Finding the Humor in Motherhood

A little insight I've gained since becoming a mom... I find myself questioning every day if I spent enough quality time with Hallie that day. Then I dwell on the fact that I could have spent more time with her if I would have just waited until nap time to do dishes, or just folded laundry when she was in bed, etc. I just don't want to look back at life and wish that I had treasured the doing a little more than the getting it done.

It's funny too, being a mom, I try so hard to teach Hallie (and the rest of our children) the good things: say prayers, wash your hands, pee in the potty not on the floor, help out with chores. And everyday I find myself contradicting myself as I tell Hallie, "I don't need help with dishes," "stop cleaning," "you have enough soap on your hands," "just pee in your diaper cause mommy's too tired to get up," and finally, "stop praying and eat." I realized yesterday when we were finished saying our breakfast prayer, and Hallie got down from the table to unfold Cameron's arms and told him to eat, that I shouldn't get frustrated when she tries so hard to do the things we teach her.

It helps to realize that the joys of motherhood come in moments and to treasure those moments. I am surrounded by other moms who do such a good job at taking in those moments of motherhood. And I hope that I do better at spending a little more time doing things with our children than getting them done.

p.s. Happy Mother's Day!