Before I was a mom, I hadn't had a donut in 10 years. Whenever a dessert craving hit, I'd hit Nothing Bundt Cakes for their lemon Bundtlet (IYKYK). But then we had Cassel and shortly after, my world became a sweet mess of donut holes, sprinkles and glaze. That first trip was ceremonious. It wasn't easy to be a kid when you were me but all of my favorite memories started at a donut shop. My inner child was just as excited as my tiny kid sitting with me at that even tinier table, all covered in chocolate and powdered sugar.
My children have a different life by design but the generational joy of the donut shop has been passed down. It's special in my home and I never say no. They ask for a trip on the first days of anything, for fire alarm reprieves, weekend mornings on the way to the grandparents... And the answer is always yes: yes to the donuts, of course, but also yes, yes, yes to the moments... a sweet pause in busy days and busier lives. What will I do when none of my shirts are stained from raspberry filling'ed fingers? I already miss the small faces with missing teeth that have been replaced with the big-boy grins inching closer to teenhood by the moment. Motherhood is kind of like a donut: the sweetest, most tender parts go first. But Cassel, Caynen and I will always have the donut shop. It's not going anywhere and neither will my heart's sweetest desire: to never miss the opportunity to share a maple bar and chocolate milk with my sons.
Happy Mother's Day to every mom! May your day be truly sweet!
Jeanna Crawford is a publisher of Inside SCV Magazine, the glitterful inspirationalist of Jeanna Loves Christmas on Instagram and mom to two donut-loving treasures, Cassel and Caynen.