I find it funny. I was reading an article today about Mom's and their "nevers". I loved it! The mom listed some of the things she had thought she would never do as a mother, and how being a mother she has realized the reality is quite different from the dream.
While I read her article I though back before children and how I totally related to her. My children were never going to have messy faces, always have clean clothes and be well mannered. Their hair would always be combed and put in ponies or braids. They would never play in the dirt (and who would think of eating it...okay, mine do.) Their bedrooms were going to look like the ones you see on HGTV, as would my house would for that matter. I was going to have cookies baked each afternoon (no wonder Americans are putting on inches...) And every meal was going to be something fancy shmancy like roast and potatoes, or...I don't know but it was all going to be wonderful! Oh and lets not forget that my kids were going to eat healthy darn it!(Isn't that a contradiction with having cookies every afternoon. ahem.)
As hard as I tried reality is my children can be clean if I am willing to do loads of clothes a day, and sometimes they find my chocolate stash and I only notice when I am pulling them out of the car for an appointment. There have been mornings the children have escaped with uncombed hair and I felt I was doing good to have them fed and dressed.
If you were to drop in on me unannounced(even announced these days at times) you will find stacks of laundry on furniture, toys here and there on the floor...even kitchen utensils (thanks to my little monkey) and be prepared, I have been embarrassed after a friend has used the bathroom to find *gasp*undies or a pull-up on the floor along with jammies from the night before. I can't brag about the bedrooms either darn.
With all of this I wouldn't change my kiddos though. I am trying to teach them to pick up after them selves, don't get me wrong. And though it is overwhelming at times to see my littlest getting into all sorts of mischief, I wouldn't trade him for any goldfish in the tank. My little man is just as precious, and I love to see my little lady's creative mind at work. They are going to grow up just as their siblings have and then I will miss this season. I might as well take this moment to enjoy them...while they are small.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Moments Like These
After I posted my last post it was like nature had to try an prove me wrong. Don't get me wrong, I do love being a mom. However there are days I feel like I could just pull my hair out!
I know, really that would accomplish nothing...well, early baldness, and a tender scalp. Really nothing else though. Okay, I might look a little goofy as well.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to take a step back and observe my children instead of live in the moment. When I am able to do this, it makes it just a little bit (or a major lot) easier to appreciate their cleverness, and love their individuality, and enjoy being their mom. Like for example...
When my little man has just been mouthy all day and I tell him he needs to be nice. He informs me it is his job to be naughty...ugh! (I think he stole that line from me, Can I have it copy righted? There are times I tell him "it is my job as a mom to be mean sometimes". For instance when I have to give him a time out, swat his little bum, or give him the look that only a mother can give.)
Or how about the time I wanted to relax and craft, only to find my daughter has all of her things all over the room, and by time I have cleaned a spot the little guy has decided he was done with his nap. (I find out all of the cards she had made are for "her favorite person in the whole world". That person just happens to be me and she has written "I love you" on everyone of them in her best handwriting. May I add she also used her "best" stickers and glitter glue. And embellished with hearts and flowers, some drawings of us hugging...it warms my heart.)
And then there is the moment I just feel like I need to get out for a moment and get a breath of fresh air. The Little guy(the one I am needing a breath from) decides he won't be happy with anyone but me and I have to take him...and his face lights up evey time I pull him out of his car seat, he clings to me and gives the biggest hug. Then as we walk into the store he sits proudly on my arm like I have totally and absolutely made his day as perfect as his day can be.
Those are the moments I hope to cherish forever as a mother.
I know, really that would accomplish nothing...well, early baldness, and a tender scalp. Really nothing else though. Okay, I might look a little goofy as well.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to take a step back and observe my children instead of live in the moment. When I am able to do this, it makes it just a little bit (or a major lot) easier to appreciate their cleverness, and love their individuality, and enjoy being their mom. Like for example...
When my little man has just been mouthy all day and I tell him he needs to be nice. He informs me it is his job to be naughty...ugh! (I think he stole that line from me, Can I have it copy righted? There are times I tell him "it is my job as a mom to be mean sometimes". For instance when I have to give him a time out, swat his little bum, or give him the look that only a mother can give.)
Or how about the time I wanted to relax and craft, only to find my daughter has all of her things all over the room, and by time I have cleaned a spot the little guy has decided he was done with his nap. (I find out all of the cards she had made are for "her favorite person in the whole world". That person just happens to be me and she has written "I love you" on everyone of them in her best handwriting. May I add she also used her "best" stickers and glitter glue. And embellished with hearts and flowers, some drawings of us hugging...it warms my heart.)
