A Normal Mom

This blog has totally turned into a frumpy mommy blog. Blah blah blah. My kids do this. My kids do that. My life is routine and boring, messy and not necessarily inspiring. I had at least wanted to pour out my inner soul about the greatness of motherhood or sharing insightful perspectives or creative antics. But I don't have any inspiring thoughts. My words of wisdom have been hidden behind my other regular phrases, "stop bugging your sister" "please go wash your hands" "who left the door open" "let's go, let's go, let's go" and "why can't you stop teasing each other."

When I dreamed about being a mother, I was going to be amazing and fun and nurturing and insightful and approachable. I was going to be a wonderful example, etc. etc.

Some days I do note I have moments of greatness, but most of my mothering is practical, consistent, and boring. I'm an average mom trying to do the same stuff that good moms are doing. It's a bit discouraging, but something I heard Jessica say has cheered me on.

I was driving her to dance last week. Her friend said, "when I grow up, I'm going to be a cowgirl." Jessica turned to her and said, "when I grow up, I'm going to be just a normal mom."

My mom was just a normal mom too. She struggled to balance work, family, home, carpools, cooking, cleaning, etc. She held our hands when we crossed the street and tied our shoes. She yelled sometimes and forgot stuff sometimes. But she was there for everything - the good, the cranky, the excitement, the unjust - all of it. She has cheered me forward more than anybody I know. And somehow, doing all that normal stuff for me has made her extraordinary in my eyes. So I guess I'm glad that I'm just a normal mom.