Here's to You and Me Mommas!

Yesterday a friend of mine posted a link to a blog. As soon as I read it, it really spoke to me. It was this blog entry. It was just written by another mom, but what she had to say meant so much to me. My favorite quote from it is
"You are a good mom. You matter. You are making a difference.
You can do this. One step, one day, at a time."
This is my new mantra and from here on in I am going to try my very best to live by it.

I realized after reading this that my stress is rooted in trying to be everything to everyone and have everything perfect. Well, nothing is ever going to be perfect, there will always be moments when things go wrong. And you know what? A little dust on the shelves, a little paint spattered on the wall from finger painting or a pile of laundry that didn't get done yesterday...or today doesn't matter in the end. What matters most is that my kids are happy, truly happy and they have a mom that treats them well and doesn't get frustrated over the trivial things in life. I need to be here for my children to teach them and love them not to get frustrated with them.

I think there is too much pressure put on moms to be perfect and keep the house (and their kids) sparkling clean, have the laundry washed, folded and put away, the kids fed and entertained and supper ready when hubby comes home. The lady that wrote the blog entry is correct though- people don't realize how much work it takes to be a mom and handle even just the day to day stuff that comes along with your job. Us moms deserve a pat on the back more often than we get one! Being a mom is a 24 hour job, you don't get time off for a sick day or a break when it's bedtime because you never know when you child will wake up sick or with nightmares or just need a drink or snuggle. I am making it my mission to start patting my friends who are moms who really deserve it on the back more often and all of the husbands, boyfriends, partners and kids out there reading this should do the same.

Starting yesterday the way I live my life changed and I decided that I am not going to sweat the small stuff. And starting yesterday I noticed happier kids, a happier hubby and a happier me too!