pat-pat-pat

This post is for all of you stay-at-home moms out there. Actually for moms in general, too.

I've been thinking a lot lately about being a stay-at-home mom, and how difficult it is to feel valued in the world's eyes. And that's okay, I don't think I need a medal to keep trying to be the best mom I can be, but hmmmm...it wouldn't hurt :) Who doesn't like to receive sincere praise and feel that what we do is valued and important? Who doesn't enjoy getting a great performance review, a promotion, a raise or a compliment on a job well done? We all do--at least I do. Or i can imagine I would--I haven't had a full-time (paid) job since I was 24, so it has been a good 10 years. I am truly grateful for Tyler and his support and appreciation of my stay-at-home-mom-hood. He lets me know in countless ways that he values what I do for our family and supports me. I am truly blessed.

Miya has a little habit that touches my heart and give me my good performance review that I need. Sometimes when I give her a hug she snuggles in, nestles her face in my neck and reaches her little hand around me and gently pats my back. It is the sweetest gesture. It is as if she is saying thanks for being my mom, for being there for me. Everytime she does it I think to myself, that is the pat on the back that I needed. And I savor the moment.

That is the challenge of the stay-at-home-mom--to find those little moments that give you a pat on the back and savor them. Freeze frame them and reflect on them again and again on the tough days and moments. So that when the world looks down on what we do and thinks we don't have any ambition, or that we aren't smart enough to get a "real" job or that we are wasting our best years, we can get out our golden moments and bask in them. Each day I marvel at how fast my kids are growing up, and try to remind myself not to wish away the little moments, the sticky fingers to wash, noses to wipe, books to read, conversations at bedtime, contagious pure delight little kid laughter, and boo-boos to kiss better. They grow up so fast. I want to soak them all up so I can remember them little forever.

I wanted to put a quote from my mom that really made me think. She wrote this in her weekly e-mail after she had watched our kids for a week--I had meant to post this entry around mother's day, but I'm a bit behind.

"As I was in Wisconsin working on managing the Hacking household, I wondered who sings the praises of the quiet, hard-working mothers and fathers striving everyday to raise righteous families. That is why it is so important to keep yourself close to the Lord by keeping his commandments. It gives you the strength to do the simple things that matter the most. Having the quiet assurance inside your soul, that you are doing what is right, is what carries you along each day. You don’t need the praise of men, because you have the approval of God! I can’t imagine how anyone can raise a family today with all the evil that is so blatant. I’m so grateful for the gospel that can guide us as we raise our children. It gives me hope and peace because I know that, with the Lord all good things are possible."

Enjoy and savor your little moments each day--you are building the future one day at a time. Happy Mother's Day to you all!

and the secret ingredient is...

The other day at lunch Garrett, Grant and I were eating leftover lasagna. This was the conversation Garrett and I had:

G: Hmmm, (as he picked through his lasagna) is there squash in here?

Me: No

G: Bikini?

Me: You mean zucchini?

G: Oh yeah, zucchini (sheepish grin)

I just keep chuckling about it, so I had to record it.

Nerdy Mom

The other day as I was driving Ty and Shayla to school, Ty told me how embarrassing it is when I send a note in his lunch. His football buddies try to steal it away and tease him about it. Okay...so no more notes. He's only eight, but I'm already embarrassing him. How is this possible? I thought it wouldn't kick in until middle school. I used to be so cool...I was the expert on everything, and now...

Actually, it started REALLY early with Shayla. Last year I promised Shayla I'd come to lunch with her (she was in Kindergarten) and she was so excited. Well, I had a crazy morning of errands, worked out at the Y, and didn't have time to shower after my workout. I had a choice--skip lunch with Shayla or run over in my workout clothes and keep my lunch date with her. Well, I chose to keep the lunch date, thinking she would rather have me there than skip it just for my pride. Wrong! As soon as she saw me she said, "Mom, your hair is all messy!" She then proceeded to tell me to take my ponytail out and it would look better. Once that correction was made, she seemed okay enough with my appearance to still be excited about having lunch with me. I just thought I had at least 5 years before I had to watch my every move around my kids at school and with their friends.

I remember when I was 12 or 13 The Little Mermaid came out and my Mom took all seven of us kids to go see it. We didn't go to the movies a lot, so we were pretty excited. We went to the store first and each picked out our favorite treat to sneak in with us (you remember those .10 boxes of lemon heads, jaw breakers, etc.), and then settled in at the movies. I remember being SO embarrassed when one of my younger brothers/sisters (can't remember who--but it was probably Jacob) dropped their candy and you could hear it rolling all the way down to the front of the theatre. And then you could hear my little bro crying because he lost his candy. I was trying to sink into my seat so that I wouldn't be seen. And now I look back--what was the big deal? We make much bigger scenes on a daily basis now just going to the grocery store. A few tantrums, spills, scenes...that's nothing! All in a days work :) And you know what? I think it's good for my kids to have some healthy humiliation via their mom -- I'm pretty proud of myself that I can embarrass them so well already. It builds character, right? I think it means I'm doing something right :)

So maybe I'll still sneak an occasional note into Ty's lunch. I told him I'd just put it inside his sandwich and he'd have to eat it to know what it said. He just rolled his eyes. Can't wait until he's a teenager. As for Shayla, she loves getting notes in her lunch, so at least someone appreciates me...for the time being (as long as i fix my hair and put make-up on). Sheesh, who knew it was so tough out there for a nerdy mom.

September 11th

Eight years ago today I was getting ready to go for a morning walk with my friend, oblivious to what was happening in New York City. Ty was just 6 months old. My friend called and told me to turn on the TV. I sat in shock and disbelief as I watched the Twin Towers go up in smoke. I will never forget the emotions I felt, the sorrow for the evil in the world, for the people who died, for those who so bravely sacrificed to save others, and for the families who lost loved ones.

I think it such a testimony to the power of the human spirit that out of tragedy comes greatness. That out of the dust and rubble of destruction and hate can come such hope and love and power for change. The human spirit is an amazing thing, and I am continually amazed by people all around me who confront trials and suffering with faith in the Lord and a perfect brightness of hope.

I will never forget those who have sacrificed for our great nation, and hope to show that remembrance each day of my life, living to appreciate and defend the freedom that I enjoy each day.

Click on the following link to see the inspiring story of a 9/11 survivor. Have a wonderful day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

A blast from the past...

Pegged pants. Does that phrase bring back memories for anyone else? Please say yes. A few days ago I loaded Shayla, Garrett and Grant into the bike trailer (made for 2) and headed off on a bike ride. Shortly after I started my pants got snagged in the chain, so I had to do something to save my pants. Yes, you guessed it. I remember back to my 7th-grade so-cool pegged-pants days, and saved the day. Yes, I biked all over our neighborhood looking like this--I have no pride. So, was this a fashion that just hit Idaho Falls, or did anyone else peg their pants, too.