Billybuc says
Short but sweet….Dear Mom, I miss you!
I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day my friend.
Janine Huldie says
Beautiful Bill and have no doubt wherever your mother is that she knew then and totally knows now, too. Hugs and Happy (almost) Friday π
flemily says
It's so true that once we become moms ourselves that we often realize what we put our own moms through. π Very sweet post and love that pic of you and your mom!!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Emily and I know it truly took me growing up and having kids of my own, too to get this.
@AnnaFitfunner says
Awwww…..wonderful post for your wonderful Mom!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Anna π
Rita Abitabile says
That was so sweet of you, Janine. Thank you so much. You are about the most busy person I know and I really appreciate you writing about me. And I never appreciated Nana until I got married and then had you. It's totally normal and sort of a rite of passage. And you, my sweet daughter, are a wonderful Mother because you learned a lot from your grandmother and a little from me. All mothers make mistakes and it's one of the hardest jobs you'll ever have. But it's very rewarding in the end. I always told you I never gave up on you. Thank you again. Happy Mother's Day. I love you more than you know.
Janine Huldie says
Mom honestly words cant say how much I love you and just so happy you are my mother. Thank you for everything and then some!! And of course, Happy Mother's Day π
Kristi Campbell says
Aw, happy Mother's Day, Janine! I think you look gorgeous in your prom photo, and in all of the others. And yeah, here's to not appreciating our moms until we are them!!!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Kristi and I need you are around more often to tell me that! But seriously, Happy Mother;s Day to you too again π
tamaralikecamera says
Oh this prompt is such a tearjerker!
Love the prom photo. Love the sleeping angel photos. Love the stories.
Today I told Cassidy that if heard the word "mama" one more time, I was going to leave the house.
My recent post Five & Ten Years Gone, Holding On.
Janine Huldie says
Tamara, I know that feeling well as I shared here, but still when I am not around them even for an hour I miss them. So, go figure I am truly a sucker for my two! π
Kerri says
Janine, this is going to sound awful…but this is the best post you have ever written. I hope you share it with your mom. Because it wasn't contrived or cliche it was from the heart. I adored it and loved how you answered the prompt!
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Janine Huldie says
Kerri, that was seriously the nicest compliment and trust me I seriously just wrote exactly what I was thinking when I saw this prompt. I love my mom to pieces and seriously the woman is a saint. So, what do you say to the woman who is there no matter what? Trust me I struggled and just let my thoughts and heart rule π
Anonymous says
Lol! There are seven years between me and my baby brother. He was the cry baby. π I feel bad all time for my teenage years. Mom told me she would lay in bed as still as possible so that she wouldn’t move and then wake daddy who would ask if I was home yet. She couldn’t fall asleep until I was in.
kellylmckenzie says
Aww – lovely note from your mom. She sounds like a gem. How clever of her to come up with the changing her name and not tell you concept. I love that. Regarding your guys calling you by your first name you might actually come to like it. My two cottoned on to calling me Kelly when they were about 7 and 8. It was used only during situations when I was chatting with others and not paying them any attention. After getting no response they'd sing out "KELLY." Boy did that work. I turned immediately.
My recent post Mommy Dearest
Janine Huldie says
Lo, I totally turned to the backseat when Lily at a little over 2 called me Janine. Seriously, still cant believe she figured it out as early as she did. But seriously, sometimes I would like a little lesson recognition and just some quiet time. But then again like now while I am sitting here and they are sound asleep, I miss them. Go figure π
Kenya G. Johnson says
Lol! There are seven years between me and my baby brother. He was the cry baby. π I feel bad all time for my teenage years. Mom told me she would lay in bed as still as possible so that she wouldn’t move and then wake daddy who would ask if I was home yet. She couldn’t fall asleep until I was in.
Janine Huldie says
Kenya, my mom said the same thing and actually would stay up until I too was safe in the home and trust me there were nights that was way into the wee hours of the night. My dad was always an early riser. He would be getting up, as I was going to bed. I remember one night walking past him as he said, "Good Morning!", I said, "Goodnight!"
gigigirl says
You captured the whole picture Janine! My guess is that after all is said and done, you wouldn't have it any other way…..being mom to Emma and Lily….. and being married to Kevin, well he's a keeper too! Very nice tribute to your mom. She is a very devoted wife and mother…..and I think you are right behind her! Happy Mother's Day to all. xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Aunt Gloria, you said a mouthful and deep down I really wouldn't have it any other way. Love you and wishing you a very, Happy Mother's Day this weekend, too!! π xoxo!!
tinarobmorley says
I looked like that 3-year-old photo of you when I was that size. Our 1980's photos also looked similar. We could have passed as sisters. π I'm glad you have your mom close by. Happy Mother's Day!
My recent post Happy Mother's Day and Weekend Linky
Janine Huldie says
Tina, I love that we could have been twins or at the very least sisters. That made me smile more then you know this morning. Happy Mother's Day to you, too!! π
basicallyb says
Your mom should be proud to have a daughter like you. I also like the pic of your little one w/ her puckered lips. Cute!
