As a mother, I often find myself doing things for my kids, little things, that they don’t notice or mention or say anything about. Things that I just do because I love them and I care about. My kids are too young now but I often wonder if they will realize these little things when they get older.
Looking back now- and I probably started reflecting more on my relationship with my mother and how much she did for me when I was in college and definitely after I got married and had kids of my own- I see and remember all the things my mother did for me when I was growing up. Things that I probably didn’t notice at the time or thank her for. My mom owned and operated her own Korean grocery store, which was very labor intensive and required long hours from her. She worked so hard everyday, Monday-Sunday. And years later, would finally get someone to help her run the store so she could take Sundays off.
The thing that stands out in my mind was how self-less my mother was and how much she loved me. And although she never said it much when we were little, she showed us through her actions. When I was in high school, I was on the drill team. The group of gals who came out during the half-time show at football games, kicking and doing dance routines. Yes, I was that girl. Well, kind of.
I can’t remember if it was my senior year but we were about to go into competition and all the mothers were to show up at the school and sew our costumes for us. My lovely, awesome mother went to my high school, not knowing any of the other moms- because she was always working and well, let’s be honest, felt more comfortable with her Korean friends (nothing wrong with that; Korean being her first language). She came to my high school for like a week and sat there and sewed my three costumes/outfits for me.
After working a 10-hour day and leaving the store early so she could be there. For me. Her daughter.
Even though Father’s Day just passed, I have been thinking a lot lately about my mom. Even though she lives in Dallas, we are very close and we talk on the phone very frequently. Her health isn’t the best right now and she is actually going to have a kidney transplant at the end of July. This will be my mom’s second kidney transplant, her first was when I was a kid, several several years ago. So, this kidney, which was donated by her sister, my aunt has lasted a long time.
This time, my sister, Grace, is the match and will be donating her kidney to my mother. These two women are my heros. I don’t know two women who are more brave, honest, loving and hard working.
It took me a while before I realized and really appreciated what an awesome, loving mother I have. . and believe me, I am NOT comparing myself to my mother but it will probably take many many years before my daughters begin to realize and see what I do for them. But that’s ok.
They are kids.
They are young. Kids just say things sometimes. Like tonight. When Phoebe, my 6 year old, who knew I was cooking dinner (and I was making this because she loves shrimp and pasta), says to me, “Can we just order pizza tonight?” They were playing outside with their friends and Paul, my husband, was watching them. I simply said, “Dinner is ready.” and came back into the house. Paul, I’m sure, said something to her because she comes inside- all excited- and says, “Oh, yummy! What’s for dinner tonight Mommy?”
And as she was slurping up these noodles, I thought to myself, I love this kid. She will say things to me that I don’t like. She will say things later to me I’m sure that will hurt me and cause me pain (when she’s older, hormonal and crazy). But I’m her mother. I will just love her. Always. And keep doing these little things I do for her.
Simply because I love her.
Peanut Noodles With Shrimp
Ingredients
- 14 oz. rice noodles
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 lime (juice only*) (start with 1 tablespoon*)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb. raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 cups napa cabbage shredded
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots julienned
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped + more if desired
- green onions diced for garnish
- crushed roasted peanuts to sprinkle
- lime wedges
- Sriracha sauce optional
- spicy chili oil optional
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Rice noodles usually don't take longer than 4 to 5 minutes to cook. Drain, rinse and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients from the peanut butter to the fresh lime juice*. Whisk together until smooth, taste and adjust any ingredients as needed.
- Using a large non-stick pan or skillet, add the oil to the pan over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook on each side until pink. Turn the heat to medium low, and add in the napa cabbage, bell peppers and carrots. Toss together using tongs. Add in the rice noodles and pour in the peanut sauce and toss together for just a few minutes. I like to undercook the vegetables so they are still a little crunchy.
- Serve and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, peanuts and lime wedges. Mix in Sriracha or chili oil if desired. Enjoy!
Adapted from Allison Fishman’s recipe in 
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. She sounds like an incredible, strong woman. I’d love to visit her store! I’m sending lots of good-luck wishes for a speedy recovery after her surgery at the end of July — and to Grace as well.
