Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wednesdays with Wanda

Motherhood isn’t always easy.

And with four little boys, I have to admit that sometimes I am completely overwhelmed.

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Before I had kids, I could do things the way I had planned. 

I could get up when I wanted.

Eat when I wanted.

Go to stores or movies I wanted to go to…when I wanted to go.

But then I had my first son, and then another, and another, and another!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life changed drastically.

I am often awakened by one of my boys, but usually in the middle of the night, not the morning.

I usually have to share my food with four little “vultures” , as I call them, who like to pick things off my plate.

If I go to a store, it’s with at least one boy in tow, and if I ever do go to the movies, it’s a Disney movie, for sure. (And I have to share my popcorn and coke there too!)

Sometimes it can be frustrating being a mom.  So many people needing so much from me at the same time.

I used to talk to Mom about those frustrations, and she would always encourage me to enjoy these times with my kids because they would be gone all too fast.

Now don’t get me wrong, though being a Mom is hard,  it is the greatest thing that has ever happen to me in my life!

And when things get tough, I am trying to focus on the blessings God has given me.

A couple of weeks ago, I found something that Mom had sent me in the mail.  At the time, I was the mother of two.

She wanted me to read it.  I wanted to share it with you…

 

If I Could Live My Life Over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the “good” living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-and more while watching life. 

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day. 

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I ‘d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. 

When  my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” 

There would have been more “I love you’s”…

more “I’m sorry’s”…

but mostly,

given another shot at life,

I would seize every minute…

look at it, and really see it…

live it…and never give it back.

Written by Erma Bombeck,

(who also passed away from cancer)

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One way I know that Mom would want me to “seize every minute” is to soak up my dad!  100_2134

Though I have lost my precious Mom, I still have the most wonderful Dad a girl could ask for!

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There are no words to describe how precious he is to me!

My sister, Cyndi, wrote a wonderful post about our Dad on her blog.  If you would like to read it, click HERE.

Thanks for joining me, and have a BLESSED day!

 




(This is a weekly post that I am doing to honor my wonderful mother, Wanda, who passed away on September 22, 2009. It is a place for me to share precious memories of her…for myself, for you, and most importantly, for my children.)

31 comments:

  1. Thank you, Traci! It was the first thing I read this morning and I needed it so badly. You are precious!

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  2. So sweet Traci. Mom knew that raising those four boys was not going to be easy but she knew if anyone could do it, you could. She loved them so much!! I still wish she could see them grow up....but we have so much of her in us that they will know their Nana, we'll make sure of that!
    Missing her so....Cyndi

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  3. Thank you for starting my morning off so great. I have a 15 month old daughter ( my first) so it has been hard adjusting into motherhood especially this toddler stage :) I love the post!

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  4. What a beautiful post and wonderful way to share how special your Mom was to you. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  5. Beautiful Traci. I love coming on here and reading your blog on Wednesdays. I find myself overwhelmed with just my 2 sometimes. And you have 4 beautiful treasures. Whew! But they are very lucky to have you for their Mother! It is wonderful to Know that God promises in His word that he will not put anything on us that we can't bear. It is amazing how strong we can be sometimes even when we think it is impossible. Because with God all things are possible!! You are such an inspiration to so many of us girls here in blogland! God bless you!

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  6. It's a wonderful text.

    I'm so sorry for your lost!
    You are lucky to have a wonderful father. And your little boys are precious!

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  7. Oh Traci, sweetie this is just a beautiful post. I so enjoyed reading it. I have read that saying from Erma Bombeck before but had forgotten it until I just read it again. It is so true. Don't sweat the little things, and that dirty floor will still be there tomorrow. Go outside and enjoy those kids, hearing their laughter. With boys you have to be constantly hopping. I don't know how you do it. Is there a chance you might still get a little girl in the mix one day?

    I love the picture of your Mom and Dad. How happy they are in that picture. I also love the one of your Dad and you girls. How precious.
    Thanks for sharing today. I always so love coming to visit. Stop by soon. Country hugs and love, Sherry

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  8. Just beautiful! I laughed and related all your remarks about being a mom and being a mom of only boys... heehee! The letter your mom sent was just precious. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a blessed day, Fine Linen

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  9. What a wonderful and beautiful post. My father died when I was six...I only have fairytales that I've made up about how my life was with him. It makes me so happy to see that you and your sister have such a happy relationship with your father. From your posts, I know that your mother was a wonderful person...I wish I was more like her...I will strive to be more like her. I didn't realize that motherhood was so difficult when children are young. I didn't realize that babies will yank your hair, pull of your glasses and head butt you when they are angry...even though I spent all of my youth babysitting and came from a very large family....my sisters are 10 and 12 years younger than me. My daughter is now 12, and except for an occasional snotty remark...it's wonderful to be her mother. This is the same child who yanked my hair, smacked me numerous times in the face, and escaped our house twice and went outside because she knew how to unlock the door by watching me. It gets a bit easy, as you know, when the children are older. My grandmother, a wonderful person, just like your mother, said that you worry more when they are adults because you cannot fix all their boo-boos with a kiss and a band-aid anymore. You'll have more time to yourself, but you may worry more as you watch them make their own choices, etc.

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  10. I really enjoyed your post this morning Traci. The photo of the boys is wonderful. Though I don't know them you can see that it really shows each personality. It's such a candid shot. I always like Erma Bombecks writing and sense of humor but I had never seen that. It's so touching and so true. I have one grown son and there are so many things I would do differently. I love how you cherish your mom's memory and your dad. Thanks for sharing your love and joy with us.

