I like being a mother to older children. In fact, I think I’m a better mother now than I was when my kids were small. I didn’t have much patience back then and little kids need so much. I believe I answered the call, just not with the best attitude.
Yesterday, my son called me to make sure that I was still taking off for my birthday because he wanted to give me my gift on the day. First of all, my birthday is more than 2 weeks away and the fact that it is on his mind is gift enough. Seriously. Also, on yesterday, my daughter thought it was a good idea to make dinner while I went for my run. I don’t mean sandwiches or cereal. The girl was chopping and sautéing vegetables and preheating the oven. The whole thing. I enjoyed a really nice pasta dish after I ran my 3 miles.
I definitely love being a mother to older children.
My manager asked if I absolutely had to take my birthday week off. Huh? What? That was my first reaction because for as long as I can remember I haven’t worked on my birthday and I just recently started taking the entire week off. It’s an event that is very special to me. So, when he started asking questions, I started feeling kinda funny. Then I thought about it. What is the big deal? I can easily take off the following week. It’s not like I’ve purchased airline tickets or anything.
Deciding not to get all excited about stuff like that helps me to sleep better at night. A good attitude is definitely better than a bad one.
New things are on the horizon. The seasons are changing. I’m happy happy happy. Wanna know why? Check out my latest video over to the right.
Seeing God move in my life is an amazing thing. However, it is important to remember that even when you don’t see Him, He is still working.
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Mornings
The alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. like it always does. I hit snooze twice like I always do. I don't know why morning seems to come sooner than it used to. We had dinner with friends last night and I got home close to 10:00 p.m. My son walked in right after me and he asked if I had a chance to watch Sunday's episode of Family Guy yet. I hadn't. He asked if I would watch it with him and I just couldn't. I needed to go to bed. Now I feel bad that I didn't take the 22 minutes to share a laugh with my son.
Once I dragged myself out of bed at 5:45 I grabbed that hula hoop and began to do my thing. It wasn't too bad and I was even able to keep the thing on my hips. No tricks, ladies. No tricks. I've changed my gym routine to include more strength training. I lift weights for about 30 minutes and then I do cardio for 40 minutes. I'm beginning to see definition in my arms and the jeans that cut off my circulation six months ago, now fit perfectly. I'm happy for the small successess. I have no idea what I weigh because I haven't been on a scale since February 28. It's probably best that way
After my shower I went downstairs and put two eggs on to boil. My kids hate hard boiled eggs cause they say that they smell like farts. Whatever. Anyway, I got dressed, woke up the Princess, finished my hair and makeup while listening to the TJMS. I decided not to pack my gym bag because its date night and I won't have time to get in a workout before we meet for dinner. I think once my daughter gets out of school I'll start going to the gym in the morning before work.
I packed my lunch bag with two bottles of water, yogurt, protein shake, Heal.thy Choice Asain pot stickers, banana, salad and dressing. Does that sound like a lot? Trust me, it's not.
At 7:00 the Princess floated down the stairs and we headed out the door. She's a little peeved at me because I haven't been around to take the phone call from the mother of one of her friends. The girls are planning to go to some concert and the mama wants to touch base with me to give me the details. I told the Princess just to give the lady my cell number ... geez.
I walked into my office at 7:30 and felt like I had already put in a half day of work. My mornings are full. Whether it be with activities or thoughts or plans. Every one of those 120 minutes is filled. That's not a complaint, just an observation. I'm glad I have someplace to go everyday. I'm glad someone is depending on me. I'm glad I have the life that I do.
How was your morning?
Once I dragged myself out of bed at 5:45 I grabbed that hula hoop and began to do my thing. It wasn't too bad and I was even able to keep the thing on my hips. No tricks, ladies. No tricks. I've changed my gym routine to include more strength training. I lift weights for about 30 minutes and then I do cardio for 40 minutes. I'm beginning to see definition in my arms and the jeans that cut off my circulation six months ago, now fit perfectly. I'm happy for the small successess. I have no idea what I weigh because I haven't been on a scale since February 28. It's probably best that way
After my shower I went downstairs and put two eggs on to boil. My kids hate hard boiled eggs cause they say that they smell like farts. Whatever. Anyway, I got dressed, woke up the Princess, finished my hair and makeup while listening to the TJMS. I decided not to pack my gym bag because its date night and I won't have time to get in a workout before we meet for dinner. I think once my daughter gets out of school I'll start going to the gym in the morning before work.
I packed my lunch bag with two bottles of water, yogurt, protein shake, Heal.thy Choice Asain pot stickers, banana, salad and dressing. Does that sound like a lot? Trust me, it's not.
At 7:00 the Princess floated down the stairs and we headed out the door. She's a little peeved at me because I haven't been around to take the phone call from the mother of one of her friends. The girls are planning to go to some concert and the mama wants to touch base with me to give me the details. I told the Princess just to give the lady my cell number ... geez.
