Mothers' Day Tea Party

After reading my friend Allyson's blog, I realize it turns out the tea party is a very common phenomenon for preschool Mother's Day celebrations! But when it's your own child, I learned it feels like you're the first mom in the world to sit at a little preschool table and have your precious daughter serve you tea and cookies.

My favorite part was when Sydney presented me with her handprint card, and a sprouting zinnia she had planted in a pot, which she had painted with those little hands. The little heart stick in the pot says, "I am like a flower, that's raised with love by you, you help me grow up big and strong, Mom, thanks for all you do." Even though it was a printed message that clearly Sydney couldn't write herself (as Brian pointed out), it nearly brought tears to my eyes when I read it because she was filled with pride and excitement to present it to me. And I was filled with pride and excitement to receive it.

But then I remembered we can't bring the plant with us when we move back to the States in 2 weeks. So, I will transplant it into another pot so I can bring the painted one with me, and my friend Kathy offered to take and nurture the plant and send us updates on its growth. Although she was quick to ask what type of plant it was in case she'd have to buy another in the event that "something happened." I really wouldn't blame her. I used to be able to take care of plants fairly well before I had children. Unfortunately, they have been displaced, and the dog has suffered slightly less than the plants, because all my nurturing energy is spent on my two most precious (and most needy) priorities. It's nice to see--on Mothers' Day especially--its sweet rewards.