Proud Mama

Posted on August 11, 2009 by FoBaM-Jamie

Some of the most heart-burstingly poignant motherhood moments are borne out of the immense pride our children can inspire. Whether it’s a matter of first steps, good grades, sports acumen, or a particularly sweet expression of affection or empathy; when our kids do something to make us proud, we can’t help but share how we feel about it.

It has always amazed me how hours (even days) of conflict and strife can suddenly dissolve in a wave of warm and fuzzy feelings when my daughter does something to make me proud. Although I glow with admiration when she accomplishes some physical feat (she’s particularly into cart wheels at the moment), it’s her occasional tenderness that gets me the most choked up.

My daughter is typically what you might call … um … a “diva.” She’s 5 ½ years-old going on 15, full of attitude and chutzpah, and as likely to give you an eye roll as a smile. It’s partly because of this bravado-laden veneer that her expressions of caring are so touching.

We recently traveled north to New Hampshire where, among other adventures, we explored Lost River. The self-guided tour consisted of a leisurely boardwalk stroll punctuated by a series of natural, glacial caves. Successful passage through the dauntingly tight cave quarters requires feats of near contortionism. This is all well and good for a small child, but not so easy for a full-sized and claustrophobic mother.

Three-quarters of the way through the ordeal, my daughter’s tenderness nearly brought me to tears. All along the way, I’d been offering her words of support and encouragement (she was a little unsure of the dark, damp spaces). When we reached the aptly named “Lemon Squeezer,” however, it was she who suddenly came to my aid – calling over her shoulder, “Come on mom, you can do it. It’s ok. Don’t be scared.” Did I mention what a great kid I have? Wow.
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What moments of pride have your kid(s) given you? Don’t hold back – we know there’s a lot to brag about.

Summertime Dining – Bring it on!

Posted on July 22, 2009 by FoBaM-Jamie

It’s the height of summer in my corner of the world and that means a transition to easy-breezy meals served al fresco.

Since I don’t cook (my repertoire includes things like Boboli pizzas, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and pancakes), I love this season of laid back dinner options. I’m thrilled when something that’s usually considered a snack – chicken and cheese slices on crackers, for instance – suddenly becomes a meal … just add some fresh fruit, a glass of lemonade, and maybe a bit of sponge cake for dessert.

Being so challenged in the kitchen, I’d love to know what secret summertime weapons other moms have in reserve for keeping dinnertime fun, healthy, and easy (emphasis on easy). The truth is, I’d much rather be spending time blowing bubbles in the backyard than slaving over a hot stove. Summer is supposed to be a time to kick back and reconnect with the kids.
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Do you have any special recipes that get you out of the kitchen and back to the beach or the backyard before you can say “peanut butter and jelly”? Won’t you tip off those of us with less culinary imagination?

Did I Just Say That?!?!

Posted on July 10, 2009 by FoBaM-Jamie

Although many moms I know aspire to be as wonderful and wise and their own
mothers, an equal number swore solemn oaths to avoid parroting the “momisms”
that plagued them during their own childhood.

Despite my best efforts, I will admit that I repeatedly catch myself
uttering the timeworn phrases that are standard fare in the language of
motherhood. You know what I’m talking about. Things like, “Because I said
so” and “Don’t make me stop this car” and “Do you live in a barn?” and “Wait
until your father gets home.” In the heat of the moment, you suddenly find
yourself channeling your own mother. Before you can stop yourself, these
age-old clichés are falling from your lips and landing, like the proverbial
other shoe dropping, on the bewildered ears of your offspring.

The first few times this happened to me, I was shocked and horrified.
Whatever circumstance had incited my momentary possession was instantly
forgotten as I reeled from the fact that I’d just become my mom. Happily, in
my case, I’d be lucky to be such a wonderful mom. Still, it’s sobering to
realize how difficult it is to escape joining the long, proud lineage of
moms from all the ages and continents who have undoubtedly uttered these
phrases for centuries.

I’ve reconciled my mixed feelings about joining this not-so-secret society
and no longer cringe when I sense one of the offending phrases creeping to
the tip of my tongue. Now, I just go with it. After all, it’s worked for all
those other moms for all this time, who am I to fight it?

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What are your favorite and least favorite momisms?

What Are Your Favorite Mommy/Child Rituals?

Posted on July 2, 2009 by FoBaM-Jamie

Mothers and their children often live in a private little world built around rituals and routine. Whether our children are swaddled infants or independent college students, those rituals persist – evolving as our children grow. When they are young, the daily rounds of meals, bath time, and bedtime stories create a comforting safe haven that nurtures both mother and child even in the midst of the most chaotic day. As they grow, children help us find new traditions – a favorite meal that is served on every birthday, a standing movie night, or an inside joke. What it is doesn’t really matter; what’s important is that it’s shared.

What are your time favorite mother/child rituals?[poll id="2"]
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