My recent post Dear Mama
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much and I know that pic of Lily truly makes me smile even now π
Brittnei Washington says
What an amazing tribute to your momma! I knew you were close with her from the time that you have mentioned that you all have spent together like for Black Friday each year and things like that. Your baby pictures are so cute! π Thanks for hosting this linkup every week! I hope you're having a great start to the weekend.
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Brittnei and absolutely my pleasure. Also, want to wish you a very, Happy Mother;s Day too this upcoming weekend!! π
lizzy allan says
Janine, I always love reading about your love for your family. Your mum sounds like such a wonderful person and even though I don't know you guys, it really seems like there is a lot of your mum in you. Happy Mothers' Day to you and to your mum!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Lizzy and will ay if I am even 10% of my mom at all, I feel blessed, because the woman is a saint and has actually been told that by quite a few people! Happy Mother's Day to you, too π
massholemommy says
Awww, that a beautiful post for your mom. I am loving all the old photos that you included, too!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww,t hanks Robin and I loved being able to include all the photos of us over the years π
vitatrain4life says
So very sweet Janine! I love the relationship you have with your mom – it's amazing and you SO appreciate it. Have a GREAT mother's day!
My recent post I Lost My Mom, And Gained 3 More
Janine Huldie says
Allie, I honestly know I am truly lucky and then some, so I couldn't not share that here. I thank god for my mother, because she believed in me even at my worst (and trust me it wasn't a pretty sight then). Happy Mother's Day to you, too!! π
thelatchkeymom says
Happy Mother's Day Janine. That was a beautiful tribute to your mom.
My recent post Dear Mom
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Allie and Happy Mother's Day to you, too π
Karen says
we never really appreciate what our moms do until we become one…then we are in awe of them and feel guilt for behaving how we did. love all the pics
My recent post Dear Mom…
Janine Huldie says
So true Karen and trust me I have more then enough guilt to go around on this and then some!!
The Vanilla Housewife says
The things we put our mother through! My mom also tells me that I was a wonderful kid but a pure headache at the same time! Hahahaha I now understand what she meant. Advance Happy Mother's Day Janine! And to your mom too!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks and I too now totally get. Happy Mother's Day Jhanis!! π
This Busy Life says
In all my years of mothering I have never heard of changing my name so my kids wouldn't know what to call me. I like that idea. It's cute and very clever. Your mom sounds like a lovely woman.
My recent post Mother’s Day
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks and I know my mom truly was clever coming up with this one.
rynolexson says
This is so true! Once I became a mom, I realized what a royal pain in the ass I was as a kid. My mom and I became a lot closer once this realization came to be and now I wouldn't take our relationship back for anything. Great post, I hope you show this to your mother!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much and I know it really did take motherhood to make me realize what a big pain in the butt I was and could be, too!
Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
I think we definitely take things our mothers did for granted – at least until we became mothers ourselves!
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Janine Huldie says
Like I just said below, it is so true and motherhood does have a way of putting things in perspective for us.
Ruchira says
such a beautiful tribute, J9
Loved the pix and you in the prom dress is striking π
Happy Mother's day, Janine and happy to link up!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you again so much Ruchira and Happy, happy Mother's Day to you, too!! π
gretchen says
Isn’t it amazing how we all fiiiiiiiinally understand our mothers when we have kids of our own? I have so many things to apologize for! Thanks for linking with The Spin Cycle!
Janine Huldie says
Gretchen, trust me have so much to say I am sorry for and then some! And my pleasure linking. Thanks for hosting and Happy Mother's Day to you, too π
canigetanotherbottleofwhine says
That picture of Lily is SO cute! I love it! It's amazing what we put our parents through and most likely what our kids will put us through…if they haven't already. π
Janine Huldie says
Kate, I don't doubt I am in for it and then some with my girls someday soon! Happy Mother Day π
stephsprenger says
What a lovely woman and beautiful tribute- and MAN, you ladies have some strong genes! What a family resemblance! π
My recent post A Letter to My Mom on Mother’s Day
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, everyone has always told us we look alike and used to joke when I was younger I used to joke that at the very least I wasn't adopted! But seriously, Happy Mother's Day to you!! π
day-with-kt.com says
Oh – love the pictures!! That picture of you as a little girl with your parents – you and your mom look so much alike!
And, your prom picture is beautiful!! In high school I was a gangly mess.
Sweet note to your mom.
