Moms make sure our beds are made, our teeth are brushed, and we eat our veggies – all things that set us up for a happy, healthy, successful life! But maybe most importantly, they dispense valuable advice that stands true throughout our lives.

We asked some of our residents and team members to share what their moms have taught them, and uncovered some gold nuggets:

“Mom used to say, ‘Think of the consequences before you step too far off your normal path, but don’t be afraid to open new doors and look inside.’” – Claire McCarty, JKV resident

“My mother-in-law used to say, ‘Don’t count your chickens with a hatchet.’ My grandmother used to say, ‘Smoking is not at all necessary and very unladylike.’” – Dorothy Romanelli, JKV resident

“My mom’s advice to me: ‘If you’re thinking about someone you haven’t been in contact with in a while, don’t wait to call, write or text. Make the time to reach out. Tomorrow is never promised,’ and ‘Give hugs and handshakes like you mean it!’” – Jody Puishys, JKV Executive Assistant

“My mom-in-law always says, ‘You can never do the wrong thing by doing the right thing.’ I love this. It has guided me to always try to take the high road.” – Yael Fishman, JKV Digital Marketing Coordinator

“My Aunt Mickey said, ‘NEVER pass up a chance to pee!’” – Diane Barton, JKV resident

“Don’t worry about anything until you know what you’re worrying about.” – Twylah Haun, JKV resident

“When you become a parent, you will always be a parent. But when your children become adults, you stop parenting.” – Jody Leshinsky, JKV Life Enrichment Manager

“As a young kid, I always wanted to take dance lessons. I was also pretty clumsy and I guess my mom knew that dance lessons were probably not something I’d ever benefit from. Her retort to me was always, ‘You’ve gotta get something in your head before you get it in your feet.’ Needless to say, I never got those dance lessons, but I did do well in school.” – Julie Vikmanis, JKV resident

“Love what you do and help others.” – Kellie Camp Thomas, JKV Community Engagement and Business Development Manager

“My mother always advised me that if you really want something to happen in your life that isn’t happening, write it down so it can be out in the universe to help manifest it. I have found that this tactic often works.” – Kim Morgan-Vagnuolo, JKV PR Specialist

“My mother taught me to say, ‘thank you.’ She said it was like a prayer and I must admit, I say it a lot. I’ve added a smile when saying it. I was taught it expresses gratitude, humility, and understanding. Try it and see what these two words from you do to others. Don’t forget to add a smile!” – Shari Vordermeier, JKV resident

And perhaps the best advice of all:

“Never cook bacon naked.” – Steph Messana, JKV resident

Click here for more “mom wisdom” from our residents!

Mother’s Day Recipes

Two recipes for a delicious Mother’s Day brunch!

Breakfast Tacos with Bacon, Avocado, and Sausage

Breakfast Tacos with Bacon, Avocado and Sausage
Serves 8

8 pieces bacon
8 breakfast sausages, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 large eggs
1 whole avocado, peeled, pitted, and small diced
8 soft taco tortillas, flour or corn
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salsa
Chopped cilantro

Preheat oven to 375°. Place the bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until crispy, about 15-18 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and cut into small pieces.

Whisk the eggs in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a 10” pan and cook eggs over medium heat, using a spatula to move them while they cook, flipping a few times until they’re soft and pillowy but cooked through. Remove from pan, place in a bowl, and cover with foil to keep warm.

Add remaining olive oil to pan and cook sausage until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from pan, place in a bowl, and cover with foil to keep warm.

Discard any remaining oil and wipe out pan with a clean paper towel. Warm each tortilla for about a minute on each side, flipping and removing to a plate. Keep stack of tortillas warm by covering plate with foil until it’s time to assemble the breakfast tacos.

Once all your components are ready, assemble by spooning sausage, eggs, bacon and avocado on to each tortilla and lining them up on a serving platter. Serve with shredded cheddar, salsa and chopped cilantro for topping.

Pink Grapefruit “Momosas”: Perfect for Mother’s Day

Pretty In Pink Grapefruit “MOMosas”
Serves 8

3 oz. red grapefruit juice, chilled
750 ml. Bottle of Prosecco or dry sparkling wine, chilled
Raspberries, pomegranate seeds or thyme for garnish

Fill stemware glasses or champagne flutes half full with grapefruit juice. Top off with Prosecco or sparkling wine and stir lightly.

Drop a few raspberries or pomegranate seeds into the glasses for extra garnish. Lay a small sprig of thyme across the top of the glass for an extra touch.