Well moms, it’s that time of the month again.  No, not that time of the month...  It’s the first Monday; the day I share an Oscar nominated movie that I think all mothers will appreciate, whether it be for the laughs, or the tears or the memorable moments moms will value forever.

Today, I’ve chosen the 1965 Oscar winning film, “The Sound of Music,” which is based on a true story.  This was one of my all-time favorite movies growing up, and left a lasting impression in my heart.  I’ve always loved musicals, and still do, and as a kid I memorized every song in this movie, and decades later still remember them.

This story takes place in Salzburg, Austria where the free-spirited Maria, (Julie Andrews) is studying to become a nun.  Due to her outbursts of singing in the abbey and “trouble making”, she’s asked by Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) to take a job at a nearby city to become a governess for a widowed Austrian naval captain (Christopher Plummer) and his seven kids.  After reluctantly accepting the position, she arrives to discover that Captain George von Trapp keeps his home and family under strict reign; he uses a whistle to summon his kids and even requires them to wear uniforms.  The children are initially cold towards Maria, but they eventually warm to her, especially when she begins teaching them to sing.

One day, the Captain returns from an extended trip with his girlfriend, Baroness Elsa Schroeder (Eleanor Parker), a wealthy socialite, and becomes angry over the activities Maria has planned for the kids.  He then orders her to return to the abbey. However, the Captain later has a change of heart when he hears his children singing beautifully for the Baroness, and against his nature, he apologizes to Maria.

At a banquet the Captain has thrown in honor of Baroness Schroeder, his eleven-year-old son, Kurt, watches the guests dancing and asks Maria to teach him some steps. The Captain watches Maria dancing in the moonlight, and cuts in and partners with her for an elegant performance, culminating into an intimate embrace; but she breaks away, confused about her feelings. The Baroness, notices her fiancé’s attraction to Maria, and somehow convinces her to return to the abbey.

Back at the abbey, Maria keeps herself in isolation until Mother Abbess persuades her to return to the von Trapp family.  When she discovers that the Captain is now engaged to the Baroness, she agrees to stay until they find a replacement governess.  Realizing his love for Maria, the Captain breaks off his engagement, and he and Maria declare their love for each other, then marry in an elaborate ceremony.

It truly is through the sound of music that brings love and joy back into this family’s life.

Most Memorable Mom Moment: After Maria leaves to go back to the abbey, the kids are devastated.  One day outside, they all begin to sing the song she taught them early on in their relationship, “My Favorite Things.” In a magical scene, Maria appears, begins to sing and runs to hug them, in her heart knowing that she’ll always be there for them, just like any mom would.  She may not have birthed them, but her love proves that she’s the best mother these kids could ask for.