An ode to Mothering just in time for Mother's Day...

What was i even doing with ALL of the TIME i had when i had just one child?
Why was no one lighting a candle beneath my bottom and sending me on my way to do...well, anything, everything!

Now, there are three darling, dear little mittens mooching, messing, moaning and munching around this little home and a lot of STUFF to get done, and a whole lot of NO time to get it done in.
The regret.
It's overwhelming somedays when the exhaustion has washed over me like a salty wave.
I would be a millionaire if i had used ALL of that time i had back then, and i really cannot recall what i was doing with each day...
Lots of walking baby to sleep in the pram, lots of holding baby until they slept. Lots of homemade meals and chef'ing, lots of pyjama mornings (ahem afternoons), lots of cuddles and kisses laying on the sofa, lots of rolling around with them on the floor, and lots of pictures being taken of every single movement and expression baby made....

Oh. That's what i was doing with my time. Loving every second. Committing it to memory. Learning to be the best Mummy i could be. Making mistakes and getting days very wrong.
Waking up to a new day each day. Choosing to be better, stronger, wiser, happier.

Without those days, i could not be the Mum i am today. I have the capacity to do more, because i took the time to learn to do little. I messed up, made up and moved on.
It's not regret.
It's thankfulness for a once in a lifetime season. I am so glad to have practised on my big boy, to have his forgiveness for my trials and tests. Grateful that he adores sharing his days with me even now, 6 years later and that he helps me be the best Mummy i can to his sister and brother.
Having invested ALL of my TIME in that baby, the reward is him.
He is delightful.
I am delighted.
Tired, but delighted.

So to you, who are weary. Whose lists are endless, and days seem short. Embrace the season for what it is, knowing that what has gone before was the preparation for the now, in the event that you are better, wiser, happier.

Not regret, wisdom.

Love to you all,
Shannon x

I am Mother, hear me ROAR!

Are you the type of parent who addresses other children directly if they are out of line or posing a threat to one of yours?

I am.
No apologies for it, either. You do not want to mess with my people.
However, since my children attend a Montessori school, i have seriously toned down my approach, to perfectly friendly, with a hint of scary.

Right now, one of mine is struggling to assert himself with some bigger kids(not older, just a larger body mass) who are not taking his NO, for no. After almost 3 months of a struggle with this, a seriously anxious little boy, stressed parents and confused siblings, my son bit his assailant on the shoulder when he would not heed his no. He is heading for 6 years old.
Damn right, was my first thought.
A biff in the nose would also do, in this situation when he is pestered and attacked to his breaking point.
What do you think of the matter?

On the whole, i am peaceful.
I don't think there is a single right-minded person who wouldn't wish for world peace, harmony and respect for each other. I do.
But if you are going to hassle one of mine, well, that's another story.

Any stories of protective instinct gone a little awry? Do share...