tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post5429418268492707798..comments2023-07-20T06:36:57.370-06:00Comments on Divergent Pathways: Mother of all WeeksUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-17441394083450160622009-04-12T23:22:00.000-06:002009-04-12T23:22:00.000-06:00I remember someone I admired talking about this an...I remember someone I admired talking about this and saying that instead of thinking about our own failures as moms we should spend mother's day thinking about the great mothers in our lives. It kind of embarrassed me because it showed how focused on me I was. Mother's Day has been easier since then--a bit.Scribbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-31681280125095991602008-06-05T10:48:00.000-06:002008-06-05T10:48:00.000-06:00As you requested:My daughter, Ruby, is a piece of ...As you requested:<BR/><BR/>My daughter, Ruby, is a piece of work (never mind that she was my work). She cracks me up or makes me nuts, constantly. Today for breakfast she wanted a pickle, some celery, and some peanut butter. Then she added Cheerios to the peanut butter. Whoa! She thought she had concocted something extra special. For lunch, she wanted yogurt and two crackers--to make a sandwich, she said. It's my own darn fault for ignoring the sandwich warning. Next thing I know, there's yogurt all over the table, up to her elbows, in her hair, on her dress, all resulting from her sandwich effort. I told her that was too messy and not to move until I got a wash cloth and cleaned her up. Her cheery reply was, "ok, mom. I put it on the wall, too." Aaaaaaaaaah! How did I miss that? Then I got upset and told her that kind of stuff made me lose my mind. She started to cry and asked me to please not lose my mind. <BR/><BR/>Then tonight when I was putting her jammies on after her bath, she wanted to know how they make bellies. I asked, "Who?" She replied, "They! Mom. How do they make bellies?" So I, brilliantly, decided to tell her about cell differentiation in the womb. "Before you were born and you were growing in my belly, little tiny pieces of you called cells got together and wanted to be bellies, and some others wanted to be eyes, and some hair" etc. "What about bones, mom." "Some cells wanted to be bones." Then I realized I had left God entirely out of it, so I added Him into the explanation. The whole thing must have gotten too unwieldy for her because she put her arms around my neck and said, "No, mom. How did *you make my belly." Innocent and beautiful redirection. And as these words--that I didn't make her belly, that I was just a house to protect her while her little body and mind grew and she became my perfect Ruby--as that came out of my mouth, I was made speechless by all of it. Thank goodness she didn't ask any more questions. Why that answer satisfied her, I don't know, but it makes me never want to lose my mind so I can always remember these moments. Who cares about a little yogurt on the wall.Cari Banninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01309665562592955580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-73002735434435575702008-05-14T02:51:00.000-06:002008-05-14T02:51:00.000-06:00Oh how well I know those trying to live up to the ...Oh how well I know those trying to live up to the SAHMs. It wasn't really a conscious thing on my part but I sort of lowered my standards (didn't expect perfect kids (or a clean house)) this year too and It was the best mother's day I've ever had.<BR/>And you're right those perfect mother moments don't come often but that makes them all the sweeter when they do show up.Alison Wonderlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15764321314666554990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-16604453375977047952008-05-08T12:24:00.000-06:002008-05-08T12:24:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Cari Banninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01309665562592955580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-23382933631706634992008-05-06T23:49:00.000-06:002008-05-06T23:49:00.000-06:00I have to tell you that, after reading this, I fee...I have to tell you that, after reading this, I feel even more ridiculous about the silly things I said about my own mom when I saw you this morning. Sigh. I wish I'd read this first. The truth is, if anything happened to my mom (and I suppose someday it will!) it would rip my heart apart and I don't know how I'd go on. I'm sending my love and thoughts your way-- this must be a difficult week.<BR/><BR/>It's always so interesting to me when I see someone like you who truly seems to have it all together, and then I read this post and realize that even you have insecurities and concerns. It's kinda refreshing, actually!<BR/><BR/>Beautiful post, dear.Brillighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13694582598855276158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-47313660318684094172008-05-06T12:33:00.000-06:002008-05-06T12:33:00.000-06:00Fabulous post!The moments that stand out the most ...Fabulous post!<BR/><BR/>The moments that stand out the most in my mind are those moments when I let go of the rush-rush-rush feeling and take the time to snuggle with my little ones. Read them stories. Simply talk with them.<BR/><BR/>My three year old expresses such gratitude in those moments it overwhelms me.Kimberly Vanderhorsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01653757517652257445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823847273927280303.post-4211206517787347452008-05-06T11:07:00.000-06:002008-05-06T11:07:00.000-06:00I've been debating whether to turn this into a ses...I've been debating whether to turn this into a session of Jana Jealousy or to compare our two uncannily similar mothers, or to tell you an experience or two from being a teacher and having certain moments with my "kids", seeing as I don't quite have my own thus far. <BR/><BR/>I decided to go with something you've taught me as a friend that has stuck. I got part of it from my own mother, but considering the hours and days and weeks at a time I've been in your presence, you're the only other likely source. You have taught me to shoot for the best. Mediocrity is not in your vocabulary. I think that's why you feel you fall short so much - because there's always a "better" in your mindset that you feel you haven't reached. <BR/><BR/>Examples of your high expectations: fancy water vs. normal water, perfection in all things edible, the drive for expanding and practicing greater knowledge in the arts, creating a teaching moment at any opportunity with your children, spouse, or best friends (best = anyone with whom you come into contact), and always taking time to smell the rosemary! I love you!Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05774990897606692850noreply@blogger.com