Happy Mother's Day!
                  Sunday, May 13, 2001


               
              This page is dedicated to all the mothers of the world - both
               mothers of human children and "pet" children.

             As far back in history as the 1600's, there was a day called "Mothering Sunday" when in England, the servants were given a day off to spend with their mothers.  In 1914, which was the year after my own mother was born, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May to be a nationally observed "Mother's Day" holiday in the United States.  The world over, there are many countries that honor mothers on similar days.

            Tradition holds that Mother's Day is a day for people to express their appreciation for
            the things their mothers have done for them.  Carnations are traditionally given to mothers, for they symbolize sweetness and endurance.
             
             
             

                ~Motherhood~

                A partnership with God is Motherhood.
                What strength, what purity, what self-control,
                What love, what wisdom should belong to her,
                Who helps God fashion an immortal soul.

                ~author unknown~


            The preceding poem is one of my very favorite poems.  My mother gave me a very old book when I was expecting my daughter which was all about baby care.  It told of a thing called a "belly binder" and all sorts of other old-fashioned things we no longer use today to care for our babies.  That poem was in the front of the book, and from the very first time I read it, it had special meaning for me.  It is a gift to be a mother because we are entrusted with caring for
            and nurturing special little souls.

               
                 

           
             
              Here's a picture of my sweet little daughter,
              Jessica, when she was just one month old.


               
               
               
               
               

              She's a teenager now, but
              she'll always be
              my little potato bug. : )


             
             
             
             
             
                  My Little Daughter

                  My little daughter
                  All soft and brand new,
                  Now toddling and tumbling,
                   Babbling first words, . . . a few.
                  Growing so quickly
                  Just can't believe my eyes.
                  Each day you give Mommy
                  A different surprise.
                  I cherish these days
                  Of discovery and wonder;
                  For so many glad reasons
                  You outdo all others.
                  My little daughter,
                  Who'll soon be all grown,
                  These days of sweet memories
                  Are the most precious I've known.

                  By:  Joanne M. Porter
                            March 4, 1986
                   
                   


             


             

            This picture is of my mom and me.  It was taken on my third birthday.  We lived in Miami, Florida, at the time.
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

            Here are my other babies, of course, all dressed up for Mother's Day.  They've gathered up bunches and bunches of roses to give to all you mothers out there on your special day.

                              
                     Happy Mother's Day and licks and wags,
                     from Sweetcakes and Jellybean, the Woof-muffins! "


             
             
             
             

                                

                                

             
             
             
             
             
                       
                         

             
             
             
             
               
               
        "Joanne's Woof-muffins" copyright © 1998 - 2001 by Joanne  M. Porter
        TianshingI@aol.com
        premiered March 1998
        All of the graphics seen here are being used with permission.