Friday, January 13, 2012

A Mother's Creed

I have found that as a mother to any creature (well, maybe not fish), we are often vulnerable to judgement from outsider's. It's not that we make ourselves vulnerable, it's that people feel it's appropriate to comment on what we are doing. You learn to smile, nod and ignore it (if it's unsolicited) or take it with a grain of salt. But sometimes, in your weakest moment, a kernel of doubt wedges itself in your brain, and in your heart. The following tidbit is for those times:

A Mother's Creed
I am a mother first, a wife second and a friend always.

I am not perfect, nor should I try. It is my duty and obligation to make mistakes - otherwise, how will I learn?

I will not always be patient, wise and kind, but I will always love my child (whether furry or human) through thick and thin.

My house will never be featured in "Tidy Homes USA", but friends and family will always be welcome.

My meals will never not always be from scratch, or even made at home, but judge me by the time spent with family, and not by the meals that I serve.

My child may not have the prettiest ponytails or coordinating Gymboree outfits, but she is sent off to school with a hug, a kiss and an "I love you" every morning and that's what I hope she remembers.

I work full time to help provide for my family while my daughter goes to school all day - that won't change and we are all okay with that.

At the end of the day, nothing said or done will change the fact that my child is my legacy and she's who matters most. In the meantime, we learn together through this parenting.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

JOTW: Phaeleh "Afterglow"

My musical taste is eclectic for sure. There are only a couple of types of music that really don't capture my attention (sorry classical music and jazz fans), but for the most part, I'm willing to try anything at least once.

I've always been a downtempo fan and when you mix it with my new fave, dubstep, it's a killer combination for me. That's exactly what Phaeleh and Soundmouse do on "Afterglow." There's just something so soothing about this song that it creates the effect of laying on the sofa under a fleece blanket for me. Hope you enjoy!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Woman, shake a leg!

This is the look you get when you ask your child and her BFF to stand for a third picture in sub zero temperature at the beginning of the ice sculpture exhibit because you weren't happy with the first two. Well deserved, I'd say.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

If it ain't broke...

... don't try to fix it!

I read a post at amalah.com that really struck a chord with me. In a nutshell, she's talking about her son's educational future and some of the challenges they face with her son's autism. In it, she says: "so we keep chugging along and showing up and doing everything we possibly can to help, to guide, to aid.

But not to "fix."

Because you can't fix something that isn't broken. And my child is not, and never has been, broken."

I think, as parents, we should all take this view. Challenging? Absolutely. Maddening? You're not doing it right if your child doesn't drive you mad every once in awhile. Lucky to escape with lives (and hair) intact? Well, that's a post for another day, but the point is, no matter what teachers or doctors or family and friend say, you should never view your child as "broken." Embrace them, embrace how they are different and spend less time trying to "fix" what isn't "broken." Guide them instead. Guide them towards spirituality, morality and confident self-awareness. You'll spend less time worrying about how they measure up to their peers, or whether or not they are where they should be developmentally and be able to make room for things that are more important - the child themselves.

Just a public service announcement from your not-so-famous Aunt Kelly.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

JOTW Fleetwood Mac Revisited

I have a revelation: I am a child of the 80's. Love me some 80's music. Electrofunk, slow jams, synthpop, you name it, I like it. Fleetwood Mac is one of my all time favorite 80's bands. Pretty much any and all of their stuff is more than okay by me.

On the flip side, Kristin Chenoweth's voice ALWAYS surprises me. Such a great voice in such a tiny package. So when I heard this cover, I was blown away! I hope you enjoy it!