I walked into my office at 7:30 and felt like I had already put in a half day of work. My mornings are full. Whether it be with activities or thoughts or plans. Every one of those 120 minutes is filled. That's not a complaint, just an observation. I'm glad I have someplace to go everyday. I'm glad someone is depending on me. I'm glad I have the life that I do.
How was your morning?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Change of Heart
There was a terrible storm last night complete with rain, wind, thunder and lightning. I was about to drift off to sleep before it all started but there was no chance of that once the light show commenced.
Many years ago during particularly bad storms, my oldest would ask to sleep in my room until the storm ended. I would usually go with him to his room, because I never wanted my kids to get into the habit of sleeping in my bed. So I would take him back to his room, tuck him in and curl up next to him until he fell asleep. Then I would quietly return to my own room. As you may have guessed, those days are long gone. Last night, my oldest stayed at a friend's house. I thought about him during the storm though.
And this morning when I walked out the front door, I was greeted with this on my front lawn:
That's right, an empty nest.
Like I needed one more reminder of what I will be facing in the not too distant future.
Thankfully, I have had a significant change of heart when it comes to my chicks leaving the nest. Yes, it still makes me feel sad -- but not as much. Because I realize now the cause of my sadness. I'm not worried about being alone. I love being alone. I enjoy the solitude of my home. I like putting something down and coming back and finding it there. I'm looking forward to a reduced grocery bill, car insurance bill, phone bill, etc. No, being alone is not the issue. I was fearful about my children flying the coop before they were ready. I left my family home before I was ready and I ended up coming back and learning everything the hard way. I don't want that for my kids. Once they are gone, I want them to stay gone. I mean that in the best of ways.
So I figure the way to reduce my sadness or feelings of fear is to make sure they are prepared for what's out there. Of course, they'll never know until they are actually out there but at least I can give them a head's up.
Here are a few things I wish someone would have shared with me before I ventured out on my own:
1. If you can't afford it by yourself ... you can't afford it. - How many times have you chosen to share expenses with someone only to find out that they can't pull their weight and you were forced into a very uncomfortable position? You don't want to have to cover someone else's bills but at least you won't end up out in the street.
2. Make a budget and stick to it. Don't spend your rent money on concert tickets or the latest version of Grand Theft Auto.
3. Plan for emergencies. Tuck something away for the unexpected.
4. Plan for the future. Throw the idea of instant gratification out the window. Work hard today so you can relax later.
5. Act like you don't have a safety net. But know that Mom is always here.
I want the kids to be successful. I don't want them to struggle because of stupidity (like I did). I want them to take advantage of the opportunities that they have while they are young. I just want the best for them.
Many years ago during particularly bad storms, my oldest would ask to sleep in my room until the storm ended. I would usually go with him to his room, because I never wanted my kids to get into the habit of sleeping in my bed. So I would take him back to his room, tuck him in and curl up next to him until he fell asleep. Then I would quietly return to my own room. As you may have guessed, those days are long gone. Last night, my oldest stayed at a friend's house. I thought about him during the storm though.
And this morning when I walked out the front door, I was greeted with this on my front lawn:
That's right, an empty nest.
Like I needed one more reminder of what I will be facing in the not too distant future.
Thankfully, I have had a significant change of heart when it comes to my chicks leaving the nest. Yes, it still makes me feel sad -- but not as much. Because I realize now the cause of my sadness. I'm not worried about being alone. I love being alone. I enjoy the solitude of my home. I like putting something down and coming back and finding it there. I'm looking forward to a reduced grocery bill, car insurance bill, phone bill, etc. No, being alone is not the issue. I was fearful about my children flying the coop before they were ready. I left my family home before I was ready and I ended up coming back and learning everything the hard way. I don't want that for my kids. Once they are gone, I want them to stay gone. I mean that in the best of ways.
So I figure the way to reduce my sadness or feelings of fear is to make sure they are prepared for what's out there. Of course, they'll never know until they are actually out there but at least I can give them a head's up.
Here are a few things I wish someone would have shared with me before I ventured out on my own:
1. If you can't afford it by yourself ... you can't afford it. - How many times have you chosen to share expenses with someone only to find out that they can't pull their weight and you were forced into a very uncomfortable position? You don't want to have to cover someone else's bills but at least you won't end up out in the street.
2. Make a budget and stick to it. Don't spend your rent money on concert tickets or the latest version of Grand Theft Auto.
3. Plan for emergencies. Tuck something away for the unexpected.
4. Plan for the future. Throw the idea of instant gratification out the window. Work hard today so you can relax later.
5. Act like you don't have a safety net. But know that Mom is always here.
I want the kids to be successful. I don't want them to struggle because of stupidity (like I did). I want them to take advantage of the opportunities that they have while they are young. I just want the best for them.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Class of '08
My son, the graduate. I couldn't even breathe until I heard his name being called and I watched him walk across the stage. This is his third graduation and each time I walked away with smudged mascara and a full heart. I looked back at his kindergarten graduation and his graduation from elementary school. Each time I was there to cheer him on. To let him know that I was in his corner.
