My Child

Perhaps it’s because my oldest turned 16 this week or maybe because we have been dealing with many struggles this year already in my two teen’s lives. But, I have had my kids on my mind a lot this week. As many mom’s do, we worry and with that give- whether it’s time, emotions, energy or sleep! We are often pulled in so many directions, with little of anything left for ourselves. So, here’s to my children and all those mom’s out there that are doing what we do, thinking of our kids. Love, Mac 

To My Children

My child please see yourself the way I do

Perfect and pure and true

My child please feel compassion for others

With friends, walk as brothers

My child please taste of the fruit of your labor

Work hard and life savor

My child please take time to breathe it all in

Drown out the world’s din

My child please hear each of the words I say

I love you in every way©

by Mac

 

To Whomever Invented Glitter

To: Whomever invented glitter, you suck! From: The moms that have had the duty of trying to clean that crap out of EVERYTHING!

Okay, who thought putting clitter on gift wrap of any kind was a good idea? I mean, have you ever found yourself glitter”ized” by the time you finished wrapping a gift? Running out of the house because you’re late to a birthday party; only to arrive looking like a stripper mom! Not cool man. Although, likely you are not the only one there, it’s actually like a stripper reunion. 

Then you have those that believe crafting with glitter is an AMAZING idea! They enjoy sending your child home from a party or school with glittered “art”! WTH, that is NOT art! That is a glitter bomb waiting to explode all over my house! One that will permeate every orifice of living space and my child’s body. 

Finally, what is with the glitter in EVERY woman’s product? Nails, makeup, lotions, body sprays, let alone the clothing. Again, if I wanted to look like a slu… well you get my point! PLEASE, stop putting glitter on and in everything; if we were meant to poop glitter we would all be unicorns!© 

 

Signed, Mac

 

 

 

Manners Have Left The Building

Going to the movies is a frequent occurrence for hubby and I, a great date we both equally enjoy. The last couple times we have gone however, I just about flipped my lid! Have people utterly lost all sence of movie theater etiquette? Really, where have the manners gone? And no, I’m not talking about those open-mouthed, popcorn crunchers! That is a topic for another day and my Misophonia. 

My first “encounter” was when we sat in front of a woman that talked through thee… entire… two hour, movie! Literally, she was like a comintator during a sports broadcast. Multiple times we “shooshed” her, but to no avail! I’m not sure she even realized she was talking or that it was she we were asking to be quiet. By the time we left I swear my eye was twitching and my anxiety was at maximum capacity.

Then, this past weekend we visit again. A mom decides to bring her baby, mind you it is an adult movie. Now, I have been there moms, when you really want to see a movie and you believe that your baby will be quiet or even sleep. But this, was not one of those times! She let her kid cry, babble loudly and so forth without getting up and taking him out! Multiple folks were again, “shooshing” and she did not take a hint! What the heck!?

What is wrong with people? Have we become so self-involved that we don’t have any consideration for those around us anymore? It may seem like a silly or simple thing, but it goes to the bigger picture of behavior I’ve encountered in public. Yes, I’m irked, this is a huge pet peeve! I want adults to learn to respect and consider those around them. Not only that, I want them to teach their kids to do the same. I’m so tired of all the little jerks running around who are self-centered and entitled!

Whew… end rant!

 

Sound Or Silence?

“Silence was not the absence of sound but was itself a sound that could be loud or soft, soothing or disturbing, complex or simple.” ~Julius Lester

I believe that everyone has times when all they would like is to hear nothing. The feeling of pure silence and calm. When even your mind does not run wild with noise from the day, thoughts or even emotion. To be able to just draw in your breathe, refresh your mind and be one with nature…if that’s your thing.

For me, I am just as happy with a cup of coffee and my laptop. Oh, and a few moments when my kids aren’t opening or closing doors, asking me a question, watching the television and no one needs me to do anything for them. Yes, these are a mother’s dreams.

Okay, so I also do enjoy a jaunt to the market by myself. I know it’s not the quietest spot, but I can get lost in the isles, thinking of little else but my grocery list, buggy and sales. Grateful my kids can stay home by themselves now, a well earned respite after years of taking them with me! Pushing the large “car” shaped mammoth of a cart around the store, two tots popping in and out, running around- yes, that mom was me! I try to have patience (a little pity too) on the moms I witness in those situations now. However, honestly, I just find my nerves no longer have the ability to handle the screaming and high pitched noises of little tykes anymore!

Well, here’s to whatever type of silence helps you achieve a recharge of mind and body. Most importantly, is that you make time to when it’s needed. I find I am a better version of me, for not only myself but everyone around me, when I take time out to listen to the sound that speaks to me.

Other posts: Time For What’s Important, Thriving, How To Stay Passion Driven

 

 

 

 

Everyone’s An Expert

“Why People Without Children Shouldn’t Give Parenting Advice” –By Chad Milner

“There’s just something about people without children giving me parenting advice that drive me up the wall.  When someone who hasn’t procreated responds to “You should (insert counsel here),” it takes almost every fiber of my being to respond with a phrase that rhymes with “What the truck cup.” I am aware that, for the most part, people mean well and aren’t passing judgment.  However, I feel as if this is one of the very few arenas in which everyone feels as if they are experts and they have no experience.  There is no manual on how to raise a child, everyone comes from a parent, and were raised by someone.  How one was raised and how one actually raises their children are very different…”

I love this article and recommend reading the rest. He expresses many of my same sentiments. When my kids were little we had a single friend that was constantly giving counsel to all the parents in church. I swear, you would have thought he was an expert. Some of the most obnoxious and condescending conversations I ever had were with this guy. Everyone’s an expert until they have a child!