And then there is the moment I just feel like I need to get out for a moment and get a breath of fresh air. The Little guy(the one I am needing a breath from) decides he won't be happy with anyone but me and I have to take him...and his face lights up evey time I pull him out of his car seat, he clings to me and gives the biggest hug. Then as we walk into the store he sits proudly on my arm like I have totally and absolutely made his day as perfect as his day can be.
Those are the moments I hope to cherish forever as a mother.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Being a Mom
Just to put this out there, I really do enjoy being a mom. There are days where I am "in the moment" and I wish my little tykes were a little older (or younger). However when I look at it standing back I really am enjoying it.
The two older girls include me in their going-ons once in a while. I feel special when they do. In reality I enjoy knowing they are okay and it is fun to hear their take on life's adventures. They are each so different from one another, it is fun to see how they view life.
My eldest son who married last spring to his best friend, (and perfect match may I add) will include me in his life a little more often, and I enjoy it. At the most random times I will receive a text suggesting a book I ought to read, or sharing something stumbled upon in his daily adventures. It warms my heart when I see a text coming from this young man.
Our missionary is having his struggles right now. It is funny, when I served a mission was compared to a bed of roses. When you look forward to it you see all of the beautiful blooms and blossoms. As you enter you notice there are thorns and sometimes the thorns are more obvious than the beautiful roses. However, when you leave the mission, you look back, and you notice mostly the beautiful roses. You remember the thorns but appreciate more the roses. (I think motherhood is much like this.)
Our teenage young man is just that. But when he is being "just that" he is the sweetest big brother. It is so much fun to watch him interact with his younger siblings. He is following the example of his older brothers and father. I am truly blessed.
My little princess is quite creative. She absolutely blows me out of the water sometimes with her creations. She can make just about anything out of just about anything. One of her favorite things to do is craft with me. The things she comes up with amaze me!
My little man still loves to cuddle once in a while. I have to admit I still love it. He is stubborn and very clever with the words he uses. He cracks me up all too often and keeps things light when I begin to feel the weight of what ever pressing in.
My little guy is full of mischief...that or curiosity. At any rate he keeps me on my toes from the moment he wakes till the moment his head hits the pillow. He is constantly getting into what ever I may have missed or accidentally left in reach or open.
Mostly I enjoy seeing their unique personalities. I love the hugs I receive here and there. My day has been made many times by either a phone call, text, letter, hug...I can't think of how my life could ever be richer. I love being a mom.
The two older girls include me in their going-ons once in a while. I feel special when they do. In reality I enjoy knowing they are okay and it is fun to hear their take on life's adventures. They are each so different from one another, it is fun to see how they view life.
My eldest son who married last spring to his best friend, (and perfect match may I add) will include me in his life a little more often, and I enjoy it. At the most random times I will receive a text suggesting a book I ought to read, or sharing something stumbled upon in his daily adventures. It warms my heart when I see a text coming from this young man.
Our missionary is having his struggles right now. It is funny, when I served a mission was compared to a bed of roses. When you look forward to it you see all of the beautiful blooms and blossoms. As you enter you notice there are thorns and sometimes the thorns are more obvious than the beautiful roses. However, when you leave the mission, you look back, and you notice mostly the beautiful roses. You remember the thorns but appreciate more the roses. (I think motherhood is much like this.)
Our teenage young man is just that. But when he is being "just that" he is the sweetest big brother. It is so much fun to watch him interact with his younger siblings. He is following the example of his older brothers and father. I am truly blessed.
My little princess is quite creative. She absolutely blows me out of the water sometimes with her creations. She can make just about anything out of just about anything. One of her favorite things to do is craft with me. The things she comes up with amaze me!
My little man still loves to cuddle once in a while. I have to admit I still love it. He is stubborn and very clever with the words he uses. He cracks me up all too often and keeps things light when I begin to feel the weight of what ever pressing in.
My little guy is full of mischief...that or curiosity. At any rate he keeps me on my toes from the moment he wakes till the moment his head hits the pillow. He is constantly getting into what ever I may have missed or accidentally left in reach or open.
Mostly I enjoy seeing their unique personalities. I love the hugs I receive here and there. My day has been made many times by either a phone call, text, letter, hug...I can't think of how my life could ever be richer. I love being a mom.
Friday, March 2, 2012
I could not have said this any better...
Joy, or “Just Wait?”
As I wait at Target, a young couple pushes a stroller in the line
behind me. The stroller, brand new, appears to be on its maiden voyage.
I peer at the tiny sleeping newborn, his fingers curled up near his
ruddy face.
