February 19, 2020

A Few Things I have Learned As A Mom



I have been a mom for over twenty-three years now. Here just a few of the things I have learned.

Time spent teaching life skills is rewarding for you and your children. As parents we know we are responsible for teaching the basics like tying shoes and brushing teeth. Yet, I also taught my kids many other things without even realizing I was doing so. For example, I love to bake. All those times I whipped up a batch of brownies or blueberry muffins while my littles played beside me in the kitchen, I was teaching them. Planning meals and taking them to the grocery store to pick out produce for dinner was fun and educational. Making beds, smoothing comforters, placing pillows, and favorite stuffed animals. All these small gestures I did every day for years were moments my children witnessed. And learned from. And now, do for themselves. Some of the very best learning moments happen when we as parents don't even realize we are teaching.

Too much stuff is too much. This one took me a little longer to realize. Every day, our children are bombarded with things advertisers want them to think they need. It starts out simple enough. Stuffed animals, movies, video games. Then clothes, knick nacks, figurines, card games, and shoes. It is very easy to see something and think that your child would simply love it. I was guilty of this until I looked around and realized much of the stuff I thought my kids had was cute and sweet and fun indeed. But not necessary. I mean how many versions of UNO do we need? We have the original UNO, Barbie UNO, Sophia the First UNO, UNO Attack, UNO Jackpot. You get the idea. When we moved I realized that our home was overrun with unnecessary items. We purged and vowed to simplify. Our home has less now. It is less cluttered. And that is good. There is an exception to every rule, however. Mine is books. I will never say no to a book. For any of us. 

Two Sets Of Sheets Per Bed Is Fine. This goes along with the above, but I feel it necessary to explain further. We had a linen closet in our old home. It was large and centrally located. When we moved, I was astonished at how many sets of sheets I was able to jam in there! And I realized that every bed could hold one set of sheets at a time. So why did we have so many balled up, threadbare, musty smelling sets in that closet? Again. We purged. And now, each person has two sets of sheets. When they need washing, off they come. Then I let the bed breathe while they are washed, and back on they go. For the kids, the extra set is flannel. For Steve and I plain white cotton. Less clutter. More peace.

Your home should be a place your children want to spend time in. Our home is our haven. It is our safe place from the chaos and noise of the world. I am a homebody. Not all of my children are, but they deeply appreciate this place and enjoy spending time here with us. Even though they are older and can spend time most anywhere else, they honestly prefer to be here. My mom commented to me how wonderful she thinks it is that all my children love their home. It is simply a place to unwind, be cozy, feel comfortable, and have fun. I keep it clean (mostly), and cozy. We have soft. comfy throw blankets, stacks of games, and a fire in the fireplace in the winter. In the summer, we have a basketball hoop and firepit complete with S'more ingredients handy. Their friends are always welcome too. And we are happy.




I always loved celebrating the holidays with my kids. I have shared here often how we celebrated everything from Mardi Gras to Chinese New Year. This is the first time my Madison has had her own home for a holiday. And look what she did! She invited me, Peyton, and Flynn to her house for a Valentine tea party. It was beautiful, delicious, and fun. And did I say delicious?!

Thanks for visiting, my friends!


19 comments:

  1. You've learned some valuable lessons as a mom. I agree with you on every point. The Valentine's tea that you were invited to looks lovely.

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  2. I can be a linen snob and have to really limit myself to two sets of sheets per bed. Well that did not work when mom was so sick, but oher than that it is a great plan.

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  3. Some very important lessons and wise words. X

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  4. I love this so much!! Yes to a less cluttered space. I did the same thing when I moved. Also, I can attest that your home is a cozy haven. Madison's Valentine tea looks simply lovely! She has inherited her love of celebrating holidays (and everydays) from you. Well done, my friend! xo

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  5. My mouth is watering with these Valentine goodies. What a lovely table you have set. I like the list of things you learned over the years, and I can appreciate the one where "too much stuff is too much." We certainly don't need so many things, and it really is a nice feeling to de-clutter, isn't it? I love the fact that you have many books and you read so much. That is wonderful. : )

    ~Sheri

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  6. One of the most rewarding things as a mom of adult children is to see them embracing the things we taught them...like the Valentine's party Madison had for you and her sisters. Totally lovely!!! What a sweet and beautiful table she set!

    I so hear ya on the accumulation of stuff. Gary and I downsized a little over a year ago, and it was absolutely amazing how much stuff we got rid of. I think we made 6 trips to the thrift store.

    Blessings to you,
    Patti

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  7. What a wonderful post! You and I are very much alike lol! I too purged that linen closet - right?? I love that my grown kids still love to come home and often when they are in town, their friends are over once again too. Love your Valentine table - I'm a 'holiday celebrator' too!

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  8. That is so sweet - I thought it was YOUR house!

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  9. Wise words indeed. What a joy to be invited to Madison's home for the perfect afternoon tea, it looks delicious.

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  10. Me too, me too! I have really been working on purging and it feels really good. The linen closet is on my list:) TOO many old sheets that haven't been used in years. Love a home that says "you are welcome here"! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

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  11. Yay to purging! For years, I collected things, wouldn't say no to extra blankets, sheets, towels, because with so many kids, we actually needed lots of everything. Now, not so much, but I have to change my way of thinking to catch up with the fact that only four kids live at home now. Older kids do spend weekends here sometimes, and one son and his wife and child will be moving in here, in June, for a bit. But still, the linen closet needs a clean-out.
    You're right though, all the things we teach our kids through childhood, so important. Your daughter certainly learned how to present a lovely little feast, didn't she? It's so much fun!
    Della

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  12. These are the posts I appreciate so much! I have so much to learn from you. I need to do some major decluttering this spring. I believe that will be my Lenten journey!

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  13. Beautiful lessons for sure! Madison has the best role model. ;)

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  14. Lovely post and I will say Amen to everything! Have a good weekend.

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  15. What a joy to visit, this post is priceless, Well done, dear Lady! proverbs 31
    have a great weekend.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  16. The recent bushfires made me realise just how much stuff we had and how little we use or need most of it. So I'm purging slowly, a little each day and one shelf at a time. My house looks and feels so much lighter already and I'm finding it's so much easier to maintain now. I love the Valentine tea party! xx Susan

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  17. I love your posts about motherhood. So much wisdom and truth for me. <3

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  18. It's so true. Kids remember more by our actions, many times than our words. As we live, they are watching. It's a good reminder for us all. Like you, our kids love to be home with us, and that is such a blessing. And its wonderful when they grow up and start traditions of their own, incorporating things you've done in your own home. I've always made bone broth, after cooking a roast chicken. My son called to ask how it was done, and now he makes his own bone broth for soup. Your sweet Madison did a terrific job with Valentine's, such a special time for you! I also agree with your keeping it clean and simple. I did that four years ago when we downsized, and it has made a huge difference. I only keep handy what I can use. But of course, it does seem that we continue to gather. However, I make regular trips to the thrift store donation box. There is a give and take. Many blessings to you Billie Jo :)

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo