Gezuar festen e nenes!

I started this day a bit earlier than usual. Last night, I did some blogging, wrote some emails, read some on-line articles, and then I sat down to read just a bit before I went to bed. I was reading this very philosophical book that isn't very entertaining, but it does make you think and it offers so many interesting ideas. Every chapter seems like a philosophical essay. Don't ask me why I was reading this book till the early hours of the morning, because it isn't one of those books that can be appreciated when you are tired. Nevertheless I kept reading and was astonished at the author's talent of writing such complicated thoughts, but in the end sleep won and I had to close it and get ready for bed. As I was heading toward my room, I hear loud talking from my mom's room, so I go and investigate. My mother was talking on Skype with my brother, who himself had stayed very late the night before and then had slept till late. That's how he happened to be home when my mother called him at 2:30 in the morning here (11:30 a.m. in Stockholm). When I said "hi" to them at this early hour of the morning, we all laughed at how similar we each are, especially with this bad habit of staying up late. It was then that my brother wished us both "Happy March 8th." All over Europe this is a date that we celebrate women and women's rights, talents and contribution to the society. In my country, we focus more on our mothers, so you could say this is my country's equivalent of Mother's Day. After talking to my brother for a little bit, I hurried downstairs to catch some much needed sleep.

James had been invited to a birthday party today in Danville. Elijah's boss/friend's daughter turned five, and James was very excited to attend and celebrate with her. I was too, since I was going to see my husband there before he went to the temple till late tonight. That thought gave me energy to accomplish what was needed done. I dropped the kids off at school, dropped James off at Pre-K, ran some errands, bought the birthday present, and then picked up James a bit earlier from Pre-K so we could make it to the party. As soon as I entered Danville, I was caught back by the luscious view of the green hills and pastures. Here is a picture of one of those velvety hills:

After the party, I hurried back to pick up the older children. On our way home, I stopped at Safeway and had the children choose a bouquet of flowers for my mother. She is Albanian after all, and we had to celebrate Albanian Mother's Day for her. When Gillian gave her the flowers, she almost choked from joy. It's amazing how little acts of love and service touch others immeasurably.
She was caught off guard when I told her that I was taking her out. She wasn't expecting it, since Elijah doesn't come home after ten on Tuesdays and there wasn't anyone to watch over the kids. Unbeknownst to her, I had asked my church friend and neighbour to watch over my children while we went out. We went shopping first, buying presents for each other (I know it sounds like a silly thing to do, but it is a tradition and since I was celebrating this day alla Albanian, I had to go all the way.) Next, I took her to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and yummy cheesecakes. Although the food wasn't up to her standards, she enjoyed the atmosphere.


When we got back, Sister Paul told me that everything had run smoothly, and that all the children had behaved well and obeyed her. There had been only one incident when Charlton had woken up, but Jefferson had singlehandedly taken care of it by coming downstairs, filling Charlton's bottle, warming it up and then soothing Charlton by talking to him while giving him the bottle. Sister Paul told me that when she had asked Jefferson if he needed any help, Jefferson had politely replied that he had done this many times and he knew how to take care of it. So, ladies, if you ever are in need of a couple of quiet hours, come and babysit for my kids. You'll not even have to move from your chair. It made me laugh imagining Jefferson behaving with such competence.

No reading of any kind tonight! My body is telling my mind that it needs rest.

What do you do for Mother's Day? Do you have any celebrations that are unique to your family?

Happy International Women's Day to all of you strong and wonderful ladies!