I think I may have mentioned a week or so ago that my Mom was in town.  She came the first part of this month to help out with a few projects and give me some relief so I could get a few extra things done.  I haven’t been feeling the best for quite some time, so it was a welcome relief.  I mean, she’s ALWAYS welcome… it was just an EXTRA relief to have her this time.

It hasn’t been the easiest of years for my Mom (or my Dad).  My Dad’s mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and she has gone downhill rapidly.  Both Mom and Dad have had to step up and help my Grandpa and Dad’s sisters care for Grandma.  And of course, my sister’s diagnosis of stage four breast cancer in June – that put our family on a whole new path.  My parents just happened to be on vacation in Nebraska with my brother and his family when we all found out.  They cut short their trip, and came back to help my sister and her husband, and the two kiddos.

Suffice it say since June especially, my Mom has been BUSY!  Dr appointments, caring for Austin and Hailey (sis’s kids), soccer games, homework, weekends with them so Sarah could rest (or be sick) without needing to care for them too… helping Grandpa with his finances, taking him to the doctor too, haircuts… so MANY needs (and wants) she has taken care of.

And then she offered to come see me for a little bit… and help ME too!  I was surprised at the offer (because she has so much on her plate), and I felt a little guilty because I knew I’d put her to work when she got here, but I didn’t turn it down either.   The kids were ecstatic, as always, because they adore their Mema.

Mom was here for a week and a half, and yes… I put her to work!  We accomplished so much that when I sat down yesterday to finalize my “week before our Christmas trip” lists and plans?  It was completely and utterly manageable!  In every way!  In fact… I was able to sit down for an hour and READ… a NOVEL.  I can’t tell you the last time I did that!  (I probably SHOULD have been doing more laundry and finishing my Christmas cards, but it was a cold, overcast, rainy/snowy day, and I needed to curl up under a blanket!)

(Did you catch that?  I said SNOWY!  In VEGAS!)

There are still PLENTY of things to do this week, and I will be busy getting it all done in time… but there is so much I don’t HAVE to do, because my Mom did it FOR me.  Happily… willingly… asking what else she could do, as she finished up each job.

So, today… I’m thankful for my Mom.  I’m thankful for her servant heart.  I’m thankful for what an awesome Mema she is to my kiddos and the rest of the grandkids.  I’m grateful that half my To Do list is GONE because she came to town for a week and a half.  And I’m thankful for a huge list of other things I didn’t have time to mention today – things like financial help and understanding, bringing home a fun little gift for the kids whenever she goes to Walmart, her sewing and the gifts that come from that ability… really, I could go on and on.

I love you, Mom!!