Back to School They Go

School is starting! School is starting!

Those words bring both nostalgia and, perhaps, just a bit of sadness to parents all over the country. Where did the Summer go, they will ask themselves wistfully. As if they didn't know it was spent, at least part of the time, wishing the kids would go back to school already.

Sure, we enjoy spending time with our kids. Going to water parks, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches outside under a tree, going for walks past bedtime. The sounds of fun, and sun, and Summer. But after awhile, the routine of non-routine slowly eats away at our patience, gnawing on our sensibilities and making us wish the whining would just stop already. Oh, maybe that's just me. I digress.

Summer is a wonderful time. More time outside, less time spent worrying about assignments, or parties, or book reports. School time can be wonderful as well. The joy of learning, the wonder of what each new day will bring. I don't care what anyone says, wonderful teachers are still out there, and my children have had the benefit of having many of them. I am thankful for the countless teachers, teacher's aides, counselors, parents, janitors, principals, assistant principals, lunch people and everyone else who helps make our schools run. I'm willing to bet they got into the profession because they regard learning as a wonder, too. And I am so glad they did.

Because of one of my children's teachers, my child has discovered a love of reading he had never experienced before. Another teacher helped my oldest understand that learning isn't just about reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also about helping others, and learning how to be a part something bigger than yourself.

As parents, the teaching of our children lies upon us. But sometimes, we need a little help. I'm glad that my children have had some remarkable people, who regarded learning as a journey and not just a day-to-day drudgery.

To all of my children's teachers: thank you! I, for one, am looking forward to another wonderful school year. Here we go!

Free Book Giveaway!!

It's true, I do love a good giveaway. Who doesn't?

Well, have we got a pretty great one for you here at Meaningful Mommy Meditations.

Do you like books? Do your children like books? Well, you're in luck because we've got five, count them, five books to give away and all to one lucky winner!

These are all books our followers recommended as well as one copy of Parenting With Love & Logic. The world-renowned parenting book that has sold millions of copies around the world. It can all be yours. Simply enter our contest below for your chance to win! Keep the conversation going and be sure to share this contest with your friends. I know it's easier to win when less people are entered, but it's really not much fun. Please leave a comment indicating that you've shared this contest with your friends. Thanks, and good luck!





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It is a Beautiful Thing

It is a beautiful thing...children growing up. Hard sometimes to watch them move forward because we remember them as needing us so much. They still need us, just not as much. Which is a good thing, because it means we've been doing our job right. Right?! 

The four munchkins.

I will be the first to admit that I revel in my children growing up. I enjoy watching them learn and do new things all the time. With four children ages 2-10, I am neck-deep in developmental milestones. Potty training, learning how to write their name, drawing pictures of our family, walking to the school bus by themselves. I can't help but love the fact that they can do things on their own. Sometimes my husband has to tell me to not push them quite so much. And lately, I've tried to let that sink in. He misses a lot because he travels for work. While I am here every day watching them grow and learn. Yes, there have been times I've said, "I can't wait until you're grown up and can do everything on your own!"

But, then there are times, now that three of my kids are in school, that I wonder what it will be like, someday, when I'm not knee-deep in those developmental milestones. How will I spend my days? What will I do when they no longer need me as much? So, while I still revel in watching them make toast, do their own laundry, call friends to make plans, and clean up the dishes. I also make sure to do something else; live in the moment of their childhood. 

I enjoy their kisses, and hugs, and bouquets of weeds. I love when my five-year-old comes to me dressed in jeans, mismatched socks, a skirt, and one-sided pony tail. I delight in bath time, and story time, and dinner time. Sure, not everyday is a Disney fairytale. There are fights, back talk, screaming. Tantrums get thrown, toys get thrown, all sorts of not-so-awesome stuff happens, too. 

But on that day when my last child leaves the nest - one of their last developmental milestones - dare I say, what will I remember? What will be the lasting impression I have of their childhood. What will be theirs? 

I hope it's that they had a mother who cared enough to teach them to take care of themselves. But who also taught them not to forget that mother just because they don't need her as much.

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Ever feel like you just can't do enough? After washing the dishes, mopping the floor, playing with Legos, dancing to children's music, eating peanut butter and jelly for the fifth day in a row and watching reruns of Wizards of Waverly Place all day, you kind of feel like, "Why doesn't anyone do anything for me?"

I need some of these kids' powers.

Sometimes I feel like that. And then I wonder if it's okay for me to feel like that. And then I get over it.

I used to work full-time. Then I lost my job due to layoffs. It was pretty stressful for awhile, but then I got a new job; one that essentially leaves me at home most of the month and only sends me off for a few days before getting to come home again. I don't work full-time anymore. At least, not in an office. Now I call a four bedroom, three bath, 2500 square foot home my office. I definitely work full-time. But I'm not complaining.

Okay, maybe a little.

Mom...I think I have too many Legos.

You see, I have a husband, and four children. And while they are really awesome people, who love me and make me laugh very often...sometimes...I wonder. I wonder why I care about doing the dishes for the millionth time. I wonder why the bathrooms need to be clean. I wonder why my two-year-old won't keep the heads on all of the Lego dudes, and why I have to constantly search for the ones he has lost. I wonder why I feel like I have so much time when I wake up in the morning, and then wonder where it went when I'm crawling into bed once again.

Yes, sometimes I lament staying home, but usually not for very long. Because, I know what it's like to wake up every morning, and to leave your children with someone who is not you, to essentially raise them for that day. I know what it's like to come home from work and just want to take a nap, but you can't because someone needs help with their homework and those tacos aren't sure going to make themselves for dinner.

I've been on both sides of the lawn, and I am here to tell you that both sides of the lawn can be incredibly rewarding, healthy, and green!

Was working full-time and being a mother stressful? Hell yes! Is staying at home sometimes inconceivably stressful and sometimes stifling? Sure! But you know what? Once I decided to have children, I had to shift priorities. Anyone who tells you you can have it all and do it all well is, pardon my French, ridiculous.

Or, maybe it's just me.

Maybe I couldn't have it all. Maybe I didn't want it all. Maybe "ALL" isn't everything it's so darn cracked up to be. I know what I did do, and that's do the best I could. I worked, I mothered, I cooked, I cleaned, I loved my husband and my children and I continue to do so day after day. And after awhile there are a few fundamental truths I have learned:





1. You are the best mother your children are ever going to have. Be there for them, when they want to play with Legos, or when they want to tell you about the mean boy that teases them at recess. Some day, they may not want to tell you anything.

2. Being everything to everyone all the time is not possible. When I worked full-time, I was into my job and it was sometimes hard to leave work at work. Learn how to separate the two and save yourself and your family some stress.




3. Creating memorable experiences doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Spending time with your children is as easy as sitting down and reading a book together. Simple, every day interactions are what they are going to remember and cherish most. Make those times something worth remembering.


4. Make sure you're teaching your children how to work. Sometimes, and I know I am guilty of this, it's just easier to do things yourself. Saving time is great, but wouldn't you rather know that you equipped your children with the tools necessary to succeed in life, rather than sending them out the door with nothing to offer the world other than their good looks?


5. Being good to yourself is essential. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Go for a swim. Take a class. I'm not getting any younger and while aging is inevitable, growing old is a state of mind.




Whatever your goals in life. Whatever your personal situation, when you have children, somehow, someway, your thinking must change. Life isn't just about you anymore. Those kids depend on you. They look up to you. They look to you for guidance, support, and protection. Be their rock. Be the person they want to tell things to.

Instead of wondering what you could be doing, be engaged in what you are doing. Right here. Right now.