mamacitas

i really admire how devon's mum, nikki, puts her all into making an occasion as special as possible. if it's your birthday, she will make sure that there is a party happening for you. complete with your favorite cake.

during ayyam-i-ha this year, the ceiling of the gundry's dining room was (still is) littered with colorful balloons. at first glance, you would assume helium was keeping them airborne, but i found out the trick was double-sided tape (super crafty AND thrifty!). as i was admiring the little touch of festivity, dev told me that when they were young, they would come home from school during ayyam-i-ha and get to choose a present from the wall. nikki would take toilet paper rolls and stuff them with treats and wrap them into little prizes. how adorable.

this little tradition reminded me of the ones i loved as a child. one of those was coming home from school and greeting my grandmother who would be sitting by the window knitting up a storm. i would give her a huge hug and she would tell me that the 'tourchin' (armenian for little bird) had left me a gift. under the vase on the windowsill would be a strip of bazooka gum and it would literally make.my.day.

the other thing it reminded me of is my mum pulling over on the side of the road so we could all pick plums off the trees. i remember cars whooshing by, as we all packed our pockets with as many sour plums as we could juggle.

i know i am sounding all hallmark-card-like, but these women manifest the kind of mother i aspire to be. taking the time to enjoy each moment, being creative with what you have and creating sweet and lasting memories.