Motherhood

I am grateful that I get to be a mom. I know I've said how grateful I am for my children, but I'm also grateful that I get to be a mother to them. I'm not always the greatest mom. In fact lately, I've probably been a slightly lousy mom. I'm cranky, and impatient, and sleep deprived, which makes it all worse.

Earlier this evening I was waiting for a family to meet me for a photo session, and while waiting a mother showed up with her three boys. She was just bringing them to take a photo of all three of them together. The boys were excited and running around, happy to be out of the house and in a place with water fountains. They were probably between the ages of 6 and 10 if I had to guess. All dressed up and ready for mom to snap some photos of her beloved children. They all  grouped together on the edge of a fountain, smiled for mom as she snapped away. After moving to another spot and snapping a few more photos they turned to leave and one of the boys ran for the fountain. Their mother instantly yelled at him, and then proceeded to grab his arm and reprimand him. After that they quickly left and I could tell she was in a hurry and probably thinking about the next thing on her list.

I just thought it was interesting. How often have I done the exact same thing? Tried to capture these little people who are the loves of our lives, only to treat them as if they aren't. She may have had a very long day for all I know, and this was the only rushed time they had to quickly take pictures. I don't really want to judge, I've been there before. I feel like lately I'm there too often, but I really do love my kiddos with all my heart. I love watching them grow up and learn new things. I love that they need me to comfort them, and reassure them. I love that they just want to play with me, and could care less about the fact that I look like I've been hit by a truck, they'll still cuddle with me, cause I'm mom.

I think showing them that we love them comes in these little moments.  Do we take a minute to look them in the eye and have a "moment" with them, connect with them and let them know that we have time for them, always? I don't always do that, but I should. I'm most definitely a happier mom when I do, and the kids are generally happier too. So, for my kids sake, I'll try to slow down, and show them every day that I'm beyond grateful that I get to be their mother. They are amazing kids, and I am one very blessed mom.