A Reminder of Thanks … from my 7 year old
This week I have been in awe of, and deeply inspired by, my oldest daughter. From the day she was born, she was a thinker, a sensitive soul, who, at the age of 7, seems often to be aware of her surroundings far beyond her years. Following a rough night of talking down what we call her “worries,” our catch all phrase for those unnameable feelings of fear and sadness that arise, I was greeted the next morning with a thank you card. The message inside was:
Thank You Card Day 1
“Thank you for being my mommy. Thank you for being nice. Thank you for helping me if I worry. You help me so if you worry, I worry too.” This was paired with a drawing of the two of us building a worry house together – a place to keep all our worries when they are too much for us to hold inside.
Yeah, in case there is any doubt in anyone’s mind, mine eyes they were a weeping. During a year that has been a tough one personally, and during which I have, on several occasions, questioned my mothering, this card made every challenging day fade away.
Thank You Card Day 2
And then, my little sensitive girl, was so happy with the obvious joy she had given me with that first card, decided that she wanted to bestow me with a new card each day. This morning’s card read:
“Thank you mommy so so much because you snuggle, you read, you give me all I need. So thank you, thank you.” Seriously, could there be any better way to start your morning?
As we approach Thanksgiving, the word thankful does not feel like it can even approach the feelings I have of absolute gratitude, pride and inspiration for my kids and what they have taught me in the years since I became a mom.
I don’t know how long my daily notes will continue but I will treasure these messages forever and will surely bring them out in the future on the inevitable days of mothering low self-esteem. And for now, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings ….
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MOMMAS AND FAMILY!
The Back to School Buzz Has Begun
I’m pretty sure everyone gets that feeling as September approaches here in America. No matter the age, background, educational experience. It’s just in the air – that back to school buzz. The feeling of a new beginning; nerves, excitement, curiosity, angst, joy, sadness – all wrapped up in these next few weeks of the final countdown.
As a momma, I also have mixed feelings. I admit, there is a sense of relief at the school year starting again, having a schedule to work around, getting back into a routine with the kids. At the same time, I find myself desperately holding onto the summer days. The afternoons that lazily become evenings, the relaxed bedtime and morning wake ups, the ease of throwing on flip flops and heading out the door, the relaxed mornings at the park, afternoons biking to the library.
And the sun, oh the sun. It is about this time every year that I waste too much time and energy getting anxious for the onset of another Maine winter. So this year I am trying to be a but more mellow. I am trying to enjoy every last day of warmth, the windows open, the crickets chirping, Enjoy the ease of the summer months with my kids, even though the long days are often a test of my patience and energy.
So just a thought, mommas … let the back to school buzz be no more than a murmer in these coming weeks. Know it is there but set it on the back burner and embrace the final weeks of summer for, and with, the kids. For those of you out there who already do, can you bottle up that tranquility and send a case my way?
MommaFix Mom of the Month: Laura Winslow
First visit to the MommaFix Blog? Check out what the MommaFix Mom of the Month is all about here. Okay, let’s meet our August MommaFix Momma!
The Basics: What is your name, # of kids, ages of kids, and work (and yes, that includes non-salaried parenting!)?
My name is Laura Winslow. I have two beautiful kiddos–Jackson is 4 and Addison is 2. I am a custom portrait photographer in the Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona area.
What is your momma fix? What helps you get through those challenging momma days?
My Momma Fix is a good cup of coffee at nap time and the beautiful silence of the house. I also looove my pedis with friends time!
What have you learned in life that you hope to pass on to your children?
I grew up as an army brat and moved 17 times. This necessitated meeting new people and making new friends very quickly. Through my experiences, I learned that there are essentially only a certain number of personality types that repeat themselves from person to person. Be observant and cognizant of the feelings and reactions of others and you can begin to read people well. This is a wonderful tool to have in life–it helps with not only meeting new people but in your day to day relationships as well. I hope to encourage my children to have a good listening ear and sensitivity towards others.
Are you living the life you envisioned ten years ago?
Ten years ago, I didn’t see myself on this life path at all. I had aspirations of being a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State, living and traveling to far off and exotic places. I majored in World Politics and Spanish, interned with the State Department, on Capitol Hill and lived in DC. I was quite certain of my life path. Life proves that you don’t always know what is meant to be–and what a beautiful thing! I ended up becoming a high school Spanish teacher for seven years, a stay-at-home mother, then a photographer. Life is wonderful with all of its twists and unexpected turns!
Laura specializes in maternity, newborns, babies, children, engagements, seniors and families. She loves to capture the moments that come naturally and has a modern, yet classic style. If you want to capture those beautiful family memories and truly create art to have forever, you must take a look through Laura’s portfolio – her photographs amaze me every time I look at her site. Don’t take my word for it, though! Laura’s work has been featured in Babytalk Magazine, 202 Magazine, HGTV.com, ChildStyle Magazine, and Tot Trends Weekly just to name a few.
Connect with Laura on Twitter, like the Laura Winslow Photography Facebook Page, and be sure to pop by Laura’s Blog so you can see images from her latest shoots and find out about the amazing giveaways she’s got going on!
Laura, you rock! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us and for following your dreams and giving families the gift of your vision and talents!