    Have a blessed day, Tracy :)

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  11. Boy, I feel overwhelmed with only 2 boys, I can't imagine that double! They are so handsome, though, and I bet a real blessing to you.

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  12. This a beautiful tribute to your mom and she was so right when she said treasure the moments. They just fly by so fast. However having had 4 children myself and losing my mom when they were small I not only lost my best friend but the person who could give me some 'relief' when I needed it most. So let your sister, or dad or a good friend help you along the way and remember "A good mom takes time for herself". Have a great day.

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  13. Thank You for that, I needed that this week. With a 1 year old into everything and homeschooling a 6th grader, I am overwhelmed at times. My house seems like it is always turned upside down, I cant finish one project I have, that I really want to do. I always eat my food cold, because if I take time to reheat it, I might not get to eat at all. It is the hardest thing but I try to stop and enjoy it all while it last. Thank You for the post!
    Love, Norma

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  14. Beautiful post, Traci, and so well written. I love Erma Bombeck. She, like your mother held life close to her heart and saw all the little things that we sometimes miss.

    It is never to late to start living in the moment. I certainly have.

    Again~I love your Wednesday's with Wanda!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  15. Thanks for sharing your mother with all of us. It sounds like even though she has passed, she is still giving and sharing with you and your boys. I agree motherhood is totally overwhelming, toughest, yet most rewarding job out there. I am having one of those weeks where it is tough, cant get caught up. Frustrating. Thanks for reminding me not to sweat the small stuff.

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  16. Morning, Sweetness! What a precious post! I know it must be hard at times raising four boys (darling, I must say!), I only had two children. Your Mom was just so wise! How precious you still have all these reminders. She was a strong lady and knew you were too! I send you a big ole hug today {hug}
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  17. Traci, what a lovely post. I so remember all those days raising my children when it seems like I was spread way toooooooo thin. Time does go by so fast, yes you should stop and enjoy the process as best you can. You are creating the memories of a lifetime. Enjoy your dad, what a precious chance to spend more time with him. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty

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  18. Traci,
    Thank you for the reminders of living for today! god bless you... Dee Dee

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  19. Traci, I am loving your Wednesdays with Wanda. I love getting to take in your mom's wisdom as you share it with us.

    My mom was a huge Erma Bombeck fan, too. Every now and then I'll come across one of Erma's columns that my mom cut from the newspaper and saved somewhere. It's always such a sweet little reminder.

    Bless you!

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  20. I have just recently started following your blog and this being the first time I have left a comment. I have SO enjoyed looking over your decorating and everything you do with burlap and drop cloths!!! They are my two newest obsessions:)

    This is a beautiful post and what a treasure for your children to have these memories and words of wisdom and love written for them. Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us too.

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  21. Beautiful. That poem puts being a mom into perspective and what is what most important.
    I am the mother of 3, but also a public health nurse for first time, low income moms. I am going to print out the poem and share with each of them. Thanks you for your inspiration.
    Wendy

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  22. Traci,
    I love this method of honoring your Mom. I've read the poem many times over the years and the words are right on! I realize it's difficult to have 4 little ones...and all boys. :-) I promise that they will remember the beautiful memories you create with them...not how clean the house is, how much laundry got done today or if your table is set perfectly. Try not to sweat the small stuff! DO take time out for you and also for a date night with your husband. Put these on your weekly calendar and do it, regardless. It's worth it for your self-love and your marriage. I think you're a super mom anyway!

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  23. Traci~ I LOVE your Wednesday posts about your Mom. What a 'gift' you are leaving for your boys to treasure for a lifetime.

    You truly are BLESSED with an amazing Mom...who's not only LOVED you, but set an AMAZING example...of a TRUE Godly woman! What an example for all of us.

    Love ya friend.

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  24. Lovely post. I was on track with this today and surprised my Sweet Girl with a picnic at the park and a play date after preschool. After that it was the grocery store and then we came home and played restaurant while making a special dinner for Dad. I don't always have days like today though. Thank you for the encouragement!

    I love, love, love your boys room! You could have shown your pic first as the PB picture! It's that great.

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  25. Traci - love your Wednesday posts. I went to your sister's blog and wrote what she said about your Dad...how sweet. Here picture of him and your mom hugging on his birthday in September just made the tears start rolling.

    I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm so thankful for her testimony and that you are sharing her with us now. You were/are a blessed daughter.

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  26. I love reading your posts especially Wednesdays with Wanda. I tried to leave you a comment yesterday morning because this was the first blog that I went to before work. My computer froze up and my comment was lost. I remember reading this artice from Emma before and had forgotten all about it. It is so true. Thank you for reminding me. Your little boys are so precious. I know things can seem overwhelming at times...but its all worth it! You are so blessed.

    Hugs,
    Lee Laurie

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  27. Wonderful post! Thank you for posting it.

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  28. Tracy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my beautiful Mom on October 12 to complications around having Ovarian Cancer. Robin at All Things Heart and Home directed me to your blog this morning. I will be following you via Google Reader. I feel a great connection to you already, just like Robin said I would. I hope you will stop by to say hello. ~Lanie

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  29. Traci I am so deeply sorry about your Mom.
    I can't even imagine what you have been through. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.

    I just now realized what had happened. I had no idea until so many bloggers mentioned how happy they were you won my giveaway. You are a wonderful person my friend.

    Many blessings to you. ~Melissa

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  30. Hi Traci,

    Beautiful post.
    I have come across via Melissa, well done for winning her giveaway.
    Your boys are very lovely.
    Sorry about the loss of your Mum. It is hard isn't it. My Dad passed away a few months ago and I miss him so much.

    Have a happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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