Motherly Thoughts

In honor of Mother's Day I interviewed two very experienced mamas.

My Grandma Holthaus...mother of four girls, one of which is my mom! 

And the other interviewee is my Grandma Smith...mother of two boys and one girl.  My dad included!

What was your favorite thing about motherhood when your kids were small?

Gma Holthaus:  They were so sweet when they were babies and then to watch them turn into little girls.

Gma Smith:  Cuddling, rocking and reading to them.

What is your favorite thing about motherhood now that your kids are grown?

Gma Holthaus:  It is fun and rewarding to see them be successful in life.

Gma Smith:  Having them visit and having adult conversations.

What for you was the biggest challenge as a mother of young children?

Gma Holthaus:  Getting them to stop fighting with each other which was almost impossible to do.

Gma Smith:  Seeing that they got to Sunday school and church.

The role of the father has changed a lot over the last several decades.

What was the typical role of the father/husband when you were raising children?

Gma Holthaus:  Mainly providing for the family and watching the girls while I fixed dinner.

Gma Smith:  Making a living.

Based on your experience, what advice would you offer mothers of today?

Gma Holthaus:  Spend all the time you can with them because before you know it they don't need you much anymore.

Gma Smith:  Have lots of patience and tell them you love them.

What is the craziest thing you ever did to make your children happy?

Gma Holthaus:  I don't remember anything crazy.  They probably thought I was crazy though.

Gma Smith:  I don't really know of any crazy things.  Just simple things. 

If you could go back in time and be a young mother again, what would you do differently?

Gma Holthaus:  As I said earlier, spend time and more time.  Don't worry so much about the house.

Gma Smith:  Have more patience and spend more one on one time with them.

What was one of the naughtiest things one of your kids ever did?  Who did it and at what age?

Gma Holthaus:  Our girls were all angels!  HA HA

Gma Smith:  My kids were never naughty!

(Editors comment:  I've heard some troublesome stories from both Dad and Greg!)

Did you find time for yourself when your kids were small?

Gma Holthaus:  Yes, I did a lot of sewing making their clothes which I really enjoyed doing and could be home at the same time.

Gma Smith:  Not much.

What was your way of escaping the rigors of motherhood?

Gma Holthaus:  Their father took me out a lot to dinner.

Gma Smith:  Praying.

A big thanks to both of you for participating!

And a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you all!