C e l e b r a t i n g
M o m s
S
ome may quibble with Mother’s Day as an
invented holiday, but as a daughter
a n d
as a mom,
I’m very happy to celebrate it. True, among
careers, relationships, and personal aspirations,
motherhood is only one of the roles women may
play. But for those who hold the title, mom-ness weaves
through our lives like no other purpose, tapping every
corner of our creativity, our determination, and our love.
And, I might add, forever changing the way we view our
homes. Because, for moms, houses are so much more than
a style statement; they’re an integral part of our ecosystem
for shaping healthy, happy kids. In a hundred subtle ways,
our homes communicate to our children about the things
we value: the basket by the sofa for books and magazines,
the stool in the kitchen that invites a chat, the art supplies
and backyard games. As our kids grow, we rethink space
and repurpose rooms, searching for the just-right balance
of togetherness and breathing room. And when they’re
ready, we take a deep breath and say the words they want to
hear:
P a in t y o u r room any color y o u w ant.
That’s how much we love them.
My own children are adults now. But I’m still inspired
by the moms who share their homes in our magazine—
and the creative ways they nurture their kids. This
issue, it’s Jenny Stegall (“Pretty, Please,” page 38). With
four little ones under the age of 7, she’s managed to
marry fresh traditional style with family-friendliness.
Among her most precious artwork: drawings from the
kids, whipped up in their arts-and-crafts corner and
impressively framed for the foyer.
Jenny’s little decorating touch is a great reminder as
Mother’s Day approaches. A reminder for moms to soak
up the moment and know that everything they do counts.
A reminder for all of us to celebrate the one who shaped
our world. So, to my mom: Thanks for each and every
Saturday breakfast on the screen porch— one of a million
happy memories.
Gayle Goodson Butler,
E d ito r in C h ie f
l e t t e r s
&
c o m m e n t s
t w i t t e r
twitter.com/bhg
f a c e
b o o k
facebook.com/mybhg
s u b s c r i p t i o n
h e l p
BHG.com/myaccount or 800/374-4244
Eat, Play, Grill
Join us for a memorable
weekend in Chicago, May
21-22, for
B etter H om es and
G a rd en s
magazine’s and
Weber’s Chill and Grill
Festival™
(se e pa g e 172).
Enjoy classes with top chefs,
tastings, music, and more.
Can’t be there? Check our
Facebook page for posts,
photos, and recipes both
days.
Facebook.com /m ybhg
Now M onthly!
Find the May issue— and
a new digital edition of
BHG every month— in the
iTunes store.
better now
L a s t m o n th , w e in tro d u ced C lea n O u t f o r K id s, a new
p rog ra m to ra ise m on ey to fig h t ch ild h o o d hunger. T h e re 's still
p le n ty o f tim e to jo in th is w o rth w h ile effort: G o to
bhg.com/
cleanoutforkids/o?*
deta ils. A big th a n k s to B e tte r H om es a n d
G a rd en s R eal E sta te brokers w ho are h o stin g sales: B H G R E
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PHOTO: KATHRYN GAMBLE
