Mother's Day Reflection

The focus in this blog is on French style, rustic farmhouse flair, the old, and well loved.  I feel sometimes, though, that it gets a bit stale.  It's funny because I do not think that of others' blogs.  Just mine.  So today, for Mother's day, I am going to branch out a bit and write about something a little deeper....vulnerability can be a good thing.

I pray every day, asking for the guidance, strength, and courage to be the best mom I can be.  It is my most fervent endeavor.  I know in my heart that I can be too strict and even humorless under the weight of schedules, sibling rivalry, etc.  I am easily bogged down by work, bills, stress.  That being said, during spring break, I made a conscious decision that this was the kids' time, and vowed to make it fun and enjoyable.  I was going to let go for a few days.

I took a day off work and we invited my friend's son to come with us to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  I promised myself (and quietly prayed for help) that I would not worry about money, health, work, the aging process :), how clean my apt was or how I am going to pay for college......I could go on.  I have said several times since, that it was one of the best days I can remember.  And one of the reasons for that is that I was....so.... truly.... present.  This is what it yielded.

I am aware that the seemingly life threatening rides are a big part of creating these smiles.  But I do believe strongly that kids feel our stress as well as lack thereof. 

When I was growing up I remember our family vacations very fondly.   I come from a family where our dinner plates always featured protein, vegetables, and a starch.  We were the kids with apples instead of oreos in our lunches and who went to bed at 7:30 instead of 9:00 like the other kids.  Don't get me wrong.  I had a fantastic childhood, but it was structured.  Then came the week or two when my parents took time off from work and we would go to the beach.  Things were a bit different there.  I feel like the most common word out of my parents' mouthes was "yes".  We would ask for pancakes for dinner and they would say with a smile, "why not?"  I remember being stunned at first.  How fun!!  We got whatever we wanted (within reason :)) and it made these times very special.

I have adopted this view when it is vacation time with my girls.  They love it and know just where it comes from.  I am grateful to my wonderful parents.  I am fortunate.  As a result of their hard work and dedication I can say that I had a happy childhood.  Now, if I can just pass that on to my kids.  

Happy Mother's Day to you all

Michele

ps   this small amusement park is on the beach in Santa Cruz, CA.  It is a beautiful spot.  It is very fun and easy.  Not much waiting for the rides and plenty to keep you busy for a full day.