Unexpected Benefits
I love my kids, I love being a mom. I love how having children forces me out of a selfish state, and to focus on their needs, and what is best for them. As a mother I feel needed and loved, and have an obvious purpose. I love my boys more than I can explain.
There are also some unexpected ways these boys of mine are “shaping” me:
Enhanced Mental Focus: I can get a task done under all kinds of elements. For example, nearly every household chore that I do, I do while being shot at, in the butt, by dart guns. While holding a conversation, a chorus of “mama, mama, mama,” goes on behind me, and I can completely tune that out. (wait, maybe that’s not a good thing?)
Diet and Exercise: Regardless of what I put on my plate, it looks more appetizing to my boys, than what is on theirs. Especially if it’s a sweet treat. I usually get one bite, before I’m asked to share, and excercise… well obviously, I have 3 small boys, what more can I say?
Boys like to help out: My oldest 6 year old boy, loves to help and feel “strong.” This week he pulled the big heavy trash can down our driveway, while I watched and greedily pondered if he could now carry laundry baskets up the stairs also…
Heart Melters: My children pour love on me. I love this season of age for this reason. My son brings home papers from school professing his love of mama, and my 4 year old and 2 year old duel over the prime space of my lap daily. While having a 6,4, and 2 year old is exhausting, and I have little time for “myself,” this is such a precious time, and I am out to enjoy it… because honestly, I don’t want them fighting over sitting on my lap when they are bigger than me.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:26 am
No doubt. Children are a tremendous blessing!
March 10th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
These are the precious years. Enjoy every minute with them because they grow up way too fast. My son is now 32 years old and I still miss the hugs and kisses he gave me as a little boy.
March 10th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Like Robbie, I miss those little girl hugs. They are now adult hugs.
Their smiles say it all! Do I have regrets that I worked full-time while she was growing up? Sometimes. But, she used to defend the fact that I to her friends whose mothers didn’t work. She doesn’t feel like I missed a thing. That helps me realize that somehow she grew up being gracious, giving & loving the Lord. I stand back & KNOW that the only way she is so well-rounded is because of our belief in God.
Cherish every moment & keep taking those pictures & sharing a few with us.
March 10th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I too miss the hugs and love from my girls. See, they are 10, 13, and 14, and it is just so not cool to be hugging on your mom. We’ve never been a real lovey, huggy type of famly anyway. Our affection is shown in tackles when you’re least expecting it, tickle wars, and everyone climbing onto mom and dad’s bed to watch the same show (Monk or Psych.) The love is there, it just looks different for every family.
Thanks for sharing a bit of yours with us. I still get my tank filled with the little hugs from my PreK students. Daily I hear, “Mrs. Mongold, I love you!” and get numerous hugs and kisses, so my life is full and very good!
March 11th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
a chorus of “mama, mama, mama,” goes on behind me, and I can completely tune that out. (wait, maybe that’s not a good thing?)
Ha!! I do the same thing sometimes- and still trying to figure out if it’s good or bad, but I think a bit of both!!
It’s a busy but fun time, I agree with you. (although I only have 2 boys!)
March 11th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
This is beautiful, Kristin! I just adore it. Being a Mom just makes the heart overflow.
My favorite thing in the world right now is the way Aron tries to make Rudy jealous by smothering me with kisses.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:03 am
This is beatifully written — and FUNNY!
March 14th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Excellent, honey…That picture, I loaded and left it at work thursday. Just loved having them there.
I, too, love Real Simple…
Love you more..
Mom