Where in Liz tries to lose her mind but never really can

 

I missed Mom Advice Monday last week. May 4th & 5th I'd attended a writer's conference. It was my first BRAVE test of the year. Results were mixed (I might tell you more later - that'd have to be a whole other test of brave that I'm just not ready for yet). Due to the fact that I'd been sick at the conference and hadn't slept well all week, I was still recovering on Monday. I felt better the next day and thought about posting then. But Mom Advice Tuesday doesn't have the same ring to it and I'd have to make my husband invent a new graphic . . . So I just decided that my brain would be more helpful and productive a week later. That isn't what happened so today's advice will be full of all things random.

1.  The last two Sunday's I've been really weepy for a variety of reasons. It hasn't helped that whoever is picking the songs seems to have some secret list of "These songs make Liz cry EVERY time, for maximum impact please pick at least three." The lesson I want to my kids to learn is that sometimes you cry when you are happy. The lesson I think the kids are learning is that when mom leans over and says nice things about you in your ear she makes a really ugly face and then her eyes leak . . . a lot. So maybe you should be naughty in church next week so that doesn't happen anymore.

2.  I have one shy child. All the others boldly go whenever they are asked. The shy one is so much more like me. Once he is comfortable, you'll forget how much work it took him in the beginning. You might even forget how shy he truly is. Yesterday he didn't want to go to the front of the church and sing. Instead he wanted to sit in my lap and cuddle. I think both options are equally valid.

3.  May is always busy. I should stop pretending it's not.

4.  I started a new job. It's the best job ever (and yes I've said that before about other things I've done that didn't turn out to be all that great, but this is the best job ever). I'm going to be teaching kids to sew. I enjoy to sew and to quilt--they are not the same--but it is a very expensive hobby. One that I've put in the closet to help with the "get out of debt" plan. But now I'll be able to do it again, because I'll be getting paid. I only have to work a few hours a week, and my bosses are other moms. When asked if I could come in for training and I said "No, it's #2's dance recital." They totally understood. So now I can do something I love, and get paid, and still show up to all things important to my kids. BEST. JOB. EVER.

5.  I believe one of the best ways to teach your kids is by example. Because I believe this, I do lots of (perfectly normal) things that are extremely hard for me. I put on my brave face that says "See this isn't bad. Mom does it, so you can too." Afterward I go into my bedroom and fall apart. It is from this state that my husband very lovingly tries to put back all my pieces. All the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put Humpty together again. But my husband can, and does on a regular basis. He finds every single piece and puts them back in place stronger then they were before. He is the reason that I can again leave the room to do more hard things. He is the reason that I appear to have everything together. I am able to mother my kids, because I have someone by my side who they call Dad.