I may or may not still be licking my wounds from last Sunday’s game. I may or may not want to start a petition to get Joe Buck and Troy Aikman off the air or at least get them to stop announcing games when Green Bay plays because their bias against the Packers is utterly infuriating and just so wrong. I may or may not watch the Super Bowl because I cannot stand Brady and Belichick and will be angry at Wilson and Carroll for a long time. Yes, I may be pouting, and I don’t care.
I was getting ready for work one day this week, and Holly called into my bedroom “Good morning, Mama!” Upon hearing her say that, I was still for a moment. Here is my 10-year-old daughter still calling me Mama in an earnest and loving manner, and I love it. Then I started thinking about both of the kids – how they provide me with hugs and kisses whenever I need them most, how Holly will still hold my hand…in public no less, how both kids will snuggle and cuddle on my lap if I let them, how Connor will give both Jim and me a hug and kiss good night every night without asking. As I was thinking of these things, I had one of those moments of clarity where I realized that I must be doing something right in this weird and frustrating parenting job. For, as much as we may fight with each other, arguing over rules, restrictions, expectations, and chores, my kids still love me enough to physically demonstrate it, and I love them to the point where I crave those moments of intimacy and love. Connor may complain that he doesn’t understand us and that we are totally overreacting about his disappointing grades/his lack of running/his lack of tuba practicing/his lack of initiative/his lack of help around the house, but the next minute he is giving me a hug or bringing me a cup of tea without being prompted. The title “Mama” – not Mommy or Mom – is the one of which I am most proud and one that keeps me going when things get tough. It was this simple title being uttered graciously in the morning that rendered me momentarily immobile as I contemplated my extreme good fortune because it showed me that this is what parenting is all about – this unconditional love freely given and taken, shown in abundance no matter how many harsh words may pass between us, as seen through the simple word “Mama.”
What did you miss this week? I read and listened to some amazing books last week and missed out on one I was highly anticipating. I shared my thoughts on Nadia Hashimi’s thought-provoking novel, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. Things got less serious and so much fun with Cary Elwes’ memories of the making of The Princess Bride in As You Wish as an audiobook. Then things got downright terrifying with Nick Cutter’s latest horror story, The Deep. Finally, I ended the week with the hilarious and poignant Neil Patrick Harris and his Choose Your Own Autobiography. How is that for eclectic reading?
What did I miss this week? It looks like I missed my blogging anniversary. Six years ago, I decided to give this blogging thing a try. Yes, things have changed, but I know you already know that. Yes, I have learned so much about myself, but I have already shared that with you throughout the years. Instead, I am just going to repeat my heartfelt gratitude from New Year’s Day, and say thank you again for being the best bunch of friends and readers a gal could ever have!
Have a relaxing Sunday and great week!
Doesn’t that just go to prove the point that kids really do want structure and direction from their parents even while they are shouting that they want you to leave them alone?!
It makes sense to me!
Oh happy 6th blogiversary! Your blog always has good stuff. And I wont even talk about the GB disaster last wknd. I was rooting for them hard but apparently I couldnt help. Ugh it killed.
Thanks, Susan!
Yes, I was talking to friends at work, and I don’t think any of us are planning on watching the Super Bowl. One person even said the idea of watching another football game after that last one makes him sick to his stomach. It is going to be a long time recovering from that disaster.
My eleven year old still cuddles and holds my hand in public but man, she is a terror if I ask her to turn off the phone or computer. I am really hating technology these days. We set limits, but it seems that ANY time on the computer makes her very angry and irritable. I am not a fan.
I KNOW!! We first noticed the technology thing with my son when he received his first gaming device. It has been an ongoing battle since then, especially after the school district gave him a laptop for use. Holly received her first iPod Touch for Christmas, and while the battles are not quite as ferocious, getting her to put it down and focus on something else is a struggle. I LOVE technology, but I do not love technology for children. They don’t know how to properly moderate their usage, and it turns them into evil zombies.
