I Just May Be Doing Something Right.....

Sometimes I feel like I am failing miserably at this whole "mother" thing. There are lots of times that I would like a do-over. I believe that being a mother is one of the hardest things in life. I mean look at all the messed up people around you who blame all their problems on their childhood...maybe their mother was too overbearing, too critical, too wrapped up in themselves, too worried about what others thought, too abusive, too uncaring, too negative, etc. etc. etc. It is hard to find the right balance to guide and nurture your children into becoming compassionate, productive, spiritual, confident people. I struggle with it EVERYDAY!!! I want my kids to think back and remember me as someone who loved them more than anyone else in this world, someone they trust with their life, someone who was their biggest fan, someone who they wanted to spend time with and be with, someone who didn't fix their problems-but gave them the tools to fix it themselves. I want them to think back and remember their childhood as happy, fun, loving.

Today, while going through Averi and Cali's backpacks, taking out all of their school stuff I found an autobiography assignment that Averi did. One of the topics she had to write about was the best advice she ever got. This is what she wrote:

"The best advice I've ever received was from my mom, she told me to 'Never Give Up.' I've always been into drawing, but time after time I would get frustrated. I thought I wasn't good enough. But she told me not to give up. To keep trying. I practiced and practiced. Everyday I strived to be better. And I did. Now I'm in AP Art and plan on taking art classes this summer. I won second place in the art show, and was chosen to have my art on the art show flyer. I was in the All-City art show, and in the May Fair. I didn't give up, and I never will. A little advice can go a long way. A little advice is something I now live on."

Wow! I just may be doing something right. You don't get many accolades being a mom. You don't get a yearly assessment or evaluation that tells you how you are doing or that commends you for the things you are doing right. But when you do find things like this. Or you hear things like, "You were my most favorite teacher ever!" from Cali. Or you get a thank you for something...it just, it just makes you feel validated!!! So, today I feel like I'm a good mom and that I am doing it right.

FYI-This picture was taking at Averi's school art show where she won second place. All of the drawings on the board are her's. Isn't she talented????