Let’s Talk – Moms
Being a mom is such a blessing most days but others you wonder if you should just throw in the towel right? No two kids are the same and they do not come with a manual. Most of the time just when I feel like I’ve figured it all out one of mine throws me a curve and I realize I never will.
We have no option but to love them unconditionally it is just programmed into a mom’s soul. You take notes from those who have come before you and try to use some of their wisdom to guide these little treasures through life. Here are just a few of the things I’ve learned from some special moms in my life.
Of course I have to start with my own mom who looks at me in this way I’m sure so many times and I totally recognize the look because it is how I look at my own children. Crazy thing is as the oldest child I rarely “feel” this look but instead pick out so many other things in her words that map directly to my insecurities and I often feel she’s judging my every move.
God knew what he was doing giving me this strong lady as he knew I would definitely need the lessons she would teach me. I can remember her asking me when I would start to give up “what are you afraid of, succeeding?”. Learning how to take care of myself and support myself was never an option in my mind because she made sure I knew it was necessary to secure my future.
I always felt she favored my brother over me and remember rolling my eyes when she would tell me she loved us differently because we were different. Some things you just can’t comprehend until you have babies of your own.
Once my kids got older the biggest thing I remember her telling me when I would begin to stress over the decisions they were making “remember they are not you” and it was always a great reminder my mistakes would not necessarily repeat themselves and also that my kids decisions were their own.
My Meme was the most selfless woman I’ve ever known. It’s really hard to believe it’s been over 16 years since she left us. She was an amazing cook and more than anything else she loved having her family with her.
I watched her multitask and make a huge mess in her kitchen and she taught me not to be afraid to throw things together. Every fall she would bake for weeks putting together baked goods and freezing them in neat little packages to take to friends during the holidays and it gave her so much joy! This was definitely something she passed down to me and it is one of my very favorite things to carry forward.
She was frugal and I remember her clipping coupons and planning her grocery list around the weekly grocery ad. I didn’t realize I was learning at the time but this was definitely a tool I would use as a young mom.
She was independent and strong and ran her household but totally allowed my grandfather to believe he was in charge the entire time. I didn’t realize what a big lesson this was until much later in life.
She always had a beautiful yard full of flowers and potted plants and sadly she did not pass along her green thumb to me.
If you have been around the blog much then you already know my Mamaw. This one right here still loves to shop so I’m guessing that is totally where I get it from. She also always kept a tidy house and didn’t let clutter build which I could totally appreciate.
Buying her own gifts was definitely something she excelled at and so often I saw her buy something and wrap it on up from my grandpa and “surprise” herself on Christmas! I definitely love surprises but have learned sometimes it’s a lot more satisfying to let someone know exactly what you want and even pick it up for yourself if necessary.
Unfortunately she also has no filter and I’m afraid I may have inherited this as well.
Above all else I think as a mom having an open heart and an open mind to continue to grow and “improve” is so important. Even though your parenting decisions have the ability to influence, every child will become an adult and become responsible for their own decision making. When worry and fears begin to creep in I have had to learn to trust God with my babies and know that his plan is always greater than mine.
What a great tribute to the mom's in your life! They all sound like quite the characters and you are blessed to have inherited a little bit of each of them in your personality. Hope you got some R and R this weekend…have a good Monday.
I feel so rested this morning Tanya!! It was a great weekend and I probably need to consider running the vacuum tonight but it was just what I needed to be a little lazier than normal. Have a super week!
What a great post!!!
Shelley, I just love this! I posted my ode to motherhood for the series yesterday and someone gave me some very good advice. She said that even when we can't do things for them physically anymore, the best thing we can do is pray for them as it is not something we do as much when they're in our physical presence. I love that, I love you, and I love this post and the love you have for your family.
It sounds like you have some strong ladies in your life to mold you into the woman you are today! I love the look your mom is giving you! I can totally relate. We look at our kids with such love & admiration and forget our parents are looking at us like that, too! Beautiful post! Have a great Monday!
Beautiful post!!! You have so many amazing Mama's in your life.
Love this tribute to all the mommas in your life!