I just tripped over a Matchbox car that was laying in the middle of my kitchen floor.
I went to brush my teeth this morning only to find that someone {not naming any names middle child – ahem} had emptied the toothpaste into the bathtub.
I found 3 dead worms in my son’s sock drawer {apparently having a dog wasn’t enough for him}. Not to mention that it’s winter so those worms have been there for awhile.
My lunch today included a hot dog, a lunch-able and three white fudge oreos. And I may have had Starbucks twice.
The last movie I saw in the theater was something by Pixar and I’m pretty sure it was rated G.
Having kids has changed me in so many ways, especially having all boys. As you can tell my life isn’t always glamorous, but it’s most certainly better with my boys in it. And although there are many times when I feel frustrated by their silly ways {especially the dead worms – not cool not cool}, I try and always remember the joy that they bring to me.
Isn’t it true when they say that children teach us, not the other way around?!?! If not for my children here are a few things I would have never learned:
1. Laugh even when you feel like crying.
Your youngest just threw the biggest tantrum in the middle of Kroger over the fact that you wouldn’t buy him five chocolate candy bars. Everyone is staring at you and you wish you could crawl into the giant freezer in aisle 10 and disappear until the non-stop screaming subdues.
You can’t. So instead? You laugh.
Yea, this happens to me. Which is why I try to frequent the grocery store solo.
2. To think outside the box.
Like when I wonder where my son’s missing frozen ice pop disappeared to and I immediately eliminate all the logical places it SHOULD be {like in his tummy or the trash can}.
Instead I check underneath couches, inside the dryer, or in a toy bin in the playroom, because everyone knows those toy bins actually double as a garbage disposals for any unfinished snacks.
3. Don’t take things for granted.
I remember when my oldest child begged me for MORE hugs and kisses. We cuddled on the couch watching Tom & Jerry while he held my hand and every few seconds he would lean over and kiss my cheek as if I was the only thing on the planet that mattered to him.
Now that he’s all “big-time” and in 2nd grade? I’m lucky to get a side-hug out of him when we do school drop-off.
Cherish the NOW and stop living for the future.
4. Accept whatever is thrown at you.
Literally. Even if it is a poopy diaper that smells like an animal that died weeks prior. Or a punch from your younger brother.
Someone, somewhere out there…has it worse than you. That’s a fact.
5. My actions are influential.
Kind of like when my middle child asks me, “Can I get a tat like you?“ Yes, he’s referring to my recent tattoo.
It’s true when they say children’s actions and words are a reflection of what they see and hear at home.
Your kids not only look up to you, they imitate you. Make sure your actions are ones that you would want them to imitate.
6. To keep up with the times.
I always thought that their dirty slimy hands pawing my overpriced very important electronic gadgets {iPhone, iPad, MacBook} just made my screen dirty and sticky.
But, my kids have discovered programs and shortcuts that I would have never knew existed. They can work these electronic devices better than me.
7. To pray every day.
You can pray for fruit snacks. Or your tv. Or you can even pray that you get good toys for Christmas.
It doesn’t matter what you pray. God is always listening.
______________________
And the single greatest thing that my children have taught me?
8. Love is a language.
My oldest child thrives on words of affirmation. The youngest likes quality time and the middle child adores affection.
Understanding that each one of them feels loved by something different has taught me that love can not be defined in one sentence.
Love means one thing to you and another thing to me.
I love my children unconditionally. They don’t have to do anything or become anything to earn my love. They just have it and always will. Even when I find dead worms in their sock drawer.
What life lessons have your children taught you?
Rachel says
This post is so sweet and honest. I love that you know their love languages.
Mandy says
Thanks Rachel!
kathleen says
That it’s ok to let them be frustrated and have bad moods. I have days when I’m in a funk and its understandable that kids will too and not to try to force them to act happy. Let them be ticked off they want to lol! Love your blog and posts like this.
Mandy says
Ohhhh I love that advice because I never seem to understand why they are crabby! Great reminder!
Stacy says
Amen! Best post you have ever written!
Mandy says
Awww, thanks Stacy!
Sabrina Uhlmann says
I think this is my all time favorite blog post from you. Having a one year old son myself and still feeling like I am getting in the groove of parenting….this post hit home. Thank you.
Mandy says
Thank you Sabrina!
Cate says
Mandy, not only do I look to you and Jeff as a marriage model for my husband and me, I look to you as someone I can learn from in our parenting future. You always write from your heart about your children and it shows me that even when they are driving you crazy you love them with all your heart! Thank you!
Aspen Jay says
Oh, how I am figuring out how my actions and words are influential! With my toddler when he is overwhelming me I would say, “just don’t talk to me right now.” So now guess what he says to me? Sad day! )o: But it has made me realize that they pick up EVERYTHING and that I need to be careful what I say. Love you and your blog Mandy! You inspired me to create my own and you keep on inspiring me!
Mandy says
Awwww, yay!! Thanks for reading!