For All the Men

Recently I read on Kristin's blog (fadedprairie.blogspot.com) about her little son giving her a wheelbarrow for Mother's Day. This did not shock me, he's a farm boy, and I have similar experiences with these types in my life. Lucky thing is, he's still a little boy and there is room for growth in his precious little life.

The first Christmas my husband and I spent together I unwrapped a gift to find a Mark's Work Warehouse box and laughed and said, 'Oh, good idea to put something in a box like this to trick me...' Nope, the gift was from Mark's Work Warehouse.

Today I called up a good friend of mine who lives on a ranch two hours east of us. I started off the phone conversation with something like this, 'Uh hey, G, would it be okay if I tossed Bud under the bus on my blog?' Her prompt reply, 'Oh yeah, go for it!' Okay, it wasn't exactly like that, but she did phone Bud and ask him if it was okay, and I asked her if Bud knew what a blog was...

Anyway, last year when my dear friend was pregnant with their second baby (a time our husbands come with us to a few doctor's appointments and talk with the doctors like this is no big deal because they have calved out a lot of cows) her husband showed up with a birthday gift for her. Bud bought her a PITCHFFORK and FENCING PLIERS. This was not a joke. I kept laughing because it was so outrageous...but Bud really thought it was nice, and thought she really would want her own pitchfork. REALLY?! I told her Bud was crazy-REALLY.

I promptly wrote up a little sheet for Bud to post on the fridge...a sort of guidelines if you will. I thought I would share it on here because after reading Kristen's post, I think this may be something many wives/mom's should print off and give to their husbands. Good luck to you all!

BUD'S GIFT GIVING GUIDELINES
-always consult guide before buying a gift
-NEVER disregard ANY rules in guide
-post somewhere you will never lose or forget about it

A)If you can write it off-do not even consider this an option.
B)DO NOT look in stores like Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, UFA, Peavy Mart, or Mark's Work Warehouse. If a store sells similar stuff as the above listed stores walk, no RUN away!
C)Consult with your mom or sisters until you have the hang of gift giving-if they say it's terrible-IT'S TERRIBLE-don't go ahead with the plan!
D)Listen for hints...some hints might not be intentional and they may not be direct at all. Listen for phrases like "Maybe I'll wait for January sales to buy that rusty star!" Take heed!
E)Wrap with care (or get your sister to.) Putting time and care into wrapping, and a card makes it more personal. It makes it look like more thought was placed into it, rather than just picking something up at Cactus Corner while you fueled up.
F)If it cleans up the yard, house, vehicle...helps a person cook...do laundry, etc, this is a STUPID idea. No matter what, a gift should not involve ANY work or be any kind of household appliance. Gifts should be some kind joy and luxury...not work. This is a KEY rule-tears or anger may result if ignored.
G)Gifts should be bought at girly shops that make you uncomfortable and makes you keep your hands to yourself, so you don't break anything!

Good luck Bud & G.....

Bud, be careful, or G might use the pitchfork on you!

Humility

True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes. ~Edward Frederick Halifax


Humility is one of the qualities I find most admirable in people. It is a selfless quality. Humility helps us live in peace with others. It teaches us to take a sincere interest in not only our own lives, but also in those around us. Humility produces a soft spirit and is a trait found in many great leaders.

Being humble is not about putting your own self down. It is about taking a greater interest in others, than in yourself. It is being respectfully quiet about your own achievements and modest in actions, speech, and demeanor.

My mom epitomizes humility and it is something I appreciate and admire about her.

We grew up in a home that was hospitable, warm, and cozy. Others gravitated towards Mom's welcoming nature and it was always evident by the amount of people we had staying and visiting with us. Mom takes a keen interest in other people's lives and stories. She has no prejudice towards race, age, or sex, but loves all equally. She is sensitive to people's stories and is eager to hear what they have to say.

Mom is one of the most dynamic and interesting people I know and I'd like to tell you about some of her hidden abilities and qualities. Stories of her past are tucked away and aren't told, until we find trophies in the basement, hidden away. Mom is an expert shot, this is one thing we knew, but didn't know that she had been recognized for it until we found her hidden trophies, this is an example of Mom's humility. She even has shot wild pigs in Africa, something not many know.

She has a sense of adventure, she has skydived many times, rides a sport bike, dirtbikes, and loves traveling.

Mom's ability to run displays her athleticism and not many know about how good she is at running.

My mom's plants thrive and fill her house with a special coziness.

Mom is a critical thinker and tried to push us girls to be as well, she is well read, and has read books not many have dared to open.

She is involved in the community and invests in relationships with other people.

Her generosity is definitely something I am always boggled at. The things she has done for others, behind the scenes, trying to evade people knowing where something came from has been a great life lesson.

I heard my Grandpa speak a few times about how good my mom is at horseback riding. Not many people would know this, she can ride better than most folks around.

Mom can speak two languages.

Mom has accepted, loved, and nurtured her family wholeheartedly.

Her faith is her life jacket in times of trouble.

If my little daughter grows up to admire, love, and have the same want to be around me half as much as I feel these things for my mom...I will be blessed.

Growing up in a home where my mom didn't just teach me about being humble, but lived it day to day, was the greatest teaching I could receive.

I love you, Mom, and Happy Mother's Day!

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."