I now just find it humorous when people think they know everything about parenting! They have read all the books you know. They have prepared…so they believe. But, nothing really can prepare you for being a parent. No two kids are alike (as I have learned from my two). Even parents who have multiple kids will always be surprised by something new their youngest figures out how to accomplish or injure. 

So, I’m going to give you a bit of advice…free of charge. Don’t give your opinion, advice or counsel to a mom, EVER (unless it’s been asked for). She really doesn’t want it! In fact, she doesn’t care how “so-and-so” did this or how your little Johnny did that. She doesn’t want to know your thoughts about breast feeding, what age you believe is best for potty training, how kids should only eat organic and that you don’t believe they should watch television. In fact, unless you are offering to come and babysit for free so she can have a few moments peace- she may not want to hear from you at all. I say this all very tongue and cheek, but you get my point. While the saying goes, “It takes a village” most parents have seen the village and don’t want [it] raising their kids!

See More Posts:  Profound Rantings (Of A Sleep Deprived Mom), Living In the Lap of…Mom

via Daily Prompt: Expert

Living In the Lap of…Mom

“I am a mother and mothers don’t have the Luxury of falling apart in front of their children, even when they are afraid, even when their children are adults.” 
~Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale

Being a mom is the hardest…thing…job…blessing, I continue to do, in my life. And I do not take the responsibility lightly. I have had the luxury that is not afforded all moms and that is the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, for the majority of my kid’s lives. Yes, once in a while I chose to work part-time, mainly to get out with adults! Now, I am self-employed and get to do a lot of work from home, a huge blessing.

Parenting is often a thankless job. No one sees those nightly feedings, changing diapers and lack of sleep. The hours that you spend by your child, worrying as they run a high fever or when they are having surgery. Nothing can truly prepare you for the job of being a mom. Even your own mom telling you stories, the advice of a million other moms or a pediatrician’s reassurance- none of these will be enough to remove the self-doubt, times of guilt and restless nights of worry that accompany the job description of mom.

“guilt to motherhood is like grapes to wine” 
~Fay Weldon  

Now, coexisting with two teenagers, I have come to realize I am needed less. It is a double-edge sword raising your kids and doing so well. The freedoms that I long desired when they were young are now more readily available to me. But, at times, I truly do miss when they would want to snuggle, climb into my lap to read a book and needed me to do most anything. Although, I cannot say that the frustrations, difficulties and worries are less frequent- just brought on by different things. And as I wrote prior (see “Motherhood~ Identity Crisis”) there are times I just don’t want to be around my kids. But, the majority of the time I just look at the little (even if my son is taller than me) adults they are becoming and am in awe of how quickly the years have gone! I still want to kiss them in public or have their little hands in mine. These are luxuries I no long have, so on to the next chapter we turn.

“Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”  ~Donna Ball, At Home on Ladybug Farm

Parenthood

This gave me such a laugh. As a parent, totally have had that moment… Enjoy! 🙂

via Big Thoughts at Bathtime — My Exaggerated Life

Profound Rantings (Of A Sleep Deprived Mom)

“Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You’ll realize this as soon as they are born and they start using sleep deprivation to torture you.” -Ray Ramano 

Children are a blessing, I know this to be true because I have two. But, I’m going to be honest, there are those days, weeks…okay months, where I just don’t want to be around them. Now, I’m being real here, I didn’t say I don’t love them or like them– I’m just saying, there are times when I just don’t want this parenthood gig! 

As of this year I am officially the mom to two teenagers. Now, I thought that the toddler years were rough, *hand to forehead* I was wrong! Or perhaps it’s just that I am older and my level of patience is not what it once was. And by the way, what is with that? Isn’t patience and tolerance suppose to get better as you live longer? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. I don’t have patience for kids in general these days. I hear kids out in the neighborhood screaming and I am already planning on which retirement community I want to move to!

I am constantly laying awake in bed at night wondering if I am doing all the right things as a parent. I have little adults that will soon be leaving (one can dream) to go into the real world. Have I done all that I can do to make them productive, hard working parts of society? Is there anything more that I can do or teach them that will be a tool for success? Do they realize I love and believe in them? Oh dear Lord, when did I become my mother? 

“What a kid I got, I told him about the birds and the bees and he told me about the butcher and my wife.” ― Rodney Dangerfield

Isn’t it great how when you were a kid you thought you knew it all; and then you end up as a parent with that spitting image of yourself? Oh yes, teenagers know it all, just ask mine and he will tell you! My poor parents, I now realize what I put them through. Is it some kind of unspoken rule that you will surely have a child that imitates how you were as a kid? I imagine that if anything, it is your payment for being a jerk as a teenager! Recently both of my kids told me that they don’t want to have kids (like they even know). I told them that I was sad if that was true because I want to be a Meme. But I was thinking, “Lord, please let them have kids so that they can feel the revenge of being a parent!” 

“Having children is like living in a frat house – nobody sleeps, everything’s broken, and there’s a lot of throwing up.” -Ray Ramano