Thoughts on being a (better) mom

“I love my children. I am proud of them in so many ways. I want to be close to them, and want them to feel like they can come to me for anything. But instead when they do, I criticize, get frustrated, yell too much, push away too often, and in general, probably make them feel like they are in my way. I don’t mean to. I have no explanation.
I chose motherhood. It was not forced upon me, I chose it. I’ve even had to fight for it a few times, with every fiber of my being. I chose motherhood because it is a privilege and an honor. I chose motherhood because it is a win-win situation. I have let the negative creep into my life too much, and I suddenly realized that I’ve wasted too much time. Life is precious. Children are precious. They deserve my undivided attention. Next time Miranda shows me a picture she drew, I promise to stop whatever I’m doing, look her in the eye, and tell her I think it’s the most beautiful project ever – instead of not so much as giving it a glance, and then saying, “Good job, but I’m busy right now.” I promise that when Johnny asks if he can help cook dinner, I won’t say, “There isn’t much left to do, but thanks anyway,” I will make up something if I have to, just to have him by my side. I promise that if Jared asks for help with his homework, I won’t say, “Go ask dad because he’s better at math,” I will say, “Sure, let’s sit down and figure this out together.” I will even sit on the floor and play with a block tower with Madilyn – just like I watched my husband do the other day… while I was watching TV.
I promise to make the time. I promise to take the time. We never know what trials await us, and I want to make sure I have taken full advantage of every opportunity to bask in their unconditional love. No, this isn’t a confessional. Just a reminder to myself. “

Thanks, Deanna, for great words of motivation! And, just for kicks, here is the one picture that I have of our oldest kids together…You’d think that, during the hours and hours that the 4 of us spent together playing games, watching When Animals Attack (haha!), and chatting that we would have pulled the camera out more than once. ;)