Mother’s Day 2013 is the last Mother’s Day I had with my mom when she was still healthy. And I can still so vividly remember having her, my dad, and my sister’s family to our house in South Nashville for brunch before heading to the Nashville zoo. I’ll never forget that day and the memories we created. So in honor of my mom, and that special brunch we shared, here are 16 of my favorite Healthy Mother’s Day Breakfast and Brunch Ideas.
Now that I’m a mother myself, Mother’s Day has taken on a whole new meaning. I know first hand what it is to give of yourself all day every day, soaking in the good with the hard, cherishing the laughter and joy, yet wrestling with the guilt of having lost my temper with an energetic, wonderful, yet sometimes challenging toddler. I know what it is to be sleep deprived with a newborn, yet so full of love I think my heart just might burst.
I’ve never experienced a role on this earth that is more rewarding than being a mother. And I’ve never experienced a role on this earth that is more exhausting than being a mother. To want so desperately to sow into these little beings all the love there is to be found in this earth, all the love I feel in my heart. To teach them right from wrong, and to give and be kind to others. To teach them what it means to be humble and ask forgiveness when they’ve hurt another. To let them be wild and curious, experiencing all that life has to offer.
It’s been said so many times before and rings so true that the days are long while the years are short. Every mother whose children are grown caution young mothers to soak in every moment and cherish each and every second. Yet us “young mothers” struggle with the guilt of feeling frustrated, exhausted, or completely at a loss sometimes, not knowing how to get through to our little ones, to make them understand, and to do so with love and patience.
To be a mother is to play so many roles at once. The days start early, end late, and sometimes go all night. But I wouldn’t give anything in this world to change it. I struggle daily with whether I’m doing any of it right. But I love them more than life itself. And I think the fact that I worry whether I’m a good mom or not, in itself, is evidence that I am. And I am so, so thankful to be Brighton and Addie’s mama – they are truly the greatest gift I (and Josh) have ever been given.
And this Mother’s Day, more than ever, I wish my mom was still here to celebrate and honor. For me to tell her “Mom, I get it now…thank you for loving me the way you did. Thank you for giving so much of yourself for me. Thank you for wanting me, cherishing me, and always believing in me. Thank you for being the best mother I could have possibly been given.”
And while Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate, for many, it can be a really difficult day. Whether you have lost your mom, lost a child, are longing for a child, facing health challenges with your mom, or have a less-than-perfect relationship with your mother, you’re not alone. Know that you are seen, honored, thought of and loved.
And if your mom is still with you today, love her well, regardless of where your relationship stands. And if you’re a mom and it’s been a rough day, and perhaps you’re struggling with whether you’re doing things right…I don’t think there is a clear-cut “right”, but rest assure that you are amazing and so worthy of celebrating. ❤
Pancakes, Crepes and Waffles
Peach Crepes with Goat Cheese Cream Filling
Sweet Potato Waffles (Grain and Refined Sugar-Free!)
Gluten-Free Pancakes with Cranberry Apple Compote
Smoothies
Anti-Inflammatory Papaya SmoothieTurmeric Banana Smoothie with Ginger
Dark Chocolate Berry Beet Smoothie
Sweet Bread, Donuts, Breakfast Cookies, and Bars
Gluten-Free Maple Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze
Blueberry Quinoa Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Healthy Cinnamon Apple & Oat Breakfast Cookies
Savory Toast, Fritters, and Breakfast Bowls
5 Minute Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Toast
Zucchini Fritters with Poached Eggs
Erin Pack says
I loved reading every word. What a great blog and OMG the recipes! I’m excited to see more more from #lemonsandbasil
Kaylee Pauley says
Gosh, thank you Erin! I so appreciate the encouragement! :)