claim to fame

A few months back I was at a bridal shower and a woman approached me saying that I looked familiar. Well, 20 years ago I babysat for her. The fuzziness was forgiven with that time gap, of course, but her next statement floored me. Her son is an NFL football player. For the sake of the story I’ll call him Ernest. First, she squealed. Then she said, “Oooh (part of the squeal still)..so fun for you to be able to tell everyone you babysat little NFL Ernest!”. Exact words.

And how many people have I told about Ernest in my life? Uhhh….exactly zero.

I came home reeling. That anyone would consider that as even a remote possibility for my claim to fame. That I detest football. That perhaps I don’t actually have any claims to fame (?!).

But I’ve thought about the incident a few times since…And I realize that I’m that same mom. Equally unabashed. My little men are so, so little, but already I gush & swell. To me, they are brilliant, charming, devilishly sweet.  And whether they are throwing footballs or sweeping stadiums, I'll still be gushing in 20 years (former babysitters can gawk away).

(faces mostly stay dirty at this house) 

(and bodies mostly stay naked!)

I love these two heart & soul.  Today I told them I chose them to be mine before we were all born.  Cheesy, perhaps, and I'm not honestly sure who did the choosing, but I like to think I was smart enough to know how much I needed these two specifically.  I'm completely honored that they gave to me the title of Mother.

us today 

Comments

[Tiffany]

Oh! What a wonderful mother's day post! Thanks!

(And you babysat a pre-pro-football player? What an item to add to your resume!!)

[Lucy]

Why aren't your writing more??!?!? I love how you put things just so:)

You say it perfectly and your post is everything I felt on Mother's Day. Thank you.

[lelly]

so glad to read your words today! i've missed you around here.

love the photo of "us today."

[Amy]

Uy I hate football too. That would be so annoying.

But it is sweet, and you're right, it is all just mama-pride.

I LOVE your banner by the way.

I think this may be my first, comment, but I've been reading for a few weeks now.

Happy Mother's Day!

[Marie]

I am that mother too. I assume that everyone sees the glory of my children and any claim to a connection with them would be a privilege for anyone.

The eyes in that first picture got me. Wow. You have some great looking little men running around your house.

[Kelly]

Does this mean your lens is fixed? I have missed your posts! And I loved this one.

Aidan and Davyn are blessed to be yours.

And NFL Ernest?? He's no doubt the star he is today due to your diligent babysitting.

[ruby red]

What will you do when your beefy kids grow up playing football? A quandry for the adorning mothers everywhere.

[Melissa M.]

Very nice post. I sure do love your family!

[April]

I love that picture of "us today"...you three and your gorgeous eyes.

Just so you know, I am wistfully checking your blog every day.

[mandy]

All of your pictures are gorgeous but I was completely struck by the beauty of the third. Happy Mother's Day!

[MaryRuth]

adorable boys!!! I'll listen while you brag about your boys :)

[carlo]

well put, as always.

hope your mother's day was all you wanted

[Shanon]

Very sweet about your boys and cute pictures as always. That is so odd and funny about the Mom. Obviously she is proud like you are saying. And where have you been? I miss your daily posts!

[Aprilyn]

They are cute even with half naked bodies and dirty faces. It's a good thing you live someplace warm. I don't think you would want to pay a huge heating bill!! It's not that warm today...only 44 degrees and raining. Brrr!

[Neighbor Jane Payne]

Perfect!

[jenny c.]

Oh how I have missed your posts Amy! My interest is peaked as to this famous NFL player is. I can so relate to little naked boys in our house. All too familiar. Hope you had a great MOther's Day!

[Mandi]

Your new camera lens IS awesome! I can totally tell a difference! D kind of has an Aidan look to him in that picture too and I've never thought they really looked alike at all. I like the way you finally realized that you were the same type of mother - I never would have come to that conclusion even though it's totally true. Only, I think we wouldn't be so freaky outwardly - only inwardly, don't you think?

[Megan]

Those are the cutest pictures ever. Davyn is getting so grown up! Glad you had a fabulous Mother's Day!

[Annalisa]

What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall of your home and see those two in action. What a great Mother's Day post. Maybe I should have done that? I did get out of my sick bed and cough through sacrament just because Alexis wanted me to hear her sing, standing behind a child taller than her, so all I caught was a glimpse of her flower. I hope you had a fantastic Mother's Day and your little men spoiled you plenty.

[amberly]

the photo of you with the boys is beautiful. all of you. I think we chose each other too, that brings me lots of comfort some days!

[Rachel]

I don't fault you one bit for being that puffed up proud about your boys. How could you possibly help it?

I know that it is far premature, but I am still keeping my eye out on one of them for one of my girls. he he :)

[Amy]

Amy....
So sweet, this photo of you and your precious boys! :) Glad you got your new lens so we can see more photos of your beautiful family!

[michelle]

I hate football, too. But I'm with Kelly -- without your vigilant eye, who knows but that he would have had some career-ending injury?? I think we're all that mom, aren't we?

[Jill]

What a great story and transition into you gushing about your boys. I love it!