"If I Had My Child To Raise OverAgain"
I'd finger-paint more and point the finger less
I'd do less correcting and more connecting
I'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play
I'd run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I'd do more hugging and less tugging
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of LOVE
The new year always brings for me motivation for change, to try harder and to give away old habits that are not fitting into my ultimate plan. This year though as I have tried to implement some of these things I want to work on I have more stress and anxiety than will to improve. There are a lot of crazy things going on in the world all around us. It is hard to keep focus. I find I put a lot of pressure on myself to, DO IT ALL.... I think we all do for the most part. But when it really comes down to it all that matters is that we develop the most precious gift God has given us and that is out children. I have kept this poem on my fridge for the past few years. I loved it because it is so easy to get caught up in the daily grind. The other day there was an old lady by me in the grocery store. I had all the kids with me, and she told me wished for the time when her kids were this age. She said it goes so fast and then they are off and they have their own lives, and i realized That in a short 10 years Halli will be graduated and Ethan going on a mission, and It affirmed to me that while it is important to do things for myself and to clean the house and all that....well it is even more important to treasure the gifts of life that were put in my trust.
I am feeling all sad and nostalgic. Those of you that know me well know that I had a very hard childhood, that my "mom" has never really been my "mom" that I fill that roll for most of my brothers and sisters. Having my own children and raising my brothers, has given me even deeper feelings of loss for that in my life, especially at times when I feel like I do now. I am not trying to have self pity or complain, but sometimes it just hits me...my whole life. Sometimes I am at loss for what to really feel. All I know is that I am grateful for my grandparents, and for my husband and all his support and understanding. So while I made HUGE lists of all the things I need to do better. Most of all I just want to be a better mom. After all you really only get to clean up throw up and change diapers for so long, and then we will be standing in the grocery store behind a mom with young kids wishing back the hair raising stressed out times we wished away in the moment.
Treasure your gifts.....
9 comments:
love that pome thats the mom i want to be today and always thanks.......
Keri - this is what i needed to read today. As I worry about how i will survive the upcoming tax season, a single mom to 3 little ones, feeling sorry for myself...you reminded me how i need to enjoy these times, be grateful for them instead of wishing them away. Thank you Thank you Thank you for inspiring me and for always being an amazing example to me!!
You are an awesome Mom! Your siblings & your own children are so lucky to have you in their lives. Thanks for the inspiration today! I hope the throw up has ceased @ your house(I read on FB that Halli is/was sick). I don't think I will ever wish those moments back-LOL!
Thanks for the reminder! You are a great mom...and an angel to your siblings. They are blessed to have you as their sister!
I have that poem on my fridge too! It's a good one... That was such a sweet post. I think we all really do take this time for granted. Life passes more quickly than we realize a lot of times.
I think you do a great job. Your family always looks so happy in your photos. In this day and age we put so much pressure on ourselves to be better.
Ask yourself what would make you a better mum… if you have no defined answer and this is just an overall statement then I think the only thing that will make you feel like a better mum is enjoying more moments with your kids.
In the end it’s not how you perceive yourself as a mother it is how well your children perceive you. In all children’s eyes, love is the most important thing and you would know that more than most if your mother was not their for you while you were growing up.
eu quero que você saiba que " i love you ". eu não conheço você pessoalmente, mas,sei que você é maravilhosa por que conheço o fruto do seu amor e dedicação - STEVE.
ele tem sido um ótimo missionário e sei que ETHAN também será.
thank you !
i proud you !
oh i have those days where i really wished i could start all over again, i loved this poem, your too cute. oh and i really love the new look of your blog...its gorgeous with ur gorgeous family.
Thanks for posting that Keri - it was so sweet and just what we need to hear sometimes. You are an awesome mom, and it is obvious how much you love your kids. They are lucky to have you. I appreciate the reminder and the inspiration!
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