Because It's Mother's Day Every Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! According to my mother-in-law, every day is Mother's Day. I didn't quite get it until my kids started talking and demanding things—specifically, me.

Like me, most moms are in high demand daily. For the kids, we're their rock, their anchor, and the one they trust the most. And that trust and reliance? Yep, that's every day. We're busy building up our kids' confidence and self-reliance daily. And it's the little things, right?

This afternoon, my son tried to walk out the back door with a giant toy in his hands. He can't manage the step down onto the porch without using his hands. So I tell him, "Mommy hold," pointing to his toy. He hands it over without a fuss, and I give it back once he's free-handed again. That's trust. He knows I'm not going to stash it in a secret toy vault or run off with it.

Moms are so much more than just someone who has kids. We're the caregiver, the nurturer, the planner, the cook, the launderer, the guide, and most importantly, the constant hugger. At least, that's how it rolls at my house. My kids rely on me for all their basic needs. They rely on me for fun times too.

My husband is like yesterday's news when it comes to our kids. Poor guy. Both my kids would be over the moon if we could design outfits with Velcro so they could stick to me! But if their dad tries that, they shut him down. Why? Because it's Mother's Day every day!

My kids have to be near me or on me to settle down. Case in point, I decided no cooking today at all. What does this mean? Breakfast and dinner out (my husband ordered pizza for lunch). This morning at our local pancake house, my boy used my right shoulder to see how much syrup he could get to stick to me because he likes to use me as the balancer so he can jump on the booth seat at odd intervals during the meal. At dinner, he used the same hand to see how spaghetti would look on my shirt (yes, we loaded up on carbs today—don't judge me!).

My daughter sang songs about me to me today. So, I've been covered in syrup and tomato sauce at various times and serenaded to throughout the day. And because my kids and I are always together, this is just a normal day for us.

However, today I tried to soak in these crazy times and count my blessings. I prayed to a higher being for more patience and guidance. Being in such high demand, there's a standard to uphold. Or at least, I think there is.

I have to dig deep for patience when I'm asked a gazillion times what time dinner is, if bugs take baths, and my personal favorite, "will you color with me?" Through my words and actions, I'm showing them who I am every day. Will I meet their wild expectations—probably not. I can't color with crayons, colored pencils, and/or paint for six hours straight. I'm not built that way. But I can sit/play with my kids throughout the day and let them know I'm here with them and for them.

Here's to all the moms hopefully taking a breather today. And here's also to all of us thankful the weekend is over so the kids can go back to school tomorrow! Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day card from my husband--Sums it up!