Happy 6 years! I have enjoyed your blog immensely and am glad you continue doing it, despite how busy I know you are!
Those parenting moments are so sweet and make every frustrating moment worth it. I try to remember that on the days I want to scream because parenting is so hard. And I try to really cherish those sweet moments when my daughter still wants to crawl into my lap and cuddle with me.
I really hate Brady, too. I will be cheering for Seattle for that reason alone.
I hope you have a good week!
Thanks, Brandie! I wouldn’t stop blogging for the world. I love it too much!
I won’t even be watching the game this year. My heart isn’t into it, and even the prospect of fun commercials doesn’t entice me. That does mean an entire afternoon of reading though. I’m excited about that!
I know exactly what you mean. Those moments become increasingly fleeting as the kids get older, as do the moments when you want to scream in frustration, but it makes those sweet moments so poignant and special.
I had one of those mama moments this week too, but my kids are a bit on the younger side. I can only hope that these moments continue as they age because it really is a wonderful moment to have.
Yes, they are. I cherish them when I can get them because there will come a point where they won’t be around to give them to me even if they want to do so.
I won’t say anything about the game, other than to mention that I have seen a petition from Seahawks fans wanting to stop Buck and Aikman from doing Seattle’s games, too – maybe they’re just bad commentators? I will say that, unless they are playing the ‘Hawks, I root for Green Bay, and I’m sorry that your Super Bowl is spoiled.
My youngest is 13, and he still regularly cuddles up next to me on the couch, or climbs on my lap. He even reached out to hold my hand in church today. I’m so glad – I’m not ready for them all to be grown up yet!
Oh, Buck and Aikman are HORRIBLE announcers. Actually, Aikman’s not too bad. I would love to see Aikman pair up with Al Michaels. I think those two would be an excellent pairing.
I know exactly what you mean. I love those glimpses of childhood that still peek out from under their grown-up exterior.
Aww, so sweet – Mama. I think I’m a couple years ahead of you on the parenting track (16 and 17), but it is such a blessing and a feeding of the soul when your children begin to see you as a person and it is obvious that they like what they see. There’s no better feeling when this family you started with a prayer and trust begins to manifest your vision for it. Good days.
Thanks, Belle! I think watching the kids become human is great and one of the most special parts of being a parent.
It sounds like you have some special kids there. 🙂 Happy Blogiversary!
Thanks, Kelly! I definitely do have some wonderful children.
Unconditional love is quite amazing, isn’t it? I haven’t experienced the moments that you have (bracing myself!!) but every time I lose my cool and my daughter forgives me, I humbled. The hardest and most rewarding job in the world. Thank you for sharing your moment with us.
And happy bloggiversary! To many more. 🙂
You are very welcome. We all need reminders that parenting is hard, that we all have moments of wondering why we ever thought it would be a good idea in the first place, but that it is worth it.
Thank you!
Well done for lasting on the blogosphere for 6 years and still enjoying it. And, above all, well done, for raising such loving, sweet children! Mine also still call me ‘Mama’ and give me occasional unexpected hugs and kisses (without actually expecting anything in return, such as chocolates). Long may it last!
Exactly! I hope it lasts as long as possible!
Happy blogoversary! 6 years is amazing 😀
I’m pouting along with you. I’m not ready for jokes yet. That was the most heartbreaking game I’ve ever watched. Ugh.
I loved reading about your kids. Those moments are the best. They help make the rest of the craziness worth it. They remind you that you are doing a good job. They are necessary!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Definitely no jokes. It is going to take me a long time to recover from that. Perhaps even until the next season.
Absolutely. Without those moments, I wonder how many people would become parents.
I’m still bitter about the game last week too. I have no plans to watch the Super Bowl because I want both teams to lose.
Congrats on six years!!!
Agreed. I know my husband wants to watch it. I will be pouting in another room. I can’t stand either team either.
Thanks!