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Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Kim and wishing you a very, Happy Mother's Day!! π
themomcafe says
AW!!!! I just love how you shared your sweet pictures of you and your mama!!! I loved this beautiful tribute to her and really? It resonates with ALL mothers…
You were always such a beautiful baby, toddler, girl, young woman and beautiful bride and mother Janine!!! I'm SO glad you were blessed with such a wonderful mom to raise you and walk this journey with you… π
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so much Chris and seriously keep saying it, but just love you to pieces. Happy Mother's Day π
christyb says
Really nice to read about the special bond between you and your Mom, Janine. I loved seeing the photos of your growing up, as well! Wishing you a wonderful Mother's Day! xo
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Christy and was totally my pleasure to share. Have a wonderful weekend now, too!! π xoxo!!
dishofdailylife says
I think we take a lot of things for granted until we become moms. I had two colicky babies…of course my first one was easy, so I thought they'd all be like that. Nope!
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Janine Huldie says
Oh my heart goes out to you with having two and I think after having one colicky baby, if I had to go through that twice not sure I would have made it out alive! Happy Mother's Day, Michelle!! π
ginnymarie says
I took my childhood for granted, too, and now that I'm a mom I understand things my mother said and did much more than I used to! I miss her very much, especially around Mother's Day.
My recent post What I Really Want for Mother’s Day {Spin Cycle}
Janine Huldie says
Aww, I am so sorry that you miss you mom around this time of the year and sending hugs your way π
lisang@expandng.com says
First, how cute are you in your prom dress :). And second, I did not know you got pregnant with your 2nd a mere 7.5 months after having your first!!! I can only imagine what the reactions from your friends and family were!!! Wow, power through, momma!!!!! (No wonder your girls could pass as twins!) Happy Mother's Day to you and your mom. Indeed, us daughters give our share of grief to our patient mothers and it isn't until we deal with the hardships of motherhood that we realize how hard our moms had it (ya know, before smartphones, blogs, and play dates).
Janine Huldie says
The reactions were definitely interesting and I never said I planned it that way to them, but still now I am truly happy that it did occur so close as my girls are truly so lose to one another π
mamarabia says
Discussing motherhood with my own mother has always been such an enlightening experience. We were not friends growing up, and I don't think it would have been appropriate for us to have been. We are friends now, though. I love sharing motherhood with my mom!
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Janine Huldie says
No I totally agree with that my mom always said that she was t my friend when I was much younger either.
realhousewife says
My goodness your photo from when you were little looks just like Emma and Lilly now! Wow!
Your prom photo is gorgeous!
Have a terrific weekend and Mothers's Day, Janine! You sure deserve it…:)
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Kelly and love that you think the girls look a bit like me. Happy Mother’s Day right back at you, too π
Christina says
I think being a mother or the primary caregiver of a child is truly the only way you can appreciate what Mom has done. And I always struggle with mothers day messages too, its like, what can I say that will repay what she has done? Nothing. There is nothing that can be said at all. Much love to you and your darling girls.
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Janine Huldie says
Thank you too Christina and I know I truly get to feeling I am at a lose in how to convert just how thankful I am at Mother’s Day.
dianeroark says
Janine,
I love seeing this post and pictures of you and your mom. You definitely favor. I hope all of you have a Blessed Mother's Day!!
Thinking of YOU!
Diane Roark
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Janine Huldie says
Thank you Diane and wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day, too! π
another jennifer says
Such a sweet note, Janine. I admit to wanting to change my name and not tell my kids too! And I love that prom picture of you!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Jennifer and I am telling you my mom was onto something π
Nellie says
The pictures are so great what a beautiful post Janine! I feel the same about my mom. You can't really appreciate them properly until you go through what they went through!
My recent post Mom’s Night Out Movie + Happy Mothers Day!
Janine Huldie says
So true Nellie. Thank you so much and Happy Mother's Day!! π
Amanda Love says
Happy Mothers Day Janine, and you're an amazing mom. I'm not sure how you do everything you do but it just shows how awesome you are. I hope you're being spoilt today because you deserve more than anyone I know. Love you!
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Janine Huldie says
Aww, you know I feel so much the same about you and just so happy we are friends. Hoping you are having a wonderful Mother’s Day, too π
Katherines Corner says
Happy Mothers Day my sweet friend xox
My recent post Mothers Day Wishes
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Katie and hope you, too had a great Mother's Day xoxo π
pfchico says
I was a horrible teen & put my mother through a lot as well, but as an adult our relationship changed. Being a mommy definitely makes you have a new found respect for your own mama.I love the flash back pics & what a beautiful one of you and your mother on your wedding day.
Janine Huldie says
I know truly does all change when you are a mommy yourself and like I said can totally now without a doubt tell you I was awful in my youth!!
Sandy_Ramsey says
Yes, late again! Still trying to catch up…what's new, right?
Beautiful words for your mom! I still call my mom and apologize all the time. I never knew how hard it was for her and I put her her (and my dad!) through a lot growing up. Now I get it. I really get it.
I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, Janine.
For the record, you look just like your mom π
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Sandy and trust me I have externally catching up on one end or another, too here. So, truly do know the feeling and then some!! π
catherine gacad says
a beautiful post about appreciation, your mother, and mothering. so sweet.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Catherine and huge congrats to you once again. π