I'm No Fool; I'm Their Mom

It was about 8:45PM and my oldest was finishing up his writing project for school (which by the way, was assigned over two weeks ago and was essentially rewriting the entire thing at the 11th hour. I’ll save this subject for another day.) when he told me his eyes were still itching. He had had baseball practice in what seemed like a dust-bowl-dirt-hitting-you-in-the-face-wind-storm the day before, creating the perfect recipe for itchy eyes and sneezing.  Allergies aren’t his friend.  Of course we were out of the eye drops that work, so I grabbed my purse and made the four minute trip to Walgreen’s to purchase some relief and returned eight minutes later as the allergy hero (and no, I don’t have a cape, but that’s not a bad idea).  He finished up the assignment and headed to bed, ipod in one hand, eye drops in the other.   

My youngest son likes loves gummy worms of all shapes and sizes; however, he doesn’t care for the Black Forest brand of gummy bears and worms.  (No offense to Black Forest company workers, but he just doesn’t like them.)  If they are the only kind I have in the house, he’ll eat them, he’s not that picky, but he has a preference and I go out of my way on occasion to ensure he has the kind he likes. He’s flexible enough to know that sometimes we don’t get what we want, and there have been many a baseball game where he’s eaten the entire bag of Black Forest gummy worms with no complaints.  But if he asks, “Mommy, did you get gummy worms? The Trolli kind?” and I can reply, “I most certainly did.” To me, that fist pump, “yes” is all worth it to me. 

Some people would say it’s spoiling.  Others would say I’m damaging them for life by filling their every little whim.  Let me just say, that I say NO plenty in our house and if you ask them, I’m the first to say NO.  Daddy always says YES (again, another subject for another day).  If they ask to run through the drive-thru after soccer practice, I don’t always comply.  Some days it works and some days it doesn’t and they understand that.

So, when I have the time on a given day to make a special run to Walgreen’s or stop by the other grocery store for the Trolli gummy worms, does that make me a bad mother?  I don’t think so.  I enjoy providing for my children and want them to know that they can count on me for anything.  Anything.  Everything.  I will always be here for them whether it be they need an opinion on what to get their friend for a birthday gift, a hug in the morning, advice on how to resolve a friendship issue or if they need dill pickle sunflower seeds.  I want them to know through my actions and words that I am here for them.  Now, does that make me their personal maid?  NO.  Remember, NO comes easy for me.  They have to pick up their towels and dirty laundry and do their dishes. They take the trash and clean their rooms and take out the recycling. I’m no fool; I’m their mom. 

p.s.  This is my 205th post.  I know!  I can hardly believe it.  I hope you keep reading and following along on my writing journey.  I do so love to hear from you and read all your comments.

I Dreamed of Being a Mother

I knew from when I turned sixteen that I wanted to be a mother.  I dreamed of rocking them and reading to them.   I dreamed of splashing with them in the pool. I dreamed of their kisses and smiles and arms around my neck.

I never dreamed my heart could feel so full though.  I never dreamed I would have such pride for their warm hearts and beautiful spirits, so much pride that there are days I can feel it tingle in my toes.  I never dreamed they would teach me about life and how to live.

For the last fourteen years, I have been honored to be mother to two of the most beautiful children in the world.  I’m not talking about their gorgeous eyes and smiles, but their handsome hearts that fill every room they enter.

God blessed me with these two young gentlemen and for that I am forever grateful.   My life would never be what it is today without them.  I love you both more than you will ever know.   It’s because of you that I get to be included in Mother’s Day. 

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, who gives her heart and soul to her family, and to all the mother’s I know. Enjoy this day.

Tuesday Talk

Some random thoughts and observations on a Tuesday in October.

This morning’s sky was one of witches and broomsticks.   It was the most unusual orange, grey and cloudy sky.   The trees came alive against the backdrop of color, though.  Amazing if I say so myself. Too bad I didn’t have my camera with me. (I’ve now put it in my purse for just these occasions.  Won’t miss out on the next photo op.)

I think I’m losing more hair than ever.   I feel like the autumn leaves of hair.   In a matter of a month I think I could make a pretty decent wig.  Maybe I need to switch shampoos?

If I were to make a list of all the things I need to get done, I think I would have enough to publish a book.   Mind you, these aren’t “buy groceries”, “do laundry” types of things, but more along the line of  “hang pictures in the basement”, “create a school work organizing system” types of things.  The good kinds of things to do, but it seems like there are just so many to do.

Did you know that you can buy a deer head mounted, a pink candy dish, two embroidered pillowcases, an army jacket, old teaspoons, and cow bells all under one roof?   Mom and I (doesn't she look cute in her jacket and scarf? - Four different people told her so!) spent over two hours in an antique mall this afternoon and had a fantastic time checking out all the treasures, trying on hats and laughing together at everything. I bought a $5 farm bucket, my name in Scrabble letters and a vase that says “family” up the side. With such a long name, don't you think it would be worth more than 13 points?  I left the velvet chipmunk however, in section CH45 if you want to pick it up.  It was only $11.95.

She didn't get it.

Antique shop finds

I love the sound of my boys playing outside.  I know I’ve written about this before, but it is the most terrifical sound ever.

Both of my boys came home with report cards today.   Between the two of them, we have a total of 4 A+’s, 10 A’s, and one A-.   How ‘bout them apples?  So proud of them.

If I say “potato”, you say “ricer”.  (You had to have been there.)

I’ve put off turning the heat on for three days now, but it looks like I’m going to have to break down and just turn it on.   The chill is nice outside, but I get a little irritable when it’s inside.  It’s that or put on my gloves with no fingers and a hat and another pair of socks and a ….

My neighbor’s front door is decorated so beautifully with grapevine wreath, fall vines and orange lights in the evening.  I’m so jealous!   I may have to try my hand at keeping up with the Joneses and make me a replica for my very own front door.  I’ll let you know how it turns out.