Mothers' Tea

"You go rest, Mommy, and we'll make everything!" Bud declared as we unloaded groceries for our planned Mothers' Day tea.  Touched, amused, and a little fearful of the outcome, we assured Bud and Sis that they would put together the sandwiches and such while we just hung back putting away the groceries and unloading the dishwasher.  Of course, we eventually helped, especially after we noticed that Bud likes LOTS of jelly on sandwiches, and was eating one for every one he made.

And it all turned out wonderfully.  Marmalade, blueberry jam, watercress, cucumber, ham and cheese sandwiches cut into triangles and fingers.  Cheddar cheese and pickle on crackers.  Kippers.  And a beautiful almond-raspberry trifle for dessert, complete with Bird's custard.  And, of course, tea.  Best of all, we ate it at a table not in a bed or couch like last year.  And it was different, better even, to have the kids so actively involved in the planning and execution instead of as helpful bystanders.

Every year is the best mothers' day yet.