Butt tingles and sleep deprivation

What if I didn't ever come out of the bathroom?

I mean beyond the numb legs and butt tingles?

Would life go on without me? Would the dog forget that I went in there? Would the kids?

Maybe I could just stay in there for a whole day.... Quiet. That isn't leaving the kids home alone is it? They can get their own cereal....

7 things I learned about being a Mom

A common thread throughout my moms groups is the complaint that the new moms either don't feel like themselves, or they are not the mom they thought they would be.

As a new mom, it is common to feel overwhelmed, frumpy and tired. To not get anything done and not get any sleep.

 They are wondering how these supposedly "super moms" do it. The moms that are dressed in heels and make up, nails done and make up almost professionally applied. Their houses are spotless and they always have time to play with their kids.

I have been doing this mom thing for 20 odd years and have seen a few things and learned a few things. I now bequeath you with some of my most valuable lessons...

Why I Will raise my daughter to be a princess

I have waited 20 years to have a daughter. My first 3 children are boys. I never wanted a boy. I love my boys, but they over cooked and came out all boyish.  I always wanted to have a girl to dress all pretty and play tea parties and dance and sing with. I dreamed of calling her princess and making her into the girlyest girly girl you could imagine!

You can imagine my dismay as I FINALLY get my daughter to find out that it is uncool, shunned and generally looked down on to make your daughters think they are princesses. Things like "unhealthy body image" and "unrealistic  expectations" are phrases that are thrown around.

I don't buy in. Let me tell you why I WILL raise my daughter to think she is a princess.

To each, their own.

“If we do not adequately discipline our children, society will discipline them in a way we may not like.”

-David O. Mckay

As parents, we have been given these precious little people, we love them, we feed them and cuddle them. With these blessings, comes great responsibility. We are now responsible for caring for and providing for these tiny humans. It can be overwhelming at times, but we are also responsible for teaching these little ones how to behave, to be responsible contributing adults.

There are so many different parenting techniques out there, many parents are confused by what is appropriate and what will "damage" their kids.
I have my own parenting philosophy, it works for me and my family. Others may not do it the same way and that is ok. To each their own. All the different methods can be successful, but the common thread in most of the recommendations is that you correct behavior. Call it discipline or correction or guiding or whatever, if you do not do it, someday, someone will.  It might be the school, their peers or (heaven forbid) a judge. And it won't be nicey nice.

Being a Mentor- Spirtual Thought Sunday

"Children learn through gentle direction and persuasive teaching. They search for models to imitate, knowledge to acquire, things to do, and teachers to please."

-Thomas S. Monson

 As I was rocking Cadadoodle back to sleep the other night, I was pondering what kind of person she will grow up to be. I can already see her precious personality emerging. She is a very happy baby. She has a smile for everyone. She is sociable and interactive.

I hope to teach her to be kind and empathetic to others. To serve and love her peers and respect her elders and lead those younger than her. I hope she never looses her zest for life. I intend to foster her curiosity and encourage her to learn as much as possible. 

I suppose I will have to improve myself if I am to mentor such an incredible little girl!