Things that Inspire

I love the beginning of a new year. I like a fresh start. I like a chance to be better than I was before. I like having dates like January 1st to measure my progress by. I want to be a better mom. Some things on the internet contribute to that goal. Some things take away from it. I thought I'd share a few things that have inspired me lately.

I love this post. I love the way Lonica talks about being a Stay-At-Home Mom. She talked about teaching her barely 1 year old how to hold the dustpan while sweeping. I thought about how much easier it is to put my kids in front of the TV, rather than try to sweep with them "helping". Reading this I realized even those moments that will probably be forgotten are oh so important.

http://barefootinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/resolution.html <-- Stephanie reminds me that being a good mom isn't always about the cleanest house, and getting everything done, but enjoying the moments.

http://www.mormon.org/me/1JWZ-eng  <--- This video will make you bawl. This mother lost a 3 year old child. And she understood it was God's will. And she was so sad, but she accepted it. It is heart wrenching.

http://www.mormon.org/me/141P-eng <--- Mom of 2 kids with special needs. She's amazing. My favorite line is when she says, "I'm a mom, and I take my job very seriously."

Which got me thinking about taking my job as a mom seriously. Sometimes I don't think of it as a job at all. Sometimes I'm jealous Aaron gets to be going to school every day while I'm home dealing with stuff like this. But then I read posts like Lonica's and I realize what a blessing it really is to be home with these kids. I have a degree in Special Education. I could be working every day. Maybe I'd make a dent in the student loans are taking out. But I don't want anyone else raising my kids. I may not be the best mom. I make a lot of mistakes. But I'm learning. Maybe by baby number 6 I'll have it figured it out. (Yes I still want 6 babies, someone get my head examined.) In the meantime, I'm working on it. And loving it. And my number 1 New Year's Resolution is to take my job as a mom more seriously.