Mother's Day - with a twist

I'd like to do something a little different on Mother's Day this year. I want to take some time to focus on the little people who gave me the much revered and respected title of "Mother."

So today, this post is for them. This is my list of why I love being mother to each of them. 

For Emma, my girl, my first born, the one who radically changed my life in the most amazing way...here are some of the reasons I love being your mother:

1)  your heart

2)  your singing

3)  your love for others

4)  when you ride on the lawn mower with me

5)  your love and compassion for animals

6)  the way you twirl - in any new dress, when you put on a 'cape' 

7)  how you always know just when I need a hug

8)  how you snuggle

9)  your perseverance

10) how you always look for the good in others

11) your forgiving nature

12) the way you hold me accountable

13) your tenderness with sick or elderly people - it takes a very special person to have this 

14) the time you skipped cheerleading practice (which you LOVED) to stay home with me because I was not feeling well

15) your imagination

16) watching you play anything and everything

17) your genuine laugh

18) your desire to do the right thing - at all cost

19) when we just sit or lay and talk - about whatever is on our minds

For Elijah, my 'baby' and my son, the one who constantly challenges (in a good way) my patience...here are some of the reasons I love being your mother:

1)  your smile

2)  your heart

3)  your sense of humor - this has been a saving grace many days in our home!

4)  your appetite

5)  the way you constantly encourage others

6)  how you're such a good friend

7)  how you always find things for me - you're my 'finder' - and you find things I didn't even know were lost!

8)  when you call me 'Momma Jo' - and the fact that I have NO idea where that came from, but it's your special name for me.

9)  how you can always make me laugh

10) how you always look for the good in others

11) your forgiving nature

12) your passion for the things you love

13) the way you notice every new and little thing about me - whether it's new earrings, freshly painted toenails/fingernails - you're a noticer, and that's a fantastic thing!

14) watching you play anything and everything

15) your imagination

16) how you know every single character on Skylanders and what element they are and what they say when you put them on the portal (see #12)

17) your laid back style

18) your charisma

19) our late night 'pillow-talks' where I get to hear all about your day

Some of the items are on both lists, but those are the things I'm super grateful for in both of my kids. 

Some days, I'm not gonna lie, I really have to hunt for something to like about my kids...because, like all kids, they test me, they push me, they challenge me and my authority. 

But if I'm truly honest with myself, my kids bring much joy to my life and have made me a better person. 

I think that's the thing about motherhood - it's truly a calling. And it can change you in amazing ways, but only if you let it. 

The Hands Free Revolution

I'm embarking on a new journey. This will be a life-long journey, but the rewards will be felt instantly. After all, that's what our society is about, right? Instant gratification. Instant results. 

We want it now; no, in fact, we want it yesterday.

Recently, two things have come across my radar. First, this video appeared, ironically, in my FaceBook news feed. Go watch it. No really, I'll wait...go watch it and come back a changed person.

Secondly, Rachel Macy Stafford's post, "The Day I Stopped Saying 'Hurry Up'" has had an impact on me. You see, I have a sweet boy who is a 'stop and smell the roses' kinda guy. My daughter, while she enjoys the smelling of the roses, she more wants to please me, therefore, she has stepped right in line with my expectations of 'get-it-done-now-so-we-can-hurry-up-and-move-onto-the-next-thing' mentality. 

Let me share something with you, friends. I'm tired. I mean, I'm really tired. Tired of trying to be involved in everything and tired of trying to be everything to everyone else, while my kids get less than the best from me. 

Before you get all high and mighty on me, let me share with you that my kids come first in my decision making. Which is where the lines get blurred. Because is it best for them that they be involved in every activity that comes their way? Or is it best for them to have a mom that is able to sit and appreciate them because we aren't running out the door to the next play/practice/rehearsal/activity/event/program there is?

I know what the Bible tells me. I know what God has been pressing into my heart. I know what my gut-wrenching, overbooked-calendar, stressed-out, tightly-wound, body is telling me. That we need to  s   l   o   w   d   o   w   n.

So, today, I'm taking the 'Hands Free Pledge' to be more present with my children. (I'm taking this from Rachel Macy Stafford's book "Hands Free Mama.") 

          The Hands Free Pledge 

     I'm becoming Hands Free.
     I want to make memories, not to-do lists.
     I want to feel the squeeze of my child's arms, not the pressure of overcommitment.
     I want to get lost in conversation with the people I love, not consumed by a sea of unimportant emails.
     I want to be overwhelmed by sunsets that give me hope, not by overloaded agendas that steal my joy.
     I want the noise of my life to be a mixture of laughter and gratitude, not the intrusive buzz of cell phones and text messages.
     I'm letting go of distraction, disconnection, and perfection to live a life that simply, so very simply, consists of what really matters.
     I'm becoming Hands Free. 


Won't you join me?

Share with me in the comments your thoughts on how we can make positive changes to put the phones down, close the screens, and really connect with people.