{TT #2} In Praise of SAHM

For a while I've been wanting to blog about a book I am reading...its SO great.

Thanks goes again to Tanya for introducing me to Dr. Laura. Everyday that I get a chance to listen to her on the radio (& try to apply what she says) I'm a better mom and person.

Because the decision to give up my career (which I loved) and be a SAHM (stay at home mom) wasn't an easy one, I thrive on reading about the benefits of our (Bob and my) choice. This book has just reaffirmed how important it is for kids to be raised by their moms at home, and had made me even more grateful for the decision we made.

Here's a taste of what you'll get in this book...

-After being interviewed by Katie Couric she (KC) said that working and doing important things is great role modeling for children, and it gives them something about their parents to be proud of.

Dr. Laura's response was, "You don't have kids to have an approving audience. You have kids for their sakes, not your own. Children have very specific emotional and psychological needs, best met by a loving parent, not hired help...I believe a child needs to know that a mother loves him more than she loves a job, career, fame, power, money, prestige, or celebrity...No, our children are not there to be our cheerleaders; we are to be theirs.

-"I have never, and I mean never, in 32 years of radio, had a nanny, full-time babysitter, or day-care center worker ever tell me that after her job experiences she would ever turn her kids over to nannies, day care centers, or babysitters!"

A few other things that Dr. Laura has reminded me of...

-I did not give up my career to just cook, clean, do laundry, and maintain a house. I would have had to do all of that anyway. I'm a home to BE THERE FOR MY KIDS. This has helped me keep my focus where it should be.

-No one will treat my kids better or be more in tune to their needs than me. Not grandparents, friends, nannies, etc. I WANT to be the one to comfort, love, & be there for my kids.

-You can't get moments back, & you have to have a quantity of time to have quality experiences. "Quality time" isn't enough...You can't plan out when your kids will do something new, say something funny, or just need you to be there.

Yesterday as Bob was leaving for work, Aidan tried to say "Bye" for the 1st time. He tried to wave by wiggling his fingers , and said "BAA" at the same time. It was so sweet & I was so happy & grateful to be there to see it. So Kudos to all of you SAHM's!! And I'm so glad, like Dr. Laura, that I AM MY CHILD'S MOM. And if you'd like a good read...here you go!

Simple Abundance

Lately I've been on a quest to enjoy the simple things of life. So when I'm folding clothes or on a jog (anytime when my thoughts can actually be my own) I tend to get inspired.

After I had Ethan I had some pretty serious postpardum depression. Adjusting to homelife with a sweet but colicly baby, giving up my career, and being out of shape took its toll on my mentally and physically. Fortunately my Aunt Diane (thanks again!) came to my rescue and recommened this great book. Its really helped me to step back and enjoy life one day at a time.

Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort & Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach

One of the things that the book emphasizes is to be your "authentic self". You know, the "true you" that was so easy to recognize as a child before all of the "outside" voices started to affect us so much. Lately I've had a myriad of inspirations, ideas, projects, to-do lists, etc...so beware. These next few weeks I may be a blogging maniac.

Thought #1: Happy Memories...If you don't take time to remember, then you may lose some of the sweetest memories of your life.

It was a sunny but cool day last week that brought me back about 20 years. I was on a jog & a neighbor had just mowed their lawn. The diagonal cut and "grassy" smell reminded me of my high school softball days. During May we would often have days of double headers to make up for all of games that got rained out...a frequent occurence during Oregon springs. On these game days the coaches and their assists would be out mowing and raking the fields...getting them ready for us to play on.

The anxious nerves and excitement of gameday made hours of sitting in class go by so much faster. Winning games meant the world to my team, especially when we were ranked in the top 10 in the state.

Nicole (or "Snakeface") was my softball pal, and our Senior year we were co-captains of the varsity team. We spend MANY hours traveling on buses together and eating Subway sandwiches after games.(Thanks Nancy and Roger!) I was lucky to have such a fun friend to enjoy great memories with!

Here's Nicole with her cute family now. I'm so glad we are still in touch.

Those great spring days I never want to forget. What experiences do you always want to remember? Send me a link if you decide to blog about them!!