Just a few things I learned

Over the last past school year, I was faced with a myriad of decisions, problems, highs, lows, and successes.  But, such is life, right?  A few things that I come to know to be true that I can not gloss over that I learned from various sources are:

• "Friends don't let friends mother alone" MOPS.
• People who don't know the full story of your life fill in the  blanks (with usually their imagined vision of the truth).  This is so dangerous.
• It's okay to be who you are and to rest in that freedom.
• As a stay at home mom, guard your heart, and guard your time.
• People assume because you stay home, that your schedule is wide open- for them.  Guess what" It's not.
• Let the answering machine take all your calls during business hours.  Besides the fact that schooling is a huge priority, I never answer the phone during dinner or lunch unless, we are having a party. (Someone might need directions to my house).
• I will never feel guilty for wanting to see my children's "firsts" in life, and for wanting to teach them to read.  Don't let the decisions others make for their children intimidate you or make you defensive.
• Nothing gives  greater satisfaction to me  than over hearing my 4 year old explain to my 10 year old how compost is made and what it is used for.  I don't think she learned that playing in a sandbox.
• It will always serve your soul well to step back and determine what is really life giving for you and cut out all the rest.
• "The world can't mimic  a mother's love" Radiance Foundation.
• My mothering will look totally different than yours and that is okay.
• If a friend, a sister, a brother, a cousin, or any significant person in your life cries out for help, if you are who you say you are, then the answer is Yes, you are your brother's keeper. Shame on me, if I look the other way!
• Most of the people in life I find myself connected to don't share, my last name,  and aren't on my family tree, don't look like me, eat different foods, and are different nationalities.
• In the end I have to live with me for the rest of my life, may the decisions I make not make me ashamed, may the company I keep not pull me down, may the joy that I bring, inspire others to grow.

~Big Momma