7 on 7. [+ a giveaway!]

i look at our seven and marvel at this thing called a family.  i regret every time

i was annoyed with my little brother or mad at my sister about clothes.  i worry

about the balance that we're trying to strike--that the rules that a 'big' family just 

has to have in place won't make them resent this.  i remember the evenings of 

telling my mom every single detail about some mundane happening of the day

and urge myself to listen better--to look longer into their eyes.  i hear the weeping

and wailing over insignificance, total loss of self-control, and i dub us failures.

yet, those minutes are brief and i remind myself, yes! we are all failures.

but, grace.  i see a moment in time like this one & know despite all my silly

wonderings, this is exactly how it should be.  despite all the other little moments,

they are loved & they love.  i see it--in each smile, eye & hand. 

 i'm naturally reflecting more on motherhood as Mother's Day approaches.

i've long been a fan of The Vintage Pearl & her jewelry is some of my most treasured.  

Do you need a Mother's Day gift still?  Wouldn't a gift certificate be

perfect?  They are e-mailed to you directly after purchase. 

Click here for the click to buy a gift certificate.

Also?  

The Vintage Pearl is generously giving two $50 gift certificates away!

Just comment here about motherhood, your own mother, who you'd give

this away to or which piece you'd pick for your own.

[1 entry per person.  Ends Thursday, May 10 at noon CST.]

UPDATE: winners by random number generator were #43 and #41
emily & sarah--will be contacting you soon to claim your prize!
happy mother's day!