Walking in Mommy’s Shoes
Motherhood Lessons April 17, 2009
Okay – so I was tagged by Tishia over at http://www.momstalknetwork.com/resources/motherhood-lessons-big-mistakes-are-forgiveable/ a while ago to share a motherhood lesson I’ve learned. For those of you that don’t know, I’m the mom to two wonderful though sometimes defiant challenging children – a 7 year old boy and a 19 month old girl, Bug and Buddha, respectively.
When my son was born, and all during his first few years of life, I remember I would call my parents either in tears or utter frustration – or both – and ask “Where’s the instruction manual?” The response would always be the same – “There is no instruction manual, sweetie. You’re doing fine. You’re a wonderful mother.” Great – Thanks. That really helped. But in a way it did. Being a mom – rather, a parent – isn’t about doing everything “right”. It’s about having the confidence to know that you are doing the best you can for your child. It’s about realizing that you definitely aren’t going to get it right, and that it’s okay. There are going to be speed bumps along the way – hiccups so to speak. But that “this too shall pass”. So I guess I would have to say gaining confidence was the best motherhood lesson I’ve learned – thus far. I realize life is filled with lessons. I’m constantly learning from by children and about my children. For instance, did you know it’s perfectly natural for a child to stop listening to basic commands, like “stop hitting your sister”, “stop running”, “stop kicking the table” whenever you go out in public! This whole motherhood/parenthood thing is full of challenges and obstacles, but it’s also filled with just as many moments of shear pride and joy. Having the confidence to face those challenges is a necessity. Because if you let them see you sweat, it’s all over. Even if you don’t know everything – act like you do. You know Moms are supposed to know everything – at least according to my 7 year old. “Mom, did L e-mail you back?” “I don’t know, Bug, I haven’t checked my e-mail this morning.” “But don’t you know if she e-mailed you?” “No, I haven’t checked my e-mail.” “But you’re supposed to know EVERYTHING.” “Oh, right, sorry. Then, the answer is ‘No, she hasn’t e-mail me yet’.” See – don’t let them see you sweat. Have the confidence and believe you are right, even if (GASP) you might not be 100%. Don’t worry – 25 or so years down the road, when they ask you “Where’s the instruction manual?” You can say, “There isn’t one. Don’t worry. You’re doing a great job, sweetie.” Then, and only then, will they truly understand.
Told You So April 11, 2009
I’m not above saying “I told you so”, especially to my know-it-all, mom-doesn’t-know-anything 7 year old son. Now, I know the calendar is reading April 11th, that Easter is tomorrow, and that it was nice and warm just yesterday, but this morning my son wanted to get dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. It didn’t matter that I had just bought the outfit and wanted to give it a washing first. It didn’t matter that it’s going to be only around 40 degrees today, and rainy – just a lovely day. It’s didn’t matter that I told him he was going to be cold, because as we all know – moms – parents in general – know NOTHING. So I let my know-it-all, mom-doesn’t-know-anything 7 year old son wear shorts and a sleeveless shirt as we went to work at the gym this morning at 8:30 am. What do you think were his first words when he stepped outside – “I”m cold.” So what do you think I then told my know-it-all, mom-doesn’t-know-anything 7 year old son – you guessed it – “I told you so.” One of these days he just might learn that Mom does in fact know what she’s talking about, and isn’t just talking to hear her own voice. . . well, I doubt it, but I can hope can’t I?
On-line Buddies Day April 10, 2009
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
The IRS keeps you broke.
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
Today is ‘ online buddy day ‘
Feeling Blessed April 3, 2009
Right now I feel a little guilty that I’m so blessed. My husband and I and our children are healthy. My husband’s business is starting to pick back up after about 5 months of being really slow. Yes, we have our struggles. There are bills that we haven’t been able to pay for months. But we’re managing; we’re getting by. Many of my friends – fellow mommies – are struggling with some serious health issues for themselves or their children. Many people we know are struggling financially, not able to make ends meet.
It’s one of those situations that makes you really put your own life into perspective and realize that your situation is not all that bad. So for right now, I’m going to cherish each day with my husband and my kids, and keep those that are close to me in my prayers and help them in anyway I can to fight and stay strong for the battles that lie before them.
