“Mom and me”

I’ve been trying to think of some special memories to make with my girls.  It’s been somewhere near the back of my mind for quite some time.  Today a friend of mine posted something on her Facebook status that made me start thinking about it again.  Her question was about how to be joyful in the midst of motherhood.  ACK… that’s what we call a doosie of a question.

I have implemented a few ideas that I’m excited about, but I know for a FACT that I have room for more.  MANY more.  I would love nothing more than to hear what you think about this.  Share with me what your special memories are of your mom.  Tell me about some things you do with your kids that are building strong relationships and sweet memories.  While you think about it, I’ll tell you mine.

A few years ago, a precious friend gave me a book called “Love Letters to a child”.  It really struck a chord with me!  The same week that I read this book, I took a journal off my shelf (I used to have this odd attraction to journals, so I had 2 empty ones just sitting around, collecting dust) and began page one.  “Dear Cloe, my precious first born…”  Since then, I’ve had two more precious little girls given to me (okay okay, given to us… but I’ve never been great at sharing…) and I’ve started books for them, too.  Cloe is only 5 yrs old but already loves for me to read her book to her.  I like to imagine that in 15 yrs, her books from me will be invaluable to her!  But even if they’re not, I’ve found that it’s good for me to be writing them.

I bought a book for Nathan last year on Father’s Day called “The Power of a Praying Parent” by Stormie Omartian.  Her “Power of a Praying Wife” book is excellent… I’ve read through it several times.  So I figured this would be just as good!  I’m just now starting it, but I’ve enjoyed it so far.  It’s my latest idea to invest in my kids… I try to pray for each of them, every morning, before we start our day.

My last idea (that I haven’t formally begun, but have been doing loosely when I think about it) is setting aside time to spend with each child individually.  Not doing anything “productive” or remotely stressful… just having fun together.  For Cloe this means painting our nails or painting a picture together.  For Gabi it usually means reading a book or swinging on the swingset.  Sometimes we even make sand cookies out in the sandbox.  I’m a huge fan of those… although Gabi’s favorite “flabor” is usually chocolate-cinnamon-apple which isn’t usually the one I buy at the store…

I remember my mom playing play-dough with me at our dining room table.  I want to be *that* mom, ya know?  Not the one that freaks out over all the play dough that is smashed into the floor under the table.

I don’t want to just survive these years of exhausting toddler days.  I want to enjoy them and relish each sweet moment with my girls.  I don’t want to wake up one day and realize that they are grown and gone and wonder why I didn’t love on them more when I had the chance.  I want to build a foundation in these years that will mean a solid friendship in years to come!  I know several of you have great relationships and memories with your mom… please share them!