Once we have children, they are forever on our hearts and on our minds. (Image courtesy FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
As I venture further down the road of motherhood, I’ve encountered some moms whose stories of triumph, stamina and determination leave me awestruck. Here I am, with (only) two healthy, happy children, a safe home, a supportive husband, and enough food on the table (and floor) to feed many more mouths. I have it easy. So easy.
Some think I’m a better-than-average mom (because they’ve stopped me in the grocery store and told me so), but it’s not true. I just happen to have the ability to tell my own stories in a meaningful and engaging way. Does that make me a better communicator? Definitely. A better mother? Not necessarily.
So, I’ve decided to put my creative skills to use and tell …
Who could deny this face? And don’t judge our nutrition choices. You know you are.
There are few things that give me the “oogies” more than cutting cardboard. And by “oogies,” I mean that nails-on-chalkboard shiver that shoots up your spine and causes your head and shoulders to shudder with disgust. (The sound of someone hocking a loogie and/or vomiting are equally offensive to me. In fact, I nearly couldn’t type that without becoming ill. Excuse me…I’ll be right back.)
When my daughter approached me with an empty oversized cereal box the other day, and asked me to “cut a hole in it so she could pretend she was on television,” I immediately grabbed a knife and started hacking away. After all, it was an awesome idea, and the fact that she said “television” instead of …
My mommy’s a liar. I am NOT amused.
(Note: This is written mostly in jest. So, read, laugh and enjoy!)
There’s a bit of parenting advice you won’t find in any child-rearing book (at least none that I’m aware of). It’s unethical, immoral and goes directly against God’s commandments (the 9th to be exact). Yet, every parent does it on a regular basis.
So, what is this taboo topic? Lying. Lying like a priceless Persian rug on a rich man’s floor, like a coon dog basking in the sunshine on my porch, like a penny in the parking lot at the grocery story (ok, enough with The Band Perry references).
Awhile back, I wrote my 5 Tips for Taming a Strong-Willed Toddler. Guess what? “Become a Liar-Liar Pants on Fire” is #6. Why? Well, let me illustrate a few scenarios …
Life with a toddler is a bit like living in the country. When it’s bad, it’s really bad. But when it’s good, it’s really, really, really good. Wouldn’t change it for a thing.
She is sunlight streaming through glistening Cottonwood leaves.
She is the tinkle of wind chimes on a summer evening.
She is a tepid breeze that lifts the hair off your neck.
She is the sweet smell of sun-warmed yellow roses.
She is my daughter.
THESE are the moments I need to remember.
No, this isn’t another mom blog tirade on the recent boobirific Time magazine cover. There are plenty of good ones out there, though.
This is a heart-on-my-sleeve post about some thoughts that were going through my head today. I imagine I’m not the only one who feels this way. If I’m not, then I could use some words of encouragement. If I am, then I’d like a prize for “most unique mommy meltdown.”
Here’s a little gem that popped into my head today: What the hell am I doing here?
You see, this question goes both ways. There are days when I admit I feel highly over-qualified for this job. I’m sorry if that offends anyone, but it’s the truth. After spending an hour scraping gooey, matted banana …
(Image from http://blogs.villagevoice.com)
“Those are fake. Wonder how much she paid?”
“That’s nasty, she needs to put some clothes on.”
“Can you believe her? Barely divorced for two months, and already hooking up with some other guy!”
I’ll bet money you’ve made a comment like one of those above (or worse) in front of your kids. I know I have. Don’t think that’s true? Listen to yourself the next time you’re watching TV, listening to the radio, or scanning Facebook.
In this modern world, snark (making a snide remark) is king (or queen). After all, snark makes us sound clever. Who doesn’t want to sound clever? I can’t help but wonder, though, if our “snark society” isn’t only adding fuel to the bullying fire that’s ravaging our children. And moms, I think we’re more to blame than anyone.
Women are …