Being a momma

Being a mom is one of the greatest joys in life.  It's also one of the hardest jobs imaginable.  When the kids are little it's all physically demanding.  When the kids are older, it's all emotionally draining.

It is just hard.

There are great rewards. And yet there are things I would've never learned about myself if I hadn't had kids.

And now my kids are having their own families!  It is so exciting to watch and be a part of it all!

I was such a young young mom (which I wouldn't change a bit and still highly recommend to people). I had all my kids between the ages of 21 and 25.

I was young and naive.  But through a lot of tears, smiles, hugs, games and grit we made it through.

I thought I knew a lot.  Turns out I didn't know much at all!

Being a mom is a journey.  (and I'm not done yet!--navigating being a mom to adults now!)

If I could tell myself as a young mom anything I would say to her:

This won't last forever.

Stop and breathe.  Turn on the music and have a dance party.  Forget about the dishes.

Get help!  Ask friends or family for advice, or physical help if feeling overwhelmed.

Write stuff down.  Those little sayings, those funny moments.  Journal, jot, write it down because you'll forget it.

You don't know it all and you will make mistakes. A lot of them.  You will get angry, mess up, say the wrong thing.  We all have those days.  Ask your kids for forgiveness, forgive yourself and move on.  Tomorrow is always a new day.

Take that nap.  Or lay down and rest.  There's always laundry to fold.

Your kids are growing up! Let them!  Give them responsibilities and freedoms and let them fly! (sometimes they will and sometimes they won't by the way)

Being a mom isn't about control or fitting them into your "box".  My way isn't always the "only" way.

Listen to what your kids are saying to you.  They may be whining it at you or just being "difficult" but stop and hear what's behind the whine.  What are they needing.

The things they "do" to you aren't personal.  They don't have a personal vendetta to get you (well not always! ha!)

Pray!  A lot more than you think!  Feed your soul.  You need it!  Don't go dry.

Develop some friends or a network that you can meet at the park or trade babysitting.

Don't forget your husband!  Cultivate that relationship! One day you'll wake up and all those noises and messes will be gone.  All that's left will be you and him.  Grow that relationship so you won't be strangers later.

And he can do stuff too!  No he won't do it like you do but let him!  and don't criticize him when he helps out.

Love and prayers to all the moms out there!  It's a tough job but the rewards are lifelong!

I'm enjoying this side of motherhood now...and grandmotherhood!  Wow!  So much fun!