This is a perfect example of why Mini-me was voted "Most Likely to Make You Smile" in our family!
I was taught, very early in life, that having children will perhaps be one of the most important things that I will ever accomplish in life. Great. Probably the reason why I dreaded it so and, though I happen to believe I'm a very good mom, is it enough to guarantee happiness?
"Normal is a setting on the washing machine."
Besides, one person's normal is perhaps another person's...well...let's just say that, growing up in a family that always had the weirdest stuff going on, it's perhaps easier for me to find comfort in the fact that my children believe their troubles are nothing, compared to the bizarre behavior that was accepted in my house.
Yes, of course I told them.
Well, NOT everything - contrary to popular belief, there IS a limit to what I'm willing to share - just enough to convince them it's better to, you know, go with the flow.
In doing so, I quickly established my rank in the mommy world as simply being, "an enigma."
Not committing myself to any one particular group, or clique and NOT because I believe myself to be better, stronger, faster...etc...but, because I enjoy the lightness of being a free spirit.
It's what I like to call my mommy karma - if you're a mom, then you know - we all have one.
Some mothers live for their kids, while others are more than happy to seem as if their ready to eat their young - either way, it's totally understandable - it's taken me nearly 15 years to understand that everyone has a story and that there is never really a perfect ending.
Eventually, we will ALL have to learn to let go.
"I can't find any socks that match!"
Ugh, as if it really ever mattered, coming from a child who wears two different-colored socks to school on a regular basis!
"What about these?"
[eyes go wide]
"But, I wore those yesterday!"
[shrugs shoulders and evokes the smell test, here]
"You can wear these for one more day aaaaaaand they happen to match your shirt!"
Mini-me stared at me for a moment, shrugged her little shoulders, dropped to the floor and began to pull on the neon-est pair of orange socks.
"Okay, but I think it's weird."
Wait for it.
"But, I like weird!"
BAM!
"Then, you ARE in the right family!"
See, even my 9-year-old son totally understands - not to mention, he's obviously starting to exhibit some of his grandfather's quick wit, lately - and that...my friends...makes me very, very happy!
Happy Love Thursday!
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That is an adorable story and photo. Sounds like you're accomplishing your most important thing just fine ;)
Happy Love Thursday!
Posted by: bleeding espresso | 03/27/2008 at 11:33 AM
Gotta love that mommy karma! What a beautiful post!
Posted by: Stacey @Real World Mom | 03/27/2008 at 12:09 PM
Oh my gosh, she is totally your mini me. (She is beautiful!)
P.S. Am going for your hair color. If you were closer I'd be dragging you with me and saying, 'I want the same hair color SHE has!"
Posted by: motherofbun | 03/27/2008 at 01:02 PM
This made me smile... and made me think about how on earth I'll explain my younger years to my kids when I'm older. I never considered during my wild days that I would be accountable to my unborn, not-conceived-yet children, but eventually, I'll want to explain myself to them. A warning for what *not* to do perhaps. I can't just ignore the fact that I did not lead the most conventional lifestyle. It gives me hope that by being genuine with my kids, I'll teach them that it's okay to be a little odd, a little different, a little passionate about life. What's the point of trying so hard to fit in? We're just fine the way we are.
Posted by: Cheryl | 03/27/2008 at 02:02 PM
Mother of Bun,
Aaaand I would have sent you some, if I'd known sooner, it's falling out like crazy!
But, you probably didn't need to know that...huh?
Posted by: Liz | 03/27/2008 at 02:50 PM
Cheryl,
Well said - probably why I love you, so much!
Posted by: Liz | 03/27/2008 at 02:51 PM
It took my family (mom, sis' and bro's) nearly 25 years to accept that my mothering technique/outlook (which they have referred to as "flighty" or "unstructured" and other things) works for me and worked for my kids. I successfully raised three kids (technically I still have a 2 year lease on the last one, but I am confident that is going well) who are important members of society and life. I like that term...mommy karma.
Posted by: Vixen | 03/27/2008 at 02:53 PM
Love this post!
Posted by: Tammy | 03/27/2008 at 04:01 PM
That's adorable. And Mini-me's face made me smile too :)
Posted by: meeta | 03/27/2008 at 10:24 PM
You are a hoot! And I agree, everyone has their own Karma. I am still trying to work on mine!
Posted by: Lisa | 03/27/2008 at 10:42 PM
It sounds like you're doing a pretty good job.
Posted by: Dan | 03/28/2008 at 08:31 AM
what a cute photo of your mini-me! She's so charming!
Mama Karma - he he :)
Posted by: Liza's Eyeview | 03/30/2008 at 05:04 AM