Mom's Day in the Spotlight
We often hear people grumble and groan about the holidays. "They have become too commercialized", or "I just can't afford another gift right now". While some of these thought may be true, remember that holidays don't have to be about the money. The gifts that are remembered are the ones that come from the heart…particularly on Mother's Day.
I have fond memories of growing up in a quiet neighborhood in Cleburne, Texas. My parents worked hard to provide for our family, yet, they always took time to provide special memories. My dad was the steady backbone. My mom was (and still is!) the creative one in the family. I remember her creating costumes for me to wear for PTA or church programs. I can't count the number of formals she made for my piano recitals!
She was the peace-maker when my older brother and I fussed. She was the nurse when we weren't feeling well. She was the teacher when I wanted to learn to cook. As we grew up and left home, she was always there for us, through our heartbreaks, our successes, our roller-coaster emotions, and the start of our own families.
Many of us have these kinds of memories. The ones that at the time, we take for granted, but as we grow older, we come to appreciate how much our mother loved us and sacrificed to make our lives better.
If you are still lucky enough to have your mother in your life, do something special this Mother's Day. Giving a gift is fine but should be done within your budget and without complaint. However, go beyond that. Remember one special thing your mother did for you. Write her a card, letter, or note telling her how much it means to you that she was that kind of mother. Let her know that you love and appreciate her every day.
The next time you complain about another holiday or having to come up with the money for another gift, remember this:
Mom deserves at least one day a year to be in the spotlight - a time to be reminded how very much she is loved and needed in your life.
"Celebrating Women - Expanding Strengths for Today's Challenges"
While we're on the subject of mothers, I want to announce an upcoming conference that is sure to provide excellent information while teaching valuable skills to women. Here are the details:
WHAT: Celebrating Women Conference
WHEN: Friday, June 29, 2012
WHERE: Emory Baptist Church, Emory, TX
TIME: Doors open at 8:30, conference from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
COST: $10 includes lunch, cooking demonstrations, concurrent sessions, free childcare, free financial literacy book
Six concurrent sessions are being offered. Each participant will select three to attend. Topics are:
- · Simple Care Maintenance - learn on a real car how to check the oil, check tire pressure, locate spare tire & tools, and more
- · Simple Budgeting Tips - practical advice to set up a household budget and stick to it!
- · Renewed…The Art of Repurposing Home Goods - Local businesswoman will demonstrate how to stretch decorating budget by shopping at resale shops and garage sales, and how to decorate with these treasures.
- · Entrepreneurship - practical information on the steps, pros and cons involved in starting a home-based business
- · Starting Out, Starting Over - whether fresh out of college (starting out), or single again (widowed, divorced), learn basics about bank accounts, savings, insurance, and other financial information
- · Preparing for Today's Job Market - learn about conducting a job search, writing a resume, dressing appropriately for a job interview, and more!
The keynote speaker is Jason Johnson, Texas AgriLife Extension Economist, who is inspirational, witty, and makes money matters interesting! The capnote speaker is Sherrie Kulwicki, founder of Firmly Planted Ministries, and formerly from Sulphur Springs. Lunch will feature "Stretching Your Food Dollar" cooking demonstrations.
For those who need childcare, it will be provided on-site at no charge.
Registration brochures are available at the Hopkins County office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 1200-B W. Houston. Call 903-885-3443 for more information. Brochures are also available at all County Extension offices in northeast Texas. Treat yourself to a great day!
Closing Thought
I've learned that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of my mom!
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.
Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
Hopkins County
1200-B W. Houston
P.O. Box 518
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 - phone
903-439-4909 - fax
jshicks@ag.tamu.edu
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