Anyone that knows me at all knows that Mother's Day is not my favorite day. It's not because I don't enjoy being a mother to my children, but of the strained relationship I've had with my own mother all of my life. But, since President Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation of Mother's Day to be the second Sunday of May on May 14, 1914 it has become what I believe to be a quasi-holiday designed to trot out and display the guilt and failure we can sometimes feel in our own mothering.
I have, however, obtained a wealth of knowledge since becoming a mother. So, in that vein, I will share my musings of what I know.
What I Have Learned As a Mother
1. Laughter is essential.
2. Play with your children, don't be the stink who won't.
3. You children will remember every thing you say.
4. They will remember what you say, and then choose to ignore it.
5. Closing yourself in the bathroom is actually an invitation.
6. Read to your children, it brings out their imagination.
7. Let your children catch you praying.
8. You can never say "I love you" too much.
9. You can never give them too many hugs and kisses.
10. It's okay to make mistakes. Don't be too proud to apologize to your kids.
11. A silly made-up song can cheer up the surliest of children.
12. You can't keep your kids from disappointment.
13. Dance with your kids. It's fun!
14. Always answer their questions, no matter how uncomfortable they make you feel.
15. I would rather hear the truth, even if I don't like it, than to hear a lie.
16. You can't praise your children too much. Self esteem is essential.
17. Even when they are grown, they still look sweet when they are asleep.
18. Sometimes they don't need anything, they just need to know you are there.
19. Mom knows where everything is.
20. I am the most popular person at bedtime. (Drink, another kiss, etc.)
21. Live in the moment.
22. The baby of the family will try to wear their position to their benefit far longer than the older ones.
23. It's okay to put yourself in time-out.
24. Always be ready to listen, the opportunities will present when you are the most busy.
25. Mom is the biggest cheerleader. There will be occasions when our enthusiasm will be perceived as embarrassing to our children.
26. It doesn't get easier the older they get.
27. Your capacity to love just keeps growing.
28. Be flexible. They are not mini-me's.
29. Your children will grow up, so stop feeding them.
30. It's the toughest job you will ever love, with an unimaginable return on your investment.
Andrew, Brittany, and Mark, I am so grateful that Heavenly Father saw fit to send you to our home and allow me to be your mother. I love you with all of my heart and I thank you for loving me in return. I am so proud of all three of you and for the unique individuals you are and all that you have brought to my life. I am a better person because of you.
4 comments:
I love you all, too. Thanks for who you are. Just remember to always make good choices in your life.
I love these! Thank you for sharing Charmen you are an awesome mother who has taught me a whole lot by example! Happy Mothers Day!
That was a very nice list, very insperational!! You are such a great mother!! Happy Mother's Day to you!
You are so dead-on...
Happy Mother's Day!
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