With this mother’s day come many sentiments..visually, at stores, on tv and all sort of social media. And I love it! It reminds me to the amazing mama you are and always will be. I hate the fact that you are so far away, but comforted that you are in my heart and head! I am still trying to figure and work on this thing called life. And so far I think I am doing ok. Being a mom…being a parent is one of the hardest things ever! And I am coming into understanding of some of the many things you must have went through. Even more, you came to a new country without any of your family to create one of your own. You are brave, courageous, true and full of spunk and and attitude and for that I am grateful. Sorry to not call more….one day I too will wonder why my girls don’t call more…but until then know this…..I love you and am so thankful for the life you and dad gave Raj and I. Happy Mother’s day Mom!
Old post brought back to life. Posted back in August, 2010….memories…with new stuff at the bottom!
Today is the first day of school….for both my babies. Isara is starting 2nd grade. Our youngest, Tamra, is starting kindergarten. We all walked to school this morning. After taking Isa to her new class and getting her settled in (which was no problem…she is so excited!), we headed over to the kinder area. There, we noticed the window blinds that normally look out to the play area were closed…that’s because that’s where all the parents were standing. They quickly lined all the kids up and basically whisked them away. For some reason I thought we would get to stay in the classroom, but this way is better…allows the kids to get to know their teachers and such. I didn’t cry…yet.
Trevis and I walked home, and suddenly realized how quiet it is. We then got a bit sad. He then played a song on YouTube…Remember When by Alan Jackson. He was outside, getting his truck ready for work, and I was inside filling out the endless forms for school. I still didn’t cry through the song.
After listening to it, I realized that song was more about a couple….us. I said that to Trevis. He had his glasses on, and I started crying and then realized that he was crying. He never cries. It was one of the most happiest days of my life…today….because my husband was releasing himself to me in a way that he had done only a few times before. I know, silly that I am so happy that my husband is crying…..but it brought us closer. We cried some more in each others arms in a strong bear hug hold, especially after we realized Tamra and Isara aren’t there to tell daddy…”Please stay daddy, please don’t go to work.” I think that really got to him. I love him. I like him.
He eventually had to go to work, and as he drove off, I walked in the home and I cried and cried.
But added to my crying was that I was missing my mom on her birthday. Happy Birthday Mama!!!!
I cried for my close friend, Jodi, who is fighting the fight for her life against cancer, a second time.
I cried for her family.
I cried for my girls and hoping they live a happy, safe and full life.
I cried for the chance I was given that allowed me to stay home with my girl this past year.
I cried at the fact that I almost gave all this up last year.
I am crying knowing, that my babies are growing everyday, and one day they will leave our nest.
I cried.
Now what to do. After I am done typing this, what do I do. All those lists I have, all the things I want to get done…now is my chance right. Bittersweet.
Move on. Cause in a few hours, I will get to pick those lovely creatures up from school and hear all about their first day. And then we start again. And it gets easier….right?
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Today I cry cause I miss Jodi.
I cry know that time is precious, and my girls are growing up so fast…I just want to cuddle with them.
I cry wishing I could be closer in proximity to my brother. He is only five hours away, but still far.
I cry at my anger that sometimes get’s the best of me and my time.
I can only hope, move on and do what I am doing, knowing my girls, my family is safe and happy.
Tears, I have to remember, are also shed for the happy times…the times to cherish, the times to have now.
And if you want to cry some more, listen to these country songs! They’re on YouTube, so be patient with the upload times! Videos helped me become a country music fan, because of the stories told. Have some Kleenex handy and a cup of tea. And know…..it’s ok to cry.
Here are 10 things happy moms do–so remember these tips in your day-to-day life!
1. Find time for yourself
Happy moms know they deserve a little time to themselves. When you know you’re going to have a little room to breathe later on in the day, it’s easier to take on everything that’s in front of you. Our formula? Take 2 hours out for yourself every 3 days.
2. Don’t make a happy baby, happier!
We all do it…you see your baby’s head at what you’re sure is an unnatural angle snoozing in their car seat. You just know they’ll be happier if their head was straight. So you move them. And they wake up. Then they scream. Or, you see them playing happily in the sand. You just know they’ll be happier if they played on the slide. So you interrupt them and move them to the slide. And they’re angry. And they let you know they’re REALLY angry. Here’s the thing, they were happy. It can be hard to do, but if your kid’s not complaining, leave them be! Happy baby = Happy Mommy.
3. Embrace the mess
So your house doesn’t look like something out of a magazine. That just means it’s cozy! Your children have hands coated in dirt from the playground and faces coated in spaghetti from dinner. It’s not gross—it’s an adorable photo op! Life is about how you look at things. Next time that pile of laundry that’s been sitting on the chair for three days starts to get you down, just remember… it’s probably feng shui.
4. Make time for your friends
Your family can survive without you while you make time to see friends. You are a woman with your own identity and its imperative that you and that identity go out for some margaritas once in awhile!
5. Stop blowing yourself off
While you may be the one taking care of everyone, it doesn’t mean you can’t also get what you want. Help your family realize your needs are as important as theirs and when mom is happy, everyone is happy, but when mom is not….
6. Get in the zone
Take 10 minutes to do absolutely nothing but rest. Take a break from your day, close your eyes, breath in slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Repeat several times. Think about a place you love that is relaxing, spend 10 minutes there in your mind.
7. Remember your dreams and goals
Everyday we are encouraging our children to reach their full potential. But sometimes in the midst of being a parent we forget about our own dreams and goals. The best thing you can do to encourage a child is to lead by example –happy moms hold on to their dreams and goals and don’t let go.
8. Be lighthearted
Don’t be the uptight mom. Be silly and dance with your kids to their music or tv show tunes. Be romantic and pull your partner into a waltz. Dance in slippery socks in your kitchen while making dinner.
9. Bend the Rules
One of the best parts of making the rules is occasionally breaking them. Maybe it’s taking your child out of school for half a day on their birthday, or waking them up in the middle of the night to see a sky of shooting stars. Happy moms know how to turn the mundane into fun.
10. Mind your own business
Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Stop seeking the validation of others and be confident in yourself.
MOM, Mama, Mother, Mom, Ma……
To my mom, to my mother in law, to all mothers present now, soon to be, and moms past, to my mate and kids that made me Mama……….Wishing you all a wonderful day of sharing, love, and memories.
