"2 THOUGHT-PRESENTS FOR MUMS FOR MOTHERS DAY"

1st Thought-Present 
Another story from my family 
This afternoon my fifteen year old son borrowed me a book from the library while he was getting books for school. We have borrowed this book many times because it is beautiful. "LEAF LITTER Exploring the Mysteries of a Hidden World" by Rachel Tonkin. The first page of the books says, 
"Leaves, twigs, branches and bark collect on the ground in forests all over the world.
We call this leaf litter, but it isn't really rubbish at all.
If you look closely you will discover a world of animals and plants living side by side, a busy secret world we hardly ever see.
In one small patch of leaf litter beneath one tree, this secret world is changing day by day, as seeds turn into plants, grubs hatch from eggs and animals grow big enough to leave their mothers.
The more you look, the more amazing things you will find."
I think MOTHERHOOD is like leaf litter, because it too is a beautiful secret place where unexpected things go on. Here's how I would rewrite the first page of the Leaf Litter book to say just that ~
Feeding babies, toilet training toddlers, taxi service drop-offs after school, discussions about appropriate use of technology constitute the lifestyle of many families all over the world.
We call this motherhood, even though it may have little resemblance to the ideal of past generations.
If you look closely you will discover a world of work and achievements living side by side, a busy secret world most of us hardly even acknowledge.
In one small part of a week in a mother's hood, this secret world is changing day by day, as toddlers learn to feed themselves, children successfully prepare and pass school exams and teenagers grow big enough to leave their mothers.
The more you look, the more amazing things you will find.
2nd Thought-Present
This morning I watched a terrific clip with a group of mums, which Tina brought to our attention. It shows motherhood at various stages. It is not patronising but affirms mums for qualities that most of us automatically practice in an average week. The book at the end looks good too. Watch it through twice to catch all that is said.
Surprised By Motherhood-cause every day is Mother's Day
THISWEEKWITHTHEKIDS ~ I wish YOU a very HAPPY MOTHERS DAY as you look at your life as a mother and find the amazing things right there.
Cathy