Mother's Day Tips

I love being a mom. Having six children, I always get asked if I wanted a big family. I find that question interesting. Like I just woke up one day with a bunch of kids and said, "How in the heck did they get here?! And why are calling me mom!" So no, I can't think of one of them I didn't want. In fact, it is my greatest joy to be their mother. They are my treasure. It has been my privilege to teach them and raise them to be the wonderful people they have become.

That doesn't mean that mothering is always easy.
It is serious work and you deserve to celebrated.
So download these Mother Day Ideas and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Distracted Dads and Clueless Kids

You deserve to be appreciated!
Put the Oooh … Aahh into your Mother's Day. Here are some tools to help dads and kids put together a wonderful day just for you. Print out and post these Mother's Day Tip Sheets
and expect the best Mother’s Day ever.

1. Mother’s Favorites:
Help them choose something special just for you. Fill out a list of your favorite things. Sharing your favorite flowers, colors, books, etc, teaches children of all ages that mother is a unique individual with special tastes. It helps them learn that gifts should be chosen with the recipient in mind.
Click here for Mom's Favorite List


2. Queen for a Day Wish List:

You may love Mother's Day surprises, however don’t be afraid to share your expectations or ideas. Let them know how they can make you feel like Queen for a Day. Print out Queen for a Day and give them some suggestions. Remember husbands and kids can’t read your mind and may be oblivious to the obvious. Click here for Queen for a Day Wish List

3. Give Mom a Day Off:
Sometimes the best gift is a little rest. Print out Mom’s Day Off and make a list of the tasks you usually do. Have everyone sign up to help with a job. They will appreciate it more the next time they see you doing it. The job will probably not be done the way you would do it, but smile and say, “marvelous!” You may want to use this list once a month to teach a task or use it on a catch-up-day.
Click here for Mom's Day Off List

4. Keep the Magic in Mother’s Day:
Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants. It can take the magic out of Mother’s Day waiting with hungry, fussy children. If you would like to celebrate at a favorite restaurant mention it in time for reservations. Other ideas; a picnic lunch with sandwiches ordered to-go or a special dessert place.


5. Put the Oooh … Aahh in Mother’s Day - Everyday:In the busy life of a mom it is difficult to find time to connect the mind, body, and soul. Go to http://www.comfortsilkie.com/ and see gift ideas that bring luxurious comfort to everyday. Special 20% off discount through May. Use discount code: mom.
Celebrate yourself and enjoy!

I just called to say, "I love you."

*We're working on switching our blog and some posts were not published. Here's some from January. Enjoy!*

Today I am wearing my father's sweater. I always reach for it when I have a big project with a deadline or just feeling a little down. It immediately brings me a sense of comfort. The feel and color of it reminds me of his warm smile and his blue eyes.

This rather ordinary sweater carries the soothing memories of a dad that gave me a foundation of comfort and security.
As I write this, I smile to remember all the times he called our office during my work day.

In fact, almost everyday someone would yell . . . "Your dad's on the line."

Hi Dad, how are you doing? He'd tell me he was fine and some other random tidbit like; he'd just emptied the dishwasher. Or some disgusting, important senior fact like: he'd had a bowel movement. Ok, Dad that's good. Well, gotta keep working, thanks for calling. And then he'd say, "I just called to say, I love you." Ok, Dad, I love you, too.

Often I was rushed, distracted, and uh,uh,ok, ya, Dad. See you soon.

He passed away a couple years ago. I miss his calls.

So today, I wear his sweater and wrap up in his words.

Thanks Giving

Wishing for you the joy of a Thankful Heart.
I am especially thankful for all of you who have ordered Comfort Silkie and shared the gift of comfort this past year. A zillion, trillion thanks to you.

Here is my recipe for joy while you are cooking up your Thanksgiving. Slow down, take a moment to breathe in the day. Take a comfort moment because the ingredients of life should be mixed slowly to produce the best finished product. Learn to have a thankful heart: by choosing to appreciate with gratefulness each tiny goodness life offers you.

This has been a difficult year for many people and yet we have so much to be thankful for. Last week I was feeling weary and decided to be thankful for the little things in my life. As Greg and I were leaving for a work day at Comfort Silkie I said, "I am at 52." Greg looks at me and says, "52 what?" I replied, "I have counted 52 things to be thankful for this morning." Pointing to my succulent garden in the front yard I announced, "53, and I have a car, so 54," and on it goes being thankful for things I take for granted everyday.

When our kids were little and they would start complaining I would begin the "Glad Game". It was a competition to think of as many things to be glad about as possible. A competition of any kind in a big family is a great distraction but the Glad Game always refocused our hearts.

As we gather with family and friends, think of the Mary Engelbreit poster that says "Let's put the fun back in dysfunction!" Smile, laugh, eat, and spend time enjoying the little differences and idiosyncrasies that make the people around you interesting. Appreciate the people in your life. The person sitting next to you may not be with you next year. Tell them today how thankful you are they are in your life.

