Today I am featuring a dear friend of mine. I have learned so much about raising fantastic, responsible, hard working kids from my friend Marjorie. She has 6 children ages 8-22, 3 boys, 3 girls. She is a runner and biker and one of the most determined people I've ever met. She also happens to be a Grandma (a VERY young one) to one little cutie. She and her husband Jason have been married for 23 years. I have spent so much time with this family that my kids call their kids their "Vegas cousins." I know them well and you won't find better people anywhere!
What surprised you the most about motherhood?
The sheer exhaustion. I wasn't expecting that. I knew it would be hard and I would be tired, but I wasn't expecting it to be so exhausting.
I also was surprised by the fierce love I had for this child. I felt so strongly about this tiny helpless creature.
What is the best advice you've gotten?
My mom and dad are amazing powerhouse parents and I have learned much from them. My dad has been in education for many years and is so good with kids. He especially loves the "knucklehead" kids . He taught me that the hardest kids to love need it the most. As an adult you have to keep your cool. Also keep your word to your kids, if you promise to do something do it. To go along with that, choose your words and battles carefully. If you threaten a consequence you'd better follow through.
What do you remember about your mom growing up and what did you learn from her?
My mom was so patient and kind. She never complained about my crafting or kitchen messes. She was so patient in teaching me how to sew and cook and clean and do laundry. She was so willing to teach me no matter what I wanted to learn. I never remember her getting impatient with me or frustrated. She was great about slipping her testimony about spiritual things into everyday situations and she told great stories.
What advice would you give to other moms?
Forget about being perfect! You're not ever going to be perfect, let it go! It allows both of you to make mistakes and try again tomorrow. Let the little things that don't really matter go. The relationship with you kids is the most important, focus on that.
What is hard for you in motherhood?
EVERYTHING!! Watching my kids fight with each other, disrespectful behavior, letting them fail when I know that I could solve it, but I shouldn't
What brings you joy?
Watching my kids laugh and play together and build relationships, watching my kids learn and discover the world, my kids unconditional love for me, big hugs from my teenage boys, seeing therm excel and find things they love to do.
How do you have fun as a family?
We play a lot of card games. We are very active, we love to play soccer at the park, throw the football, play frisbee golf. We love the outdoors and love to camp and hike. I love to be in the kitchen with my kids. Right now my 16 year old son is learning how to cook and it's been fun hanging out in the kitchen with him.
In 30 years what do you want them to remember about their childhood?
I want them to remember that I loved them no matter what. I want them to know I loved them enough to correct them, that I loved and served all of God's children no matter their circumstances or appearances. I want them to remember I played with them, read to them, made time for them and listened to them.
What surprised you the most about motherhood?
The sheer exhaustion. I wasn't expecting that. I knew it would be hard and I would be tired, but I wasn't expecting it to be so exhausting.
I also was surprised by the fierce love I had for this child. I felt so strongly about this tiny helpless creature.
What is the best advice you've gotten?
My mom and dad are amazing powerhouse parents and I have learned much from them. My dad has been in education for many years and is so good with kids. He especially loves the "knucklehead" kids . He taught me that the hardest kids to love need it the most. As an adult you have to keep your cool. Also keep your word to your kids, if you promise to do something do it. To go along with that, choose your words and battles carefully. If you threaten a consequence you'd better follow through.
What do you remember about your mom growing up and what did you learn from her?
My mom was so patient and kind. She never complained about my crafting or kitchen messes. She was so patient in teaching me how to sew and cook and clean and do laundry. She was so willing to teach me no matter what I wanted to learn. I never remember her getting impatient with me or frustrated. She was great about slipping her testimony about spiritual things into everyday situations and she told great stories.
What advice would you give to other moms?
Forget about being perfect! You're not ever going to be perfect, let it go! It allows both of you to make mistakes and try again tomorrow. Let the little things that don't really matter go. The relationship with you kids is the most important, focus on that.
What is hard for you in motherhood?
EVERYTHING!! Watching my kids fight with each other, disrespectful behavior, letting them fail when I know that I could solve it, but I shouldn't
What brings you joy?
Watching my kids laugh and play together and build relationships, watching my kids learn and discover the world, my kids unconditional love for me, big hugs from my teenage boys, seeing therm excel and find things they love to do.
How do you have fun as a family?
We play a lot of card games. We are very active, we love to play soccer at the park, throw the football, play frisbee golf. We love the outdoors and love to camp and hike. I love to be in the kitchen with my kids. Right now my 16 year old son is learning how to cook and it's been fun hanging out in the kitchen with him.
In 30 years what do you want them to remember about their childhood?
I want them to remember that I loved them no matter what. I want them to know I loved them enough to correct them, that I loved and served all of God's children no matter their circumstances or appearances. I want them to remember I played with them, read to them, made time for them and listened to them.
1 comment:
I agree, Marjorie is one of the best mom's I know. I admire her love and dedication to her family. I love that you don't have to be a perfect mom to be a great one. Thanks Cheryl for being such an advocate on motherhood! You brighten my day with the thoughts that you share.
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