He knows I'm always there no matter what. That's just how it's always been. He doesn't display any amount of disappointment when my ex doesn't show up for these celebrations. I guess he's never expected him to ... I'm not hatin' ... I'm just sayin'.
He's a good boy. I don't know how long I can get away with saying that. Saying "good man" just doesn't feel right. I'm sure he would disagree. He looked at me today and said, "Ma, we're both grown now!" I just rolled my eyes but I said nothing. I let him have his moment. I didn't want to tell him that he has no clue about being grown. He'll figure that out for himself soon enough.
He knows I'm always there no matter what. That's just how it's always been. He doesn't display any amount of disappointment when my ex doesn't show up for these celebrations. I guess he's never expected him to ... I'm not hatin' ... I'm just sayin'.
He's a good boy. I don't know how long I can get away with saying that. Saying "good man" just doesn't feel right. I'm sure he would disagree. He looked at me today and said, "Ma, we're both grown now!" I just rolled my eyes but I said nothing. I let him have his moment. I didn't want to tell him that he has no clue about being grown. He'll figure that out for himself soon enough.
I'm excited for him. There was such a feeling of hope in the auditorium as each student walked across the stage. I want that feeling to last for my son, and all the graduates. Although he may encounter many setbacks in his life, I don't want him to ever feel that he should give up. My life is marked with moments where I shrugged my shoulders and gave up. I'm kicking myself because I say that I'm just realizing what I want to do with my life, when in reality I knew in fifth grade that I wanted to be a writer. I didn't follow that dream for several reasons but my prayer is that my baby will stay focused and follow his dreams.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Bouncebackability (Resilient)
It does my heart good to see my children exhibit traits that I know will serve them well when they are adults.
Over the weekend my daughter had a step competition. Her team knew that they would have a tough time going in but they felt as though they were prepared. Well, things didn't turn out so well and they took it very hard. I mean, this team is used to winning first place at every competition that they participate in and to come home without even placing was definitely devastating.
My daughter called me after the show in tears and gave me every reason in the book why they were robbed and how unfair the whole thing was. I listened silently but I thought to myself that their team was probably resting on the victories of the past and didn't work as hard as they probably should have.
It didn't take my child long to leave the pity party and spring into action. For the rest of the weekend all she did was strategize with her teammates on how to make their routines better. She was focused, she was determined, she was serious. She created steps and listened to tons of music trying to find just the right piece.
I sat back and watched her and I couldn't have been more proud. I told her that I knew she would be successful in life because she has that thing that won't allow her to stay down too long. However, because I'm her mother I had to temper the praise with a little instruction: learn how to take responsibility for the team's part in the failure. It couldn't have been all bad judging, or favoritism or haterism ... hopefully she learned the lesson.
Bouncebackability.
Over the weekend my daughter had a step competition. Her team knew that they would have a tough time going in but they felt as though they were prepared. Well, things didn't turn out so well and they took it very hard. I mean, this team is used to winning first place at every competition that they participate in and to come home without even placing was definitely devastating.
My daughter called me after the show in tears and gave me every reason in the book why they were robbed and how unfair the whole thing was. I listened silently but I thought to myself that their team was probably resting on the victories of the past and didn't work as hard as they probably should have.
It didn't take my child long to leave the pity party and spring into action. For the rest of the weekend all she did was strategize with her teammates on how to make their routines better. She was focused, she was determined, she was serious. She created steps and listened to tons of music trying to find just the right piece.
I sat back and watched her and I couldn't have been more proud. I told her that I knew she would be successful in life because she has that thing that won't allow her to stay down too long. However, because I'm her mother I had to temper the praise with a little instruction: learn how to take responsibility for the team's part in the failure. It couldn't have been all bad judging, or favoritism or haterism ... hopefully she learned the lesson.
Bouncebackability.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Just Being Mom
It's been raining all day and they say it's going to turn to snow. It's not cold enough so I'm not buying it. Besides, it just doesn't feel like snow. It's one of those lazy Saturdays that I just didn't want to leave the bed let alone the house. Instead I was out by 9:00 because my son's car needed to be inspected and I needed an oil change. Turns out his front brakes have to be replaced in order for the car to pass inspection. Another unexpected car repair. After the car stuff I had to rush home to get my daughter to the salon by 11:30 so she wouldn't miss her bi-weekly appointment. I dropped her off and came back home so I could do my own touch up at the house. After the touch up I made a pot of gumbo for the kids because I had a late lunch date scheduled with my guy and the thought of going out for a nice hot meal with him without leaving anything on the stove for them just didn't sit well with me. After a lunch of Italian wedding soup and baked ravioli I headed back toward home. I have laundry to do but right now I'm curled up with Stephen Carter's latest. I'll be heading out a little later to return to the stage that I've missed for so long.
It's definitely one of those Saturdays that I just don't want to leave the bed let alone the house. But do I really have a choice?
It's definitely one of those Saturdays that I just don't want to leave the bed let alone the house. But do I really have a choice?
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