But instead of doing anything, I sit here typing mindlessly watching Bones, with the volume down low-so I god forbid do not wake anyone up. So really I am lipreading Bones and typing mindlessly. What is wrong with me/us as society that we no longer know how to relax. We long for R&R, we envision how we would spend our time and when we get the opportunity, I sit here feeling compelled that I should be throwing a load of laundry in the wash or going to sleep so I will be nice and happy when everyone gets up again at 6:00 am. What is wrong with this picture? I have what I always wish for and now I will go to sleep! What a "marvelous motherhood moment", don't ya think?
]]>This is what I remember about the week before Christmas as a kid. And now I know what my mother must have felt like when it was all over...A bit thankful and a bit guilty. I have to be honest, I did this to myself. My kids didn't respond to all these invitations, but all of them had a special value to me and my family, so I chose to do it all. Like all of us do in January with our resolutions, I am doing it on November 2nd. I resolve to say no a bit more often and to not take on as much as this year. There can't be much value in going to events when I am rushing my kids, getting myself worked up into a panic because I don't have the perfect hostess gift or didn't prepare a costume for myself until the last minute. I need to get back to the philosophy of quality not quanity.
I have always said I would not be one of the parents who is dictated solely by my kids schedule to the point of having no time for myself or my husband. Last week, I was that parent and I do not want to revisit it. For anyone other parents out there reading this, please trust your gut, attend what you want and take time to take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.
Many of us don't analyze this on a weekly basis, but rather get to a point where they are so vested in their kids' wants and needs that they don't even know who their spouse truly is anymore and have no idea what would really make them happy. So with the winter holidays quickly approaching-heed my warning and focus on what is important to you and your family!
]]>She looks so carefree and confident,
]]>She looks so carefree and confident,
Though internally she struggles
She is alone and afraid.
She conveys poise and perhaps perfection
With her external style and flawless features
Inside she remains alone
Never truly fitting in
Always doubting praise and accomplishments.
Fearing others will realize that she doesn’t belong.
The lonely butterfly remains afraid,
Unable to trust,
Never allowing anyone to get too close.
Remembering her turbulent youth,
The constant negativity and false promises.
She cannot believe in the metamorphism.
Some say she exudes beauty and intelligence,
But these sentiments are not new,
Typically said before getting what they desired.
Her metamorphosis has gone unnoticed to her.
Unable to celebrate success,
Constantly filling the voids of her ugly childhood.
She Remains a Lonely Butterfly.
Fearful of where the wind will blow,
Always wondering who will abandon her next.
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However, today as my daughter, son and myself were participating in the second "Neighborhood Cleanup Walk", (Or trash walk as my Isabella calls it), I looked up Walnut Street and saw various strollers and mothers with their plastic gloves on and trash bags strapped to strollers and I truly felt proud! This idea came go-mama, who continues to impress me with her fabulous and innovative ideas for events for our club to participate in.
So as these women, who could be spending their time on many other tasks, chose to clean up the litter on the streets as an attempt to make Stoughton a cleaner place to live. I think the more profound aspect of this is what we are teaching our children and our fellow Stoughtonians. My daughter is much more cognisent of litter, picks it up as she sees it and when she witnesses a culprit, calls it to my attention. It is truly exciting when cars pull over and ask what we are doing and smile proudly as they hear our response. So as this is a monthly event for the MOMs Club, I am confident that the witnesses will "pay it forward"!
P.S. Bella was excited that today's bag was full-which is her overall goal for each outing!!
]]>My son has now become a streeker! He comes with me to the gym where I babysit and seems to be unhappy with sharing his mother with other children. Since he is a great problem solver, he quickly realized that merely taking off his socks and shoes hadn't aided his efforts of monopolizing my attention, he took it a few steps further. Initially, it became a game of taking off his pants to capture my attention-not to mention the various other parents who were picking up or dropping off their children. If that wasn't embarassing enough as a mother who likes to present herself as somewhat competent, he then proceeded to take off his diaper as well!!
So there it is, my glimpse in to my son's college days...
]]>Feeling like a fabulous mother the other day, I had both kids at the table engaged in play dough. (with no television on). They were using cookie cutters and scissors-all I had learned in my Early Childhood Training. This is when it all backfired. Bella started taking the scissors to her hair (since it needed a trim, she rationalized). Then I look over and Luca looks like a squirrel storing nuts for the winter, when in reality it is yellow play dough. I don't know what disturbed me more about this entire event-the fact that my degree has truly failed me or that Luca liked the Play dough more than most of the meals I prepare!!!
Please tell me someone else has experienced a situation even close to this!!
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