I liked everything about last year's Thanksgiving blog so we thought we'd share it again this year.
I love Thanksgiving.
Gathering my family and enjoying a beautiful meal together makes me crazy grateful. I usually can’t contain myself so I break into song. My kids start to groan but they know I won’t stop until they join in. As a mom, I try to instill in them thankful hearts. Gratefulness is learned, not just in response to receiving, but a celebration of life. It is easy to become burdened with the day to day and forget to savor, yes savor, life’s moments.

Here are some of Troncone Thanksgiving traditions:
Five Kernels of Corn: When the table is set for the Thanksgiving meal every plate has 5 kernels of corn. They represent the Pilgrims struggle the year before the plenty and celebration of Thanksgiving. According to tradition, the Pilgrims suffered through a two year famine with a food ration of five kernels per day. When we compare the meal about to be served to the five kernels we can’t help but be thankful for our blessings.

Thankful Memories: Over the years I have had a Thanksgiving book that we pass and note our gratefulness. We pass the book, even writing for the small ones and letting them scribble their names. It is fun to look back and see, from old to young, the comments they made.

The Acorn Theory: An oak tree produces many acorns and those acorns produce more oak trees. At our family Thanksgiving it is tradition to pass the acorn and tell what each individual is thankful for. We also say one thing we are praying and hoping for this next year. Sharing each others joys and carrying each others burdens – it's what makes families strong.

For Stuffing Lovers: Yes, that is me. You must try this. When preparing your stuffing for the turkey: add chopped walnuts, apple bits, and golden raisins to the bread crumb recipe. Oh, so good!

Pumpkins Bars: I always make this yummy dessert during Thanksgiving. Chopped walnuts are a nice topping to the cream cheese frosting. You can double this recipe or make multiple batches and do up plates to bring to neighbors and friends. See recipe below.

Pumpkin Bar Recipe:
Oven 350
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs, beaten slightly
2 cups pumpkin

Combine in bowl in order given. Beat well. Spread on greased deep cookie sheet or 9x11 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
2 packages (3 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cups powered sugar, sifted

Mix in bowl and beat with electric mixer. If necessary, add milk to make of spreading consistency.
Happy Thanksgiving,

Please share your thanksgiving traditions, favorite recipe or what you are thankful for with us....leave a comment below or on the Comfort Silkie facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Comfort Silkie Mother's Day Specials

Comfort Silkie is Celebrating Motherhood
through the Month of May

Be celebrated! Print out your Favorites and Queen for the Day wishes, not just for Mother’s Day but everyday. It is important for your children to see you not only as Mother, but as a person with needs, feelings, and favorites. If you have children that love their Comfort Silkies, they would probably be thrilled for you to have your very own Mama Silkie Throw or pillow cover. Maybe Dad can help with this - because as they know, the best gift is comfort!

We will have a special for Mom's Every Monday in May!
Check your emails or follow us online on facebook or twitter for more Monday Mom Specials.

Monday May 3rd: 20% Off all Gifts for Mom
Discount code: mom3 (Items must be from Gifts for Mom page)

A couple of my favorite Mama quotes:
“Mothers’ hold their children’s hands for a while, their hearts forever.”

“Once upon a time, someone wiped away a tear, held me close and loved me, thank you mother dear."

Helpful Tips for Distracted Dads and Clueless Kids

As mother of six, that is known as “The Mother of Comfort” I want to tell you how to put the Oooh … Aahh, into your Mothers Day. You deserve to be appreciated.

Here are some tools to help dads and kids put together a wonderful day just for you.
Print out and post these Mother's Day Tip Sheets and expect the best Mother’s Day ever.

1. Mother’s Favorites:

Mother's Day is reported to be the second biggest gift giving day. Help them choose something special just for you by filling out a list of your favorite things. When you share your favorite flowers, colors, books, etc, it teaches children of all ages that mother is a unique individual with special tastes. It helps them learn that gifts should be chosen with the recipient in mind.

Click here for Mom's Favorite List

2. Queen for a Day Wish List:

You may love Mother's Day surprises, however don’t be afraid to share your expectations or ideas. Let them know how they can make you feel like Queen for a Day on Mother's Day. Print out Queen for a Day and give them some suggestions. Remember husbands and kids can’t read your mind and may be oblivious to the obvious.
Click here for Queen for a Day Wish List

3. Give Mom a Day Off:

Sometimes the best gift is a little rest. Print out Mom’s Day Off and make a list of the tasks you usually do and have them sign up to help. They will appreciate it more the next time they see you doing it. No fair letting things pile up for the day after Mother’s Day. The job will probably not be done the way you would do it, but smile and say “marvelous”! You may want to use this list once a month to teach a task or use it on a catch-up-day.
Click here for Mom's Day Off List 

4. Keep the Magic in Mother’s Day:

Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants. It can take the magic out of Mother’s Day waiting with hungry, fussy children. If you would like to celebrate at a favorite restaurant mention it in time for reservations. Other ideas, a picnic lunch with sandwiches ordered to go or a special dessert place.

