For the Moms

Being a mom is one of those things that isn't just physically exhausting, but mentally draining as well. I was prepared (mentally, that is) for the sleepless nights, dirty house and diapers. What I wasn't prepared for is the back talk and blatant disobedience. Figuring out how to really parent is the hard part because controlling yourself and responding appropriately when, say you are slapped in the face isn't always easy. 

For all you moms having sleepless nights because your teenager is out way too late and you are up praying, I look up to you. For all you moms covered in spit up and going on your third day without a shower, I feel for you. Been there, done those looong sleepless nights. For all the moms with no children to hold, whether through loss, infertility or a dream not happening, I pray for you today. For all you mom struggling with preschoolers and toddlers, ladies I am right there in the trenches with you. For all you moms with grown children, I respect you. Having kids of my own has given me a respect for my mom (and any mom of grow ups) more than I could have ever imagined.

And here are a couple things I have come across lately about parenting that I have found encouraging:

A great reminder to be intentional with parenting

A beautiful reminder to not let satan steal your joy, even in parenting

10 common mistakes parents today make

And a shirt that every tired mama needs 

Happy mothers day to all the moms out there!!!

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19/52

Connor: Roaring at his sister, saying "I the bubble monster" and like a good sister, Isla would let out a high pitched scream, thus keeping Connor roaring. 

Isla: Checking out her freshly done pigtails in the mirror. Judging by her face, I'd say she was impressed.  

" A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

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A Preschool Mother's Day Celebration

Today was one of those days that I could only image as a great thing before I became a mom. Now, I didn't ever think of a preschool mother's day party per say, but being in a room with other moms, sitting on tiny chairs, wearing hats made with love, with our kids singing us songs, it really was the best.

We were brought into a room filled with pint sized tables and chairs. I was pointed to a place where a hat made by Connor was sitting, along with a present and a little card/survey about me. These little surveys are always where things get real...and funny.  Apparently I tell Connor to go to time out a lot and laugh at others. Awesome. That really paints me in a good light. 

Then, the teachers moved a wall and the kids were standing there ready to sing for us. And for the first time since starting school, Connor actually sung and did the hand motions along with the other kids!!! I was super excited about this. Up until this point, he has always either stood there quietly or tried distracting the other kids while they were singing. And what a perfect time to sing, but at the mother's day party for me!

The kids were then dismissed and came and sat with us moms where we enjoyed a light lunch. It really was a lot of fun. And as corny as it sounds, it really meant a lot to me that Connor's teachers would do this for us moms. 

We also got a little present (that I forgot to take a picture of) that was two tiles...one with a picture of Connor and I on it and another with a coloring he did for me. I ate it up. Like I said, this is the type of thing I dreamed of about becoming a mom. 

Given that mother's day itself will be filled with celebrating not only me, but also my mom and Ian's mom, I feel super privileged to have gotten my own beautiful mother's day celebration just for me.

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Minions, Minions & more Minions

Connor's obsession with minions began one day last year when my mom took him and my nephew to McDonalds and minions were the happy meal toy. He had never seen the movie, but fell in love with minions. One day, I caved and bought him Despicable Me. He basically only wanted to watch the parts with minions over and over. For Christmas he got both Despicable Me 2 and a minion shirt. Despicable Me 2 basically became his favorite movie ever because, well, there are lots and lots of minions in it.

As for the minion shirt, I basically put it in his drawer and never offered to let him wear it. Mean mom, I know. It's just that I am not really a character clothing type of person...totally eating crow over here now. For Easter, I cracked and got Connor a minion shirt he had been asking for for weeks. And the obsession seemed to sky rocket. After wearing the same shirt for SIX DAYS STRAIGHT, not only did I dig out the Christmas shirt, I was the mom at target frantically searching for every minion shirt in Connor's size so he would stop wearing the same dang shirt every day. Because, let me tell you, if he can find a minion shirt, he will take off what he has and put it on. I even found him going into the laundry room looking for a minion shirt!!!

Last week, Connor and his friend Blake wore the same exact minion shirt to school. It was total happenstance and totally and completely made Connor's day. He has been talking about it ever since. I still don't know where I stand with character clothing. It just isn't the cutest clothing there is. But, the thing is, it makes my boy so stinking happy that I really can't say no. After all, it is just a shirt and I am all about picking my battles.

BUT, I totally bribed Connor and told him he could wear whatever minion shirt he wanted to school on Monday as long as I got to pick out his clothes for the mother's day tea at his school on Wednesday. He agreed, but I have a feeling come tomorrow, he will conveniently NOT be remembering our deal!

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Take Me Out to the Ball Game

^^ She made it to the top all by herself! 

Ian joined a men's softball team at our church. Friday was their first game. There is a huge playground right next to the field, which works out great to entertain the kids. But that also leaves me keeping an eye on the kids and not really being able to watch the game at all. I figured out if I sat on one side of the playground, I could watch the kids and sort of watch the game on the opposite side of the playground. Really, all I could see was if Ian's team was playing the field or up to bat. I kept trying to convince Connor to go watch the game, but he really didn't want to. Though I did make both the kids come over once so I could watch Ian while he was up to bat. 

Even with not being able to watch the game, it was a great evening. The sun was on my back, I was breathing in fresh air, the kids were playing. It is definitely going to be a good way to spend Friday nights this summer. And maybe, just maybe, every once in a while someone like Ian's parents will come to the game and be willing to watch the kids for a bit so I can see Ian in action. 

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18/52

Connor: Bandaids are the thing in our house right now. On any given day, both kids will be wearing at least one, if not having one limb of their body covered. I love that Connor realized these were eyes on the bandaid and held them up to his eyes. 

Isla: The other night, Isla had no interest in sleeping. I knew she got out of bed after I left her room, but I decided to just let her be. When I went to check on her later, I found her like this. How one falls asleep with a mop on top of them is beyond me! This is also the first time she has fallen asleep on the floor (Connor used to do it all the time). 

" A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014."

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Real Mom Moment

Yesterday I experienced what was (hopefully) the worst temper tantrum I have ever had to deal with. It wasn't your run of the mill, throw yourself on the floor and scream temper tantrum. It was a psychotic episode that left everyone around me judging my parenting, I am sure. Isla was hitting me and kicking me. She screamed for 45 minutes. 45 MINUTES! Her face was red and sweat was pouring down it. She was mad. She was out of control. And, of course, it started while we were in public. All because I said no...the nerve of me!

I am always amazed at the patience (or self control) that I actually have. When it is tested at times like this, I think all sorts of crazy things in my head, but manage to stay cool and calm. Because, let me tell you, I certainly wasn't feeling cool or calm when my toddler kept hitting my face in public.

This sassy little girl certainly gives me a run for the money from time to time. And I have to admit, it scares me a bit to imagine how this could play out at a teenager.

 

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