Category: kids

kids

children, gratitude, happiness, humor, kids, mommyhood, motherhood, parenting

Generosity of Spirit

WFAM

When we receive important news, we often are able to describe in detail where we were and what we were doing when first learn of it.

It was 10:14 a.m.  I was seated at the computer checking emails.  I had on shorts and a printed purple tank top that I had worn to my morning workout.   It was sunny and the heat of the day was beginning its usual build-up.  I wore no make-up, my hair was scrunched back in a haphazard ponytail and my brow was furrowed with concentration as I scrolled through my inbox.  I heard my phone beep to alert me of an incoming text.

Grandma wanted to know if she could take both boys overnight.

Do mothers like cocktails?  Is summer hot in Florida? 

I was feeling so generous of spirit after this offer I was willing to give her the whole weekend with them. 

Who knows, I may even let her have them for all of July.

I’m that generous.

children, kids, mommyhood, motherhood, parenting

Summer Changes

WFAM

For most of us in my neighborhood, today is the first official day of summer vacation.  As the usual group of moms gathered outside the main exercise room at the gym, the stories of motherly frustration began to flow.  There were kids who refused to get up, who didn’t want to eat breakfast and who kicked and screamed all the way to the gym kid zone. 

We are all in the same boat.  Summer will be a fun change of pace but there will be some bumps in the road.

My favorite comments were from a Mom who has a grown daughter.  She said that frustration is part of being a mother.  The moms you have to watch out for are the ones who say their kids are “perfect” and everything about motherhood is “easy” and “always wonderful”.   

It’s okay to lose patience with your children as long as you don’t pretend that you never have.

bad day, children, humor, kids, mommyhood, motherhood, parenting, Taekwondo

Grace is a Name I Call Myself

WFAM

I took both boys to taekwondo.  It was rainy and the sky was clouded in a way that made me feel kind of doomy.  For some reason, I did not have a proper attitude.  My attitude could have stemmed from the twisted knee I sustained during last Friday’s Zumba class (yes, I clearly am highly coordinated) and it twinged with regret every time I took a step.  Or, I am starting to really, truly be over the YEAR ROUND taekwondo situation (Mad Dog, please take note).  Yes, with most activities there is a distinctive start point and end point.  Taekwondo is infinite.  Apparently, my boys can become 128th degree black belts and me?  I would like to start earning my black belt in lounging or slacking off in general.  But, alas, this will never happen.  Even if for some reason we suspend all kung-fu type activity in our home, there will be another activity or goal to replace it. 

My goal?  To try to remain gracious even when I feel completely the opposite.

How am I doing Mad Dog? 

On second thought, better not answer that.  You know with me trying to be more gracious and all.

children, gratitude, happiness, humor, kids, life in pictures, mommyhood, motherhood, parenting

Ahoy Mateys!

WFAM

Yesterday afternoon was a ‘guys’ only situation. That means Mom was in heaven.

Mad Dog wanted to take them deep-sea diving?

Great.

How about ATV chicken fights on the beach?

Why not?

And, my personal fave, there was always the option of plundering the shores of Florida with pirates.

I say go for it.

All I asked was that no limbs were compromised and both boys were returned to me alive.

Ahoy Mateys!

happiness, humor, kids, life in pictures, mommyhood, motherhood, parenting

Rules of the Road

WFAM

The next time we head out on a road trip I need to devise a list of rules such as the following.

1.  Do not throw any objects whatsoever at Mom’s head whether in a vehicle or on land.  Better make that on horse, in a boat, in a go-kart, and at a magic show, too.

2.  Wrestling is allowed because with two boys it is inevitable.  However, wrestling 24/7 is not great.  Try to limit wrestling smack-downs to only eight per day.

3.  Try to go against Mommy instint at least fifty percent of time.  For instance, if I had followed my initial gut reaction at the riding stables, Full Speed would not have had the amazing experience of riding a horse all by himself:

4.  And lastly, always appreciate the opportunity you have been given to travel, have new experiences and spend time with the people you love.