5. Put the Oooh … Aahh in Mother’s Day - Everday:

In the busy life of a mom it is difficult to find time to connect the mind, body, and soul. Go to http://www.comfortsilkie.com/ and see gift ideas that bring luxurious comfort to everyday. Special discounts through May. Celebrate yourself and enjoy!

The Comfort of New Beginnings

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yes, the comfort of new beginnings. I completely missed a Christmas blog. I had so much to share but life has been a little overwhelming. I can’t wait until next year to share with you all my Christmas Comforts. The reality is we are already well into January, oh yes, reality . . . so let’s focus on the surprises and the blessings of the New Year.

We shared with many of you that we had lost our lease on the building we had been in for 12 years. The news couldn’t have come at a worst time with the fragile economy and our retailers struggling. The future for Comfort Silkie was uncertain and we were looking for the Plan. (Jeremiah 29:11). We shared that uncertainty with you and . . .you were wonderful! You sent in your heartfelt and lovely responses. It truly felt like Comfort Silkie family. It made me feel like I wanted to have a Comfort Silkie family picnic and just have everyone get together. We could express our gratefulness to you and you could share your stories.

Oh the sweet comfort of new beginnings.

We probably never would have moved and now we have. It was a huge job and just this week we have phone lines and internet. Yeah! Our shipping opened last week and we are settling in and enjoying the new place. I have to tell you though, it was a nail biter right to the last minute. We had to be out of our original building December 31st. We were uncertain whether we could financially make the move until December 22. On December 23 we had to execute the lease and have the keys to the new warehouse in one day. The brokers for the building were leaving for the Holidays and would not be back until January 4th. Five minutes before they closed for Christmas we completed the lease and received the keys.

Then came the move. Exhausting, overwhelming, grueling, tearful, are a few words to describe the last couple of weeks. It was one of those times where you just put one foot in front of the other and keep going because so much has to be done. But in the midst of those emotions, that came because of the enormity of the job, was also the wonderful joy of knowing that Comfort Silkie could continue to bring comfort. So many of you had expressed how much our products meant to you and how much you wanted us to continue. You cheered us on with your words and your Christmas orders. A zillion thank yous!

Comfort Wisdom: The New Year stretches out before us with its joys and disappointments. Treasure the moments and enjoy the ride.

A few years back our family was going to Magic Mountain Amusement Park. The kids were thrilled and especially looking forward to the wet and wild rapids ride. As for me, as soon as we got there my mother instinct OCD “protect your children from all things wet and cold” kicked into high gear. I began planning at what time we should go on this ride. Timing was critical because if they all got wet too early or late I would be walking around with wet kids all day. I had to time the ride for sufficient warmth and drying time. Of course they probably wouldn’t minded slogging around but I knew they would have their death of cold. So, when the sun was at its best I began to yell . . . "it is time, it is time, get in line, get in line ... now!" I had everyone take off their socks so I could keep them dry. At least they would have dry socks in their wet shoes. I also, being the ever prepared mom, brought out the plastic trash bags I brought to cover up with. This brought immediate groans and screams of “dorky”. I personally thought it was a great idea and was sure every other mother in line was admiring my preparedness.

As we waited in line the kids and Greg were ecstatic. Yes, the wetter the better. Me, I was looking at the sopping wet people come off the ride and worrying about all the water that was already in the circular, bucket thing we were climbing into. The ride begins, the kids are screaming with joy. Greg is laughing. Me, I am busy trying to keep the trash bags over myself and our youngest and anyone else who will let me. The kids are drenched and loving it. I am holding on for dear life as they try to direct the plummeting barrel into every rapid and waterfall.

Suddenly, the ride slows and comes to a halt. We all pile out of the bucket, the kids are thrilled and jumping up and down and begging to go again. I am looking at them in their complete abandonment and joy. And it strikes me - I completely missed the ride.

I was so busy trying to stay dry and control the ride I completely missed the fun of it. I gathered myself up, ditched the plastic bags (well ok, I kept one to sit on) and let go; screamed, raised my arms, leaned into to the splash, and had a great time getting wet.

Comfort Lesson: I had the opportunity to go on this amusement ride again and enjoy the moment. But in real life, - if I miss the moment, it will be gone.

Comfort Wisdom: We’ll only go around once. Expect to get wet, make yourself comfortable with the uncomfortable, and … enjoy the ride.

From the Mother of Comfort: When life seems scary, uncomfortable, and unpredictable, don’t hold on too tight and miss the ride. Enjoy the moment. HAPPY NEW YEAR,



The best of New Beginnings -
my new grandbaby Laylie.