Mom Needs Shoes, Boy Needs Attention

So there we were, a family of 5, hauling butt through a parking lot so I could make an impromptu stop at the shoe store, and still get everything done on my errands list.

 

In our Circus Operation we had:

• A dad head up, looking forward, strutting his stuff with a new haircut.
• A preteen holding her phone and glancing down to check it every few seconds
• A toddler in a stroller trying to pull her socks and shoes off (ugh, yes, of course she was successful.  Would you expect anything less from that girl?).  It made it pretty funny when we walked in and the clerk at the shoe store gave a sad look down at our toddler with no shoes. 
• A frazzled mom (me)
• A carefree little guy who shouted out: 

"Hey MOM! Do you want to take a picture of me sitting on this rock?"

 

Did I WANT to?  Well, to be quite honest, not exactly.  I already felt guilty dragging everyone along while I looked for new tennis shoes, which I hadn't bought in at least 5 years.  I just wanted to get this over with!

I took a breath, smiled and choose to say "Of course I do!  Hop up there!"

He did, I snapped they picture with my cell phone, it was over in 10 seconds and we kept moving along.  His fun tank had been filled and he was SO HAPPY.

 

 

I recently became aware of the alternative to "Fake it Until You Make it" & that's this: "Fake it Until You Become it".

5 years ago, actually even 3 years ago, or perhaps just 1 year ago I was a very different person than I am today.

I've been realizing how much I like who I'm becoming through these little changes and moments of saying "yes" and choosing "patience" and "grace".

 

Surround yourselves with encouragers, choose to say yes, and above all, just keep breathing.

Mothering isn't easy or picture perfect, even when you're the type that nurturing comes naturally to.  I can assure you this though:

 There are no moments of ease and glimpses of picture perfect. 

 

 

I'd love to hear your happy moments, if you're willing to share.