Parents'-the Ultimate Embarassment

It is amazing to me what embarasses our kids these days. When I was a kid, it was black socks with sandals. Or, in my Dad's case, he'd mow the grass in his very own creation: cut-offs he himself cut off that looked more like gauchos then shorts, a headband, and cowboy boots. Then, he added a red and white checkered shirt for a trip to town. He never could understand why we were all really busy when he asked if we wanted to go to town with him. Thank God we lived in the country. As for my Mom she'd fix my hair or clothes in public. Or, comment on the dark circles under my eyes in front of really cool people. My mother-in-law once commented on my husband's toenail fungus to me. We were dating then and I could tell he wanted to crawl in the deepest hole available. I just hugged him and told him that only made him more real to me. Maybe that's one of the many reasons I married him-he was the real deal.
I don't know what my husband does to embarass my kids. They seem to think he's pretty groovey. As for me, today I played air guitar to a really cool Genesis song with my golf club while miniature golfing. My kids couldn't believe it. I heard stuff like, "Mom, please stop. You are really embarassing." My Mom was along and thought that the whole situation was hilarious. I thought I was being pretty cool to even think of it. My husband just shook his head.
One parent we never have to be embarassed about is God. Have you ever seen a sunset? He is the ultimate cool parent. So, I guess embarassing our kids is a rite of passage. I sort of enjoy it. As for the golf club guitar I just played on. And so did my kids-three miniature greens in front of me.

God-the ultimate party planner

As I prepare for my son's birthday in the midst of end of school activities, I am reminded of the slow, encroaching fear I will forget something really important to him! It comes from nowhere this fear, sweeping over me like a vulture taunting and laughing at me. I know it is the enemy but really he is very good at his job. I remembered this for me but forgot this for my son-what kind of a mom are you?
I could let this suck me in. Sometimes I do. Then, I remember. Make a list. Ask for some help. Oh, and pray! Then I have guilt for not thinking of God first! Yikes! Who made me a list maker? Who made me detailed oriented? Who is the best helper in the world? That would be God. Why do we so often times forget this? He is there waiting in the wings. We don't really need to ask; He knows what we need but He'd like to hear from us anyway. And, He will help us remember the little things, the big things and every thing inbetween.
Cookies and milk for class party? Check. Gifts purchased? Check. Card purchased? Check. Balloons ordered? Check. Cake picked up? Check. God as the ultimate party/life planner? Check!

Camp Time

Summer is fast approaching. Though many moms shirk from the thought and the eventual "I'm bored" summer can bring from the the offspring, I have found a large number of moms who look forward to summer. A slower pace and no school responsibilities fuel this opinion. Having the kids home is a challenge; none of these moms would argue that fact. What they would argue is summer is what we moms make it. After working in a few daycares before I had kids, I realized having a day somewhat like a daycare schedule kept things varied and fresh. Now that my kids are all in school, summer is when I put this plan into action. Time for crafts, some type of music-we really don't sing anymore; that would make me an even bigger embarassment than I all ready am-but listening to the radio or a tape or practicing piano works in my book, game time, reading together or reading together silently, etc.
I have a friend who does "camps" at home. Its cheaper she maintains and sending her kids away just doesn't register on her radar. I admire that. One of her camps is cooking. Sometimes the kids help her with the whole meal or just a simple batch of brownies but the point is she and her children are spending time together. They aren't stressed with running to several different activities and her kids are learning something useful. And, they all are actually having fun.
I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Trying this with my kids was not a trip down lollipop lane the first time. So, I scaled it back some to only making a simple batch of cookies. Hmm...better. The most memorable was making lasagna. We sort of had a revolving door policy that day. It worked well and I felt really good about it. And let's face it, we all need to feel like a good mom a lot more these days.
No matter what "camp" one chooses, (and there is nothing wrong with going away to camp just maybe not thirty in one summer), have fun spending time with your kiddos! That is the true meaning of summer and motherhood.