Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day from Stuff Mamas Like! I pray that you feel loved and appreciated particularly on this day set aside to celebrate YOU!

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Fun Friday: Momisms

I thought it would be quite appropriate to kick off our Fun Fridays on Stuff Mamas Like with a video we can all appreciate. You might want to memorize the lyrics. Oh wait . . .

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Announcing Fun Fridays!

Today begins the first of Fun Fridays on Stuff Mamas Like! You never know what it will be, but whatever it is promises to bring a smile to your face. Be sure to stop by each week--not only for the smile but also for the contests and giveaways that will happen from time to time. Uh-huh. Now you're interested, aren't you? 'Cause if there's one thing Mamas like, it's free stuff!

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Children Not Cutting Their Own Hair

On a morning about six years ago, my husband came and woke me up and had a very concerned look on his face. He said he needed to tell me something. Bracing myself for news of the death of a loved one, I sat up in bed and held my breath. Then Kevin asked our then three-year-old daughter Callie to come into the room and urged her to fess up.

"I cut my hair," she said in a soft tone while looking at the floor. As I looked at her, I said, "Okaaaaay," and then looked at Kevin with a Really? It's not that obvious look. To which he said, "Callie, turn around and show Mommy the back."

Oh. My. Goodness.

Callie's hair had been past her shoulders, and now there was about a three-inch-wide section missing right in the middle at the base of her head/top of her neck. Oh yes, and this was just two weeks before she was to be a flower girl in my sister's wedding. Lovely timing.

So off we went for Callie's first big girl haircut. There weren't a lot of options, so we went with the short stack in the back with sides that angled longer toward her face. And it was sooooo cute! I would never have done it on my own, but with our hands forced, we did it, and it was darling.

Thankfully that's the only self-inflicted haircuts we've had at our house. (You should see me knocking on wood while maintaining my typing.) We got off easy. Many Mamas aren't so lucky. They get to deal with the random chunks missing and and/or the bangs-be-gone look. And these children probably thought just as Callie did--"It's okay, Daddy. I can put it back."

Nope. Ya can't.

Question for you: Has your child ever cut his/her own hair or a sibling's hair? How bad was the damage? And did you take a picture?

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Obedience

Everything just goes so much smoother for Mamas when our children are obedient. I'm not sure why kiddos like to test this so much. You'd think they'd learn that things go much smoother for them, too, when they obey!  We give them opportunities to turn their behavior around by giving them warnings and even giving them the 1-2-3 count that advises "You will not like what comes after 3." When the right choice is made, it's a wonderful thing. But when the disobedience persists, we have to take action. And contrary to our children's beliefs, we don't enjoy doling out the punishment.

Mamas out there, stay strong! Stick to your guns Be consistent with your expectations for obedience in your children. They'll thank us for it . . . some day.

I want to ask this Mama how she does it.

Question for you: How do you encourage obedience in your kids?

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Professional Photographs

 

Oh, the things we put our babies through for a professional photograph! We do all the necessary prep-work, making sure they're cleaned, fed, and napped. We bring their favorite toys and make sure we're in the bubbliest of dispositions so that everyone's happy for picture day. We dress them in their cutest outfits . . . or don't dress them at all (What is it with naked baby pictures?!). Then we plop them down on a table, often covered in fuzzy or billowy fabric; step away from the table, thereby making the child feel suddenly abandoned; tell the child not to look at us but rather at the complete stranger who is making both funny faces and funny noises while simultaneously flashing bright lights at the child; and then expect them to be completely thrilled with this situation.

"I don't understand why she doesn't smile," we say.

Really?!

Question for you: How did your baby do on picture day? Personally, I have some pretty pouty first pictures of my eldest.

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Having Eyes in the Back of Our Head

Children everywhere are convinced that their Mamas do indeed have eyes in the backs of their heads. We see our children do things that should be impossible to see. We can catch them in the act and call them on it--all with our backs turned to them.

So is it a myth, or do these wonderful assets actually exist? Mamas will never tell. But we will see.

Question for you: Do your children believe you have eyes in the back of your head? Share your favorite story concerning their powers.

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