Also, I woke up to see these noodles in my Instagram feed, so I’m really excited that they’re here on your blog because I wanted to try them so badly. YUM. I just can’t get enough of noodles! Thanks, as always, for the beautiful ways you inspire me. xo
Thank you so much,Joy! You inspire me so much with your posts. . I love them. . and yes, thank you. . I will be spending much of the month of August in Dallas with my mother and sister, helping in any way I can during the recovery. Thanks again for the comment! 🙂
That’s so sweet, Alice. Mom is the best gift ever! I pray for her speedy recovery after the surgery and her health can better each day. Thanks for reminding me to be grateful by having a family, especially mom.
Awh, thank you Linda! yes, we need many many prayers!!! thank you!!
The spicy Asian noodles look so delicious and perfect for the summer.
What a loving tribute to your wonderful mom! We wish her the best and pray for her recovery as well 🙂
Hi there! Judit and Corina, thank you both so much! My fingers are crossed and I will be praying for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery as well. . Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
This is such a beautiful post Alice. Ah, you describe a mother’s love so well. My husband and I don’t have children yet but I found myself nodding whilst I was reading your entire post. My mother was the most fiery, strong person when I was little, but she was also tender, amazingly selfless and protective. She always put me first. She worked herself into the ground so that I’d have everything, every opportunity, that I needed. I know that I hurt her and it pains me to think about it now. I was naive, stupid and immature. Selfish and blinded to her motherly wisdom. I know that it’s all been forgotten in the sands of time, and that my mother didn’t love me any less because of it, but I wish I could have seen her then as I see her now 🙂 Your relationship with Phoebe sounds beautiful. I know that she is going to be so, so grateful for you, for all that you do, as she gets older. You’re amazing, as a woman and as a parent. I’ll also be praying for your mother’s transplant and for her donor. I used to work as a transplant counsellor at a hospital here in Western Australia so I can understand what your family must be experiencing. It’s a positive. Hopefully she’ll feel much better after it’s all over. Sending you love. Oh, and these noodles look so, so beautiful (lucky Phoebe to get her favourite!) xx
Thank you so much, Laura for this beautiful and thoughtful comment! I guess we all have to grow and learn before we realize and “see” things but yes, I feel the same way you do re: our mothers. . Thank you for the prayers. . my mother’s donor is my sister, Grace, so this surgery is huge. Again, thank you for your kinds words. . from the bottom of my heart! 🙂
All things get printed in our memory, and many times we repeat them without even realizing that we picked them up from our parents. The story of your mother is amazing, like so many women of your generation, and I love how you can pay tribute to her, not only through your words, but also through your own actions with your kids. Lovely Alice! She will go into surgery with so much love around, it will strenghthen her spirit. Amazing women in your family my friend!
I´ve been wanting to make peanut noodles for the longest time, so I´m pinning this recipe right now! It sounds just like the pasta bowls I have many times a week.
Thank you so much, Paula!! yes, love what you said. . she will go into surgery with much love around her and it will strengthen her. Thank you dear friend! and let me know if you try the noodles. . my friend, Joy, who also commented here made the recipe and loved it! 🙂
Alice, you get me every darn time with these amazing, beautiful, thoughtful, eloquent posts of yours. And you say exactly what the rest of us feel. This is how I feel about my mom. God bless these strong, stoic women in our lives, who worked so hard, who never complained, and who did everything they could to fulfill our wants and needs. I’m sure you’ve shown your mom how much you love and appreciate her over the years. What a selfless gift your sister is giving to her. I wish both of them the best in the surgery and for a quick and seamless recovery. I know it’ll help having you there with them. Make them these delicious noodles; who can resist? And yes, I’m sure Phoebe and Madeleine are going to drive you nuts, especially in their teenage years 😉 I was a pretty horrific teenager – if I had a kid like me, I’d throw myself off a building. Life has a funny way of smoothing everything out. They are going to appreciate you to no end after the hormonal years are over. Having said that, I’m sure they already appreciate you now, sweet mama.
Nancy,
I always love your comments. . I literally laugh out loud. . and tear up. . all at the same time. Thank you!!! and dude, I’m a little biased but Asian moms rock.
What a beautiful commentary on motherhood passed through the generations. I’ll be sending all the healing thoughts and good wishes and prayers I can to your mom, your sister, and you in the next weeks. Thinking of you!