I've mentioned before that I am a stay-at-home mom. People through the years have asked me "What could you possibly be doing all day?" I wanted to roll my eyes and scream, 'ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!' I had so many things going on constantly, simultaneously, that I didn't even have time to answer their rude question - BUT I was taught better than that (thanks mom), so I'd smile and laugh a little, make a comment about soap operas and bon-bons, and tell them about one aspect of my day.
These days I wouldn't have much to say if anyone were to ask me that.
Independent kids. That's the goal. We're just about there... Just about...
The thing with independent kids is that they don't really need you. Sure, I get a; 'Hey mom? What's for dinner?' every now and again, but mostly they do their own thing.
Until, during one precious moment they draw you in.
Those singular, far between moments, those little snippets is why, even when they don't "need" me, I continue to be a stay-at-home mom.
Today both of my kids had off work and have been home, (and inside due to the 120 degree Arizona heat). Today, both of my kids have absolutely ignored me. Hubs called from Africa (he's traveling) and asked what I was doing today. Ummm.... checking facebook? I got nothin'.
This is a typical day.
These boys have their own lives that only somewhat involve me. That's the goal, right?
So this stay-at-home mom has not a lot to do, but those precious moments keep me here...
Today, one pulled me in during a television show called, "How it's made". Not my usual cup 'o tea but if he wants to talk to me about it ---> I'm invested. 100%.
I am blessed enough to be able to be here. Grateful to be able engage with my son about how shuttle cocks are made, how model boats are assembled, and how airplane propellers are created. To be able to stop whatever I'm doing and give him and his interest my undivided attention, is exactly what I do all day.
To be able to listen to my son bless the food at lunch and hear him speak about things that he is grateful for in this life. To witness him praying for his dad. That's what I do all day.
I wait for those moments and then relish in them.
I give my kids what they need, when they need it.
Yes, those moments are fewer and further between, but they are still there. They still need me, just in smaller doses.
I walk by and reach out, both physically and emotionally. I inquire, I engage.
I look for opportunities to connect and then act upon those.
I'm here and I'm ready when they are.
These days I wouldn't have much to say if anyone were to ask me that.
Independent kids. That's the goal. We're just about there... Just about...
The thing with independent kids is that they don't really need you. Sure, I get a; 'Hey mom? What's for dinner?' every now and again, but mostly they do their own thing.
Until, during one precious moment they draw you in.
Those singular, far between moments, those little snippets is why, even when they don't "need" me, I continue to be a stay-at-home mom.
Today both of my kids had off work and have been home, (and inside due to the 120 degree Arizona heat). Today, both of my kids have absolutely ignored me. Hubs called from Africa (he's traveling) and asked what I was doing today. Ummm.... checking facebook? I got nothin'.
This is a typical day.
These boys have their own lives that only somewhat involve me. That's the goal, right?
So this stay-at-home mom has not a lot to do, but those precious moments keep me here...
Today, one pulled me in during a television show called, "How it's made". Not my usual cup 'o tea but if he wants to talk to me about it ---> I'm invested. 100%.
I am blessed enough to be able to be here. Grateful to be able engage with my son about how shuttle cocks are made, how model boats are assembled, and how airplane propellers are created. To be able to stop whatever I'm doing and give him and his interest my undivided attention, is exactly what I do all day.
To be able to listen to my son bless the food at lunch and hear him speak about things that he is grateful for in this life. To witness him praying for his dad. That's what I do all day.
I wait for those moments and then relish in them.
I give my kids what they need, when they need it.
Yes, those moments are fewer and further between, but they are still there. They still need me, just in smaller doses.
I walk by and reach out, both physically and emotionally. I inquire, I engage.
I look for opportunities to connect and then act upon those.
I'm here and I'm ready when they are.