“You guys do good work!” I comment. The parents beam with pride, but the weariness in their eyes lets me know that they are all still in the process of getting to know each other. The lady behind the couple glances at the stroller as well, and asks. “Is this your first?” They nod proudly. ”Just wait…” she snorts, and then follows with a comment about unruly teenagers.
Inwardly, I wince. We seem to live in a country overrun by a great lot of negative naysayers when it comes to parenting. I remember hearing comments like that when I was a new (and overwhelmed!) mom. It seemed that many parents were suffering from a chronic case of disappointment and dissatisfaction called ”Just-Wait-itis,” characterized by the inflammation of impending doom in parenthood….I felt trapped in a swirl of know-it-alls who were warning me that the worst was yet to come.
Of course, now that my kids are teenagers, I know the truth. Parenting is complicated; it’s wonderful and challenging. Exhausting and gut wrenching. Heart warming and heart breaking.
And, at the outset, parenting can be utterly daunting. It just doesn’t help when others douse young parents with stories leading to doubt and despair.
Instead, we seasoned moms could infuse joy into our “just waits…” As I regard this weary pair, I think of so many things I could say…
Just wait until your preschool son sees you in the hallway at pick up time and covertly grins and waves to you. (It’s the best flirting in the world.)
Just wait until you watch your kindergartener jump off the bus after that first day, triumphant and tired, melting into your arms.
Just wait until your son is up to bat, and strikes out, holding it together despite disappointment. And just wait until the crack of the bat meeting the ball surprises him and he races to first base…safe.
Just wait until your daughter stands up for a classmate who is struggling, and her peers, humbled, apologize.
Just wait until your child, painfully tethered to tubes and machines in the hospital, whispers, “I just want my mommy.” (and you are suddenly aware that your presence is more powerful than any prescription.)
Just wait until your son gets his very first summer job and he is, unmistakably, walking taller and more confidently as a result.
Just wait until your child’s quick sense of humor makes you double over with laughter.
Just wait until you hear your son invite a friend to church.
Just wait until your daughter receives her first college acceptance and you find yourself overcome with tears…not because she’s leaving, but because she’s ready.
The baby in the stroller whimpers, breaking my reverie.
I smile at the couple and look them straight in the eye.
“You have so much joy ahead of you…” I remark…
“Just wait.”
Wishing you joy today~
Katie
katiewetherbee.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/joy-or-just-wait/
“You guys do good work!” I comment. The parents beam with pride, but the weariness in their eyes lets me know that they are all still in the process of getting to know each other. The lady behind the couple glances at the stroller as well, and asks. “Is this your first?” They nod proudly. ”Just wait…” she snorts, and then follows with a comment about unruly teenagers.
Inwardly, I wince. We seem to live in a country overrun by a great lot of negative naysayers when it comes to parenting. I remember hearing comments like that when I was a new (and overwhelmed!) mom. It seemed that many parents were suffering from a chronic case of disappointment and dissatisfaction called ”Just-Wait-itis,” characterized by the inflammation of impending doom in parenthood….I felt trapped in a swirl of know-it-alls who were warning me that the worst was yet to come.
Of course, now that my kids are teenagers, I know the truth. Parenting is complicated; it’s wonderful and challenging. Exhausting and gut wrenching. Heart warming and heart breaking.
And, at the outset, parenting can be utterly daunting. It just doesn’t help when others douse young parents with stories leading to doubt and despair.
Instead, we seasoned moms could infuse joy into our “just waits…” As I regard this weary pair, I think of so many things I could say…
Just wait until your preschool son sees you in the hallway at pick up time and covertly grins and waves to you. (It’s the best flirting in the world.)
Just wait until you watch your kindergartener jump off the bus after that first day, triumphant and tired, melting into your arms.
Just wait until your son is up to bat, and strikes out, holding it together despite disappointment. And just wait until the crack of the bat meeting the ball surprises him and he races to first base…safe.
Just wait until your daughter stands up for a classmate who is struggling, and her peers, humbled, apologize.
Just wait until your child, painfully tethered to tubes and machines in the hospital, whispers, “I just want my mommy.” (and you are suddenly aware that your presence is more powerful than any prescription.)
Just wait until your son gets his very first summer job and he is, unmistakably, walking taller and more confidently as a result.
Just wait until your child’s quick sense of humor makes you double over with laughter.
Just wait until you hear your son invite a friend to church.
Just wait until your daughter receives her first college acceptance and you find yourself overcome with tears…not because she’s leaving, but because she’s ready.
The baby in the stroller whimpers, breaking my reverie.
I smile at the couple and look them straight in the eye.
“You have so much joy ahead of you…” I remark…
“Just wait.”
Wishing you joy today~
Katie
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