Monday, April 16, 2007

Photo taken October 2003

Real (Reil) Mom's

1) A real mom reads to her kids every night, even when she has a sore throat and doesn't really feel like reading. She does it because she wants her kids to love reading as much as she does. She does it because she likes to spend that extra 15 to 30 minutes at the end of the day to have a few extra snuggles. She does it because she knows how important it is to them and to her.

2) A real mom gets her babies out of their crib when they are sound asleep and rocks them a bit before she goes to bed. She does it because she didn't get to put them down for the night because she was working at her part time job. A real mom also goes in to check to make sure they have not kicked the covers off on really cold nights at 3 a.m.

3) A real mom lets the puppy sleep with them until they fall asleep and then she takes a picture of them so later in life they will remember what it was like to sleep with their sweet warm pup. A real mom also takes pictures of everything riding their bike for the first time without training wheels, dressed up in silly outfits from the dress up box, when they are sound asleep looking like angels, she takes picture of the back of their heads so they will know that they had curls when they were tiny, she takes pictures of messy faces and silly grins she records there life as it is happening not just the perfect posed shots.

4) A real mom plays board games instead of sitting down to relax after a long day. She also doesn't let her kids win every time. A real mom knows that it is just as important to lose a few so that when you win it is more exciting.

5) A real mom has a place that she stashes the artwork of her kids not just the fancy artwork made at school but the little cards and drawings that are presented with a hug while you are busy with your day.


6) A real mom always has band aides in her purse and some in the car. A real mom knows that boo boos don't always happen close to home. She also know that although hugs and kisses are great that sometimes you just need a band aide and it doesn't hurt for it to be colorful or have a picture of Snoopy on it too.

7) A real mom takes her kids to the zoo for New Year's Eve (even in the rain) because it is a tradition and we go every year no matter what. We also go ice skating on New Year's day because it is our tradition. A real mom knows that tradition trumps being wet or cold.

8) A real mom volunteers at school, goes on field trips and shows up to have lunch in the cafeteria because she knows that elementary school goes by too fast.


9) A real mom makes sure that your homework folder gets put back in your backpack and that the homework is in it....even though she told you to do it. A real mom also knows that a kid needs a little down time after school and maybe a snack before it is time for homework.

10) A real mom knows that sleepovers and giggling go together like peanut butter and jelly. She knows that the next day you will need a nap and she will too. A real mom knows that letting you sleep in the big bed in the guest room with your best friend or even your sister will be a good memory for later in life.


11) A real mom reminds your dad that the giggles won't last forever, that girls do not wear black and gray sneakers....yes those ARE boy sneakers and I don't care if they are $5.00 cheaper we are not buying them.

12) A real mom lets you bake and cook and teaches you how to wash dishes by hand. A real mom always lets you put on as many sprinkles as you need to even if you can no longer see the frosting underneath. A real mom always lets you lick the spoon, beaters and the bowl.

13) A real mom lets you stay in the tub until all the water drains out if you want to. A real mom slathers you with lotion so your skin will be soft. A real mom warms your beach towel in the dryer on cold nights so when you get out of the tub it will be better than a hug.


14) A real mom always combs your hair and sends you off to school with a healthy breakfast in your tummy. A real mom knows you will do your best in school if you feel good about yourself and have fuel to start your day. A real mom also makes sure you brush your teeth each morning she doesn't want you to be the kid with the bad breath!


15) A real mom plays fun music like Laurie Berkner, Jack Johnson's "Curious George soundtrack" and "Songs That I've Heard" by Harry Conick Jr. in the car, she knows your favorite song and turns it up loud and sings along.

16) A real mom nags you about keeping your bedroom door closed because of what the puppy might do to your favorite stuffed animal. She knows that learning from experience is usually the best way but she keeps on nagging because she doesn't want the puppy to break your heart.

17) A real mom lets you dig in the dirt and plant seeds, she teaches you the names of your Great Grandma's favorite flowers. She shows you how to pull weeds and teaches you to be nice to worms because they are good for the garden.

18) A real mom loves you no matter what...even when you barf on her or when you say mean things or when you throw a fit in public. A real mom loves you no matter what because when you are being your worst she often recognizes herself in your words and actions. She knows that you are not perfect and she also knows that she is not perfect. A real mom is just trying to do her best and make a difference and love you no matter what.

3 comments:

Callie Ann said...

WEll done Brandi.
Don't forget to pick up your thinking blogger award at my site.
Love Ya Cal

JustMeShann said...

An Awesome Mom you are Sis! All those special things make for special kids :) Love you to the Moon and Back, Always/Always Shann

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this! It makes me long for the days when my girls were just little...

btw, I'm visiting via Mrs. D's