Several years ago I heard a Mom in church say how she felt like she should give her kids gifts on Mother's Day because they are so great ( or something like that), that has stuck with me- sure I want my kids to love and respect and cherish me- I want them to know how great I think they are too, and how glad I am that they are mine. This year they each got a box of Jr. mints, along with a certificate for a week of not doing their monthly chores, as well as my expression of love to them. Shown below, but it had a nice picture with it too.
I’m glad I’m your Mom– You are a bright spot in my life, and I’m thankful for you! I know I may not always be the perfect mom, but I want you to know that I always love you– no matter what. I know that sometimes it’s not easy to be a kid– school expectations, parents expectations, chores and all the other things that come up in life. I want you to know that I’m here for you in those tough times. If you need a break sometime, turn in this certificate for a week of not doing your monthly chores. (only one child can hand in theirs at a time)
Being YOUR mom makes it a happy mothers day! I love you!!
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I think about my kids often, who they are, who they're becoming, so I think I'll write a little about each of them.
Andrew
Definetly the most difficult baby I had- he would wake up in the night and want to stay up on and on and on. He was also the most strong willed as a child- "no" meant little to him, as I must say it is about the same today. I remember having to double stack gates so he wouldn't come out of his room at bedtime, and time out, meant I had to sit and hold him there, as he did not feel compelled to have any reason to sit there- even if his parents told him too.
Andrew had a sense of humor as a child and still has that very strongly today. He is hilarious!! I can't even explain it, things come out of his mouth so quickly that are just so funny.
As I said Andrew still doesn't agree with "no", unless he agrees with what you are saying. He may understand the need to show respect, but is surely not going to take anyone elses word for what he should do. He is a deep thinker.
I love that Andrew and I can discuss books together and have intellectual conversations. He has great musical talent (did not get any from me!) and an interest in history. He still gives me hugs and inside his teenage mind and body, hides a fun loving boy.
I love my Andrew.
Whitney
Probably my easiest baby. Mild. When she was little she was the kid in preschool that they were afraid would "get lost" in school, quiet and shy. It's funny, but she can pinpoint herself when that changed. 3rd grade- Miss Faktrowitz's class. A group of kids in that class, that probably started Whitney on the path to who she is today- a social butterfly. There is nothing in the world more important to her than her friends. She spends time, time and more time with them. When she is denied the chance to be with them, you would like the world has come to an end. I'm glad that she can build these friendships (although yes, sometimes it really drives me crazy), because I always had a hard time making friends.
She is creative, artsy, has a little bit of drama and thinks too. On her bedroom wall or on her computer screen she often has quotes often about living your life to its fullest, doing what you want. I just went into her room and this is what I found : "Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain." ; " I have found that if you love life, life will always love you back.", and " Let's find some Beautiful place to get Lost". Those really show a bit who she is. Right now on her wall is also 3 full size chalk drawing of her and 2 friends.
She is tenderhearted and kind, a nice big sister to Jayna and probably Andrew's best friend.
I love my Whitney.
Jayna
"Eat mouse then" and " how you know this" are two things Jayna is known for saying, both when she was little. We had a toy mouse for a cat once, and Jayna was little and frustrated ( I don't know why)and she threw the mouse and said "Eat mouse then!" and she always wanted to know " how you know this."
Jayna still loves hugs and cuddling,(usually), I hope that lasts! She is sweet and kind and wants to please her parents and teachers. She can be very timid initially, but once she warms up to her you may just be her best friend! She also has a sense of humor.
She thinks a lot and often works very hard on her school projects. For a long time she was determined to be the first astronaut on Mars, although I think that passion may be slipping some. She loves to play games and will often play them with her pet shop pets or stuffed animals if she gets no takers here.
I love my Jayna.
I am blessed to have 3 wonderful children, and a great husband to help me raise them, although sometimes I know they are raising me too.
Just Read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- I really liked it.
And so it goes...
