Mother's Day 2015

Mother’s Day this year was memorable for a variety of reasons.  Pat and I got to spend some quality time with our moms.  It was so nice to see and spend time with each of them.  

Often life can crazy and busy and our visits feel rushed.  It was wonderful to spend time just sitting and talking to them and enjoying their company.  In addition to our own Moms, we got to spend time with all the other mothers that make lives extra special with their kindness and generosity.  Our family, both immediate and extended, has grown and changed so much in the past few years and we really realize how fortunate we are when we have the chance to get together with everyone.

As we went through the Mother’s Day festivities both this weekend and last, I found myself thinking about how my definition of motherhood has changed in the 3 years since I became a mom.  Many of the things I thought about motherhood still ring true, but I've grown, changed and learned a lot in the past few years and continue to learn more every day.

I've learned that you can give your child a plate full of eggs, toast and sausage, and they will refuse it in favor of the raisin bran you are eating.

I've learned that keeping the car clean is a near impossible feat. 

I've learned that keeping our house clean is even more impossible.

I've learned to care less about things being clean to keep myself sane.

I've learned that the moment you settle down to watch a movie at the end of a long, hard day, one (or both) of your children will need a drink, another snuggle, and 10 more renditions of “I love you, you love me”.

I’ve learned that you don’t need to sign your kids up for lessons or take them to a million story times for them to be happy (although those things are great).  Sometimes all you need to do is a build a fort, make popcorn and snuggle up with your kids form them to tell you that they are having the best night ever.

I've learned that that most times your kids will act like they can’t hear you when you talk…unless you’re saying something you don’t want them to hear, and then they’re all ears.

I've learned the sleep is a precious luxury.

I’ve learned that some days are hard and exhausting and I can’t wait to put the kids to bed.  But I miss them a little when they are sleeping.

I’ve learned to always carry baby wipes – in the car, in my purse, wherever.  You can always use them.

I’ve learned that I’m constantly wondering if I’m doing this parenting thing wrong.  But then my little girl comes over to me and says “I love you” or my baby boys falls asleep in my arms, totally content with the world, and I know I must be doing some things right.

I’ve learned that I’m not a perfect parent and I make a lot of mistakes.  But tomorrow is another day and I can try harder.

I’ve learned that it really does take village to raise kids and that’s ok. 

I've learned that it’s ok to ask for help.  It’s something that I want my children to be comfortable doing so I've tried to be ok with asking for help myself.

I've learned that I really do need my husband in this parenting journey.

I’ve learned that mothering doesn’t stop when your kids are grown.  If I didn’t know that before, breaking my foot really showed that to me.   Pat and I have some amazing moms (and our children have some amazing grandmas!) in our lives.  Moms that took off work to help me for a few days and cleaned our house.  Moms that picked me up from work and the kids up from the sitter countless times.  Moms that helped me with the kids while Pat was at work.  Moms that made and brought meals so we wouldn’t have to cook.  Moms that babysat our children so Pat and I could have a few hours to ourselves.  We would not have gotten through this time without them!

I've learned that I've got a lot to learn.  As soon as I think I've got it figured out, it changes and I have to figure it out all over again.

I've learned that even though my kids can make me crazy, that make me happy beyond belief.