Some Things I’ve Learned About Being a Mom by Robyn

10 May 2012

Please help me welcome my friend Robyn from the Pink Peony of Le Jardin to 320 Sycamore today! She lives in a colonial with 3 amazing children & a loving husband that is always (mostly!) supportive of her passion for creating and endless projects.
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On MotherhoodIMG_3533
Let's be honest.  Some days I want to stay under the covers instead of face the many tasks that lay ahead.  Each day I think I will get caught up, yet each day brings new surprises to remind me that there will always be more to do.  More dirty clothes to pick up that didn’t make it to the hamper.  More dishes to wash, and crumbs to sweep away.  More school papers to sign, and more schedules to keep up with.  Endless shopping, organizing, refereeing, loving, listening, and reminding.

 
How did you do it mom?  You made it look so easy.
And I think I only saw you cry once!  You  never stopped moving when I was a kid, and even though we are all grown and gone, you still don’t stop.  If you are not trying out new recipes in the kitchen, you are either preparing lessons for your church assignments, working your part time job, volunteering at the church’s temple, exercising, cleaning, visiting and caring for your old or sick neighbors (even watching the children of your young neighbors), decorating your home, or shopping…all of which I try to emulate in my life.  Then you are flying around the country to visit your children and grand kids that moved away from you…and still looking out for us and loving us even though we are all grown and gone.
You taught me to embrace being a homemaker, of which I am eternally grateful (even if I feel inadequate at times).  From you, I inherited a serious drive for creativity and resourcefulness…skills and a mind set that have saved me in a lot of pinches, and brought me much joy.
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I’m trying…
And in the name of creativity, I still let them pull every pillow, sofa cushion, and blanket in the house to the family room to make forts, and try to smile when the weekend is over and I have to put it all away. 
I try to say “yes” more often than I say “no”. 
I follow through on consequences
I expect them to work without allowance
I expect them to do their best in school and in church responsibilities
They understand that what their friends have is not important.  That “things” don’t buy happiness. 
They know we treat each other with love and respect.  More importantly, they know we apologize and forgive. 

042 new
I’ve learned…
To listen more than talk
That it’s okay if their rooms aren't spotless all the time.
That their disappointments and heartaches are actually blessings for growth.
That it is not a safe world out there, and I need to protect them from physical and moral harm, yet teach them to survive and thrive in a morally decaying world.
That they are not mine, just entrusted to my care.
To trust in God and listen for His guidance.IMG_3158
Recently, my 12 year old son started opening doors for me.  He gives me hugs and tells me how much he loves me.  My 15 year old son is quick to ask forgiveness, and smiles when he sees me…even when I pick him up from track in front of his friends in my rusty old van.  He thanks me for all I do for him.  And my little daughter, she gave me a two hour spa the other weekend…just because.  She writes me notes and tells me how much she loves me, and still picks me flowers.
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It is during these tender moments that God lets me know, that I must be doing something right,
and I am truly blessed.
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6 comments

  1. melissa*320 sycamore1/16/14, 10:49 PM

    I've faced the monday morning fort cleanup many times and most time I'm not too happy about it! And I think every day I'm going to catch up, but I never do! Does anyone?? Mostly, I love that you remind that they really aren't ours, just entrusted to our care. Thanks so much, Robyn~I hope you are having the best time ever with your Mom this weekend!

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  2. Awww....sweet post!  I can totally relate to the mess and clean ups....but trying not to squash their creative little minds.  They aren't ours, are they?  But a wonderful gift to give us a little color, laughter and joy through our days.

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  3. Oh wow. Beautifully written post! I love how you said that God is letting you know you're doing something right with the little things because so often it's easy to focus on the things we may think we're doing wrong as mothers. Thanks for sharing! Loved reading this :)

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  4. I'm loving these mother's day posts! Love the lessons learned. Thanks!

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  5. Amandasmith421/16/14, 10:49 PM

    Loved your post, Robyn.  And, I love your mother!  She IS an incredible person!  

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  6. Carla Jordan1/18/14, 8:42 PM

    I couldn't agree more!  So beautifully put!

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