Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Friday Mom – Erin:
It’s highly likely that any social-media connected mom has at least one friend, possibly more, who shared a viral video by singer Nichole Nordeman entitled “Slow Down” early this week.  As I type, the link has 1.5 Million views.  If you’ve missed it, I suggest that you grab a tissue before you click on the link above.  Whether your own children are in their early toddling stages, teetering on the teenage years, or fully grown, she seems to have struck a chord, literally, with the vast majority of mothers out there who recognize all too soon in this parenting gig just how quickly the days, weeks, months, and  years fly by.

For me, this week and next are classic examples of how quickly the time goes.  I had a work trip this past week, and I leave again early Monday for another one.  Being gone a couple nights at a time isn’t insurmountable, but I am consistently struck by how much Rory and Charlotte seem to have grown even in a few short days.  Perhaps it is the simple fact of being away that causes me to watch them with refreshed eyes upon return, but whatever the reason, I always find that they’ve each picked up some new trick or turn-of-phrase while I am away.  And I am always impressed to witness it upon my return.

Being away also triggers the inevitable guilt of not wanting to “miss out” on the day-to-day at a time in which both kids are changing at such a lightning pace.  I do my best not to dwell on it, but, as I clicked through to my friends’ “share” of the video above, I certainly had damp eyes myself.

So this mother’s day, rather than try too hard to update my Facebook page with temporary mom-focused profile pictures of me and my mom, I am going to do my best to unplug and just be present with my children.  I know I can’t pause time, and I know that they will be grown before I know it.  But perhaps for one day I can pause everything else and just relish being a mom.  Or at least that is the plan.

Happy Mothers’ Day!

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Mother’s Day is this Sunday. I appreciate moms everyday, but the official holiday is a great way to celebrate motherhood. It’s hard to believe I’ve been a mother for almost nine years. Being “Mom” can be very challenging at times, but I know I’m blessed to be a mother of two healthy, loving boys.

I got to spend the last two weeks with my own mother. We don’t get to be face to face very often, but when we do, I enjoy every minute we share. My mom is a saint in my eyes. She is a hard working mom who raised three girls. She would drop anything to help anyone, has an obscene amount of patience, love, support, and almost always has a smile on her face.

As a little girl, I can remember times where she was so busy with work, church, family, and life in general, but she would always stop and put her daughters first. She’d stay up until midnight grading papers or planning lessons for her class, because she preferred we had a home cooked meal and family conversation. She hauled three kids around to sporting events at different times and locations, and I barely remember  carpooling because she wanted to cheer us on. I know I’m biased, but she is a gem.

I’m certain my mother will read this blog post, so this week is a shout out to her for all the memories we’ve made, ups and downs, lessons learned, and her example of motherhood I try to mimic. Mom, you make your kids and grand-kids proud. Love you and Happy Mother’s Day!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Haley has long, beautiful, straight brown hair. It’s really lovely. That is, it’s lovely when she brushes it. Haley really likes the idea of being glamorous and fashionable, but putting that into practice interests her less. She’s just too busy to sit down and have her hair de-knotted and styled.

If I do convince her to take a moment to tend to her follicles, Haley never regrets the end results. She admires her braids or pigtails in the mirror with a big smile on her face. If I get a bow or headband in there too, it’s that much more adorable. Such is the fun of having a girl.

Hudson has a different process. He “brushes” his hair by taking a toy hairbrush and hitting himself on the head with it. Then he slams the brush to the ground and gives me a toothy grin as if to say, “Damn, I look good!” I can’t argue with that.

Although getting little ones’ hair ready can feel like a chore during the morning rush, it’s actually a task that can be a lot of fun. Don’t get me wrong—I often phone it in. A quick comb through and I’ll say, “sure, you can wear it down today… did you brush your teeth… shoes on!” But when I take the time to do a good job with it, it’s another aspect of my beautiful kids I adore.