Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Mommy Means Business: The Great Purge
Mommy Means Business: The Great Purge: "Nina told me over breakfast this morning that her least favorite store is 'Goodwill', and that it should be named 'Badwill'. MJ, who h..."
The Great Purge
Nina told me over breakfast this morning that her least favorite store is 'Goodwill', and that it should be named 'Badwill'. MJ, who had quietly been eating his cereal, chimed in "Yeah, I hate Goodwill, and so does Tanie!" Tanie is the imaginary friend and his partner in crime.
Nina took me by surprise because before Goodwill moved to Topsham it was always in the top 3 'favorites'. She once bought a princess castle for 99 cents that provided hours of play until it's demise in the hands of her little brother.
Seems she was disappointed about the car-full of stuff we purged from her room 2 days ago. Which, by the way, she enthusiastically helped me with. Turns out she was having second thoughts, and here she was, levelling with me over corn chex that my brilliant idea of a 'closet purge' was not so brillant.
Nina, by nature, is very giving. Always willing to help, busying herself with various works of art for others and often making sure little friends always leave with something after a visit. Seems like giving up a few stuffed animals was simply too close-to-home.
We had talked about it before it happened. And it wasn't just toys. Mostly clothes, old baby supplies, and a breast pump (nope, won't be needing that anymore) We cleaned like fiends; organized. Rejoiced in the freshness and starkness of the closet. I felt liberated upon completion. She repeatedly opened her closet doors and admired her Christmas gifts in their new places on the shelves.
Ultimately, Nina agreed that giving our previously-loved possessions was all part of the continuous spirit of 'giving'. That it continues beyond Christmas. And yes, that having 'alot of stuff' isn't all there is to happiness.
The closet purge reminds me to approach these conversations and efforts with caution. It is a balance between letting kids be kids, while fostering a spirit of sharing. Michael's room is next. I hope Tanie doesn't come.
Nina took me by surprise because before Goodwill moved to Topsham it was always in the top 3 'favorites'. She once bought a princess castle for 99 cents that provided hours of play until it's demise in the hands of her little brother.
Seems she was disappointed about the car-full of stuff we purged from her room 2 days ago. Which, by the way, she enthusiastically helped me with. Turns out she was having second thoughts, and here she was, levelling with me over corn chex that my brilliant idea of a 'closet purge' was not so brillant.
Nina, by nature, is very giving. Always willing to help, busying herself with various works of art for others and often making sure little friends always leave with something after a visit. Seems like giving up a few stuffed animals was simply too close-to-home.
We had talked about it before it happened. And it wasn't just toys. Mostly clothes, old baby supplies, and a breast pump (nope, won't be needing that anymore) We cleaned like fiends; organized. Rejoiced in the freshness and starkness of the closet. I felt liberated upon completion. She repeatedly opened her closet doors and admired her Christmas gifts in their new places on the shelves.
Ultimately, Nina agreed that giving our previously-loved possessions was all part of the continuous spirit of 'giving'. That it continues beyond Christmas. And yes, that having 'alot of stuff' isn't all there is to happiness.
The closet purge reminds me to approach these conversations and efforts with caution. It is a balance between letting kids be kids, while fostering a spirit of sharing. Michael's room is next. I hope Tanie doesn't come.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
As I was dipping pretzel rods into melted white chocolate a few moments ago, I recalled a conversation with my husband's Grandmother a few years back. I had just had MJ, and Nina was 3 and hubbie was managing our business non-stop to support us all. At the time, MJ was coming to work with me so I could nurse him in between doing payables and payroll, and Nina was at the sitters. I was a 40-year old Mom coming to grips with the concept of 'balancing' work, kids and domestic duties.
Now Charlotte, 88 at the time, is a class act. Having raised 6 kids, one who is handicapped, and helping run their farm for many years, lets just say I respect her opinion. Which is probably what I was fishing for. But, like I said, she is a class act. So she politely nodded and smiled and listened to my drama until I finally came to.
"I am so sorry, Charlotte, listening to me, having only two children, and you having raised six. You must think I am a sissy". And without a beat she answered, "No, honey, just sensible".
Well, I dont' know about sensible, but her comment penetrated my memory. I think she identified that every one's struggle is suited to the times. That child-rearing in her generation was physically and financially difficult, in a predominately man's world.
And while my generation has made great strides in technology, economy and the whole women's movement, raising kids, 2 or 6 or 1 is still work.
Her statement was likely nothing deeper than an acknowledgement that having 2 is smarter than 6, but to me, the wisdom in her simple statement was much more.
Being a mother is work, yet work, if you love it, is thrilling. And hence the philosophy behind the Title of my blog. To me, being a mother and running a household in this modern age is no dissimilar that pursuing a liberating career. And there is so much to draw from the wisdom of women who were in our shoes years ahead of us.
So the fact that I am "only making snacks" for a Christmas party for Nina, when I could still be at the office is moot. I will make them with pride and love and enjoy every little sprinkle-covered smile that enjoys them!
Now Charlotte, 88 at the time, is a class act. Having raised 6 kids, one who is handicapped, and helping run their farm for many years, lets just say I respect her opinion. Which is probably what I was fishing for. But, like I said, she is a class act. So she politely nodded and smiled and listened to my drama until I finally came to.
"I am so sorry, Charlotte, listening to me, having only two children, and you having raised six. You must think I am a sissy". And without a beat she answered, "No, honey, just sensible".
Well, I dont' know about sensible, but her comment penetrated my memory. I think she identified that every one's struggle is suited to the times. That child-rearing in her generation was physically and financially difficult, in a predominately man's world.
And while my generation has made great strides in technology, economy and the whole women's movement, raising kids, 2 or 6 or 1 is still work.
Her statement was likely nothing deeper than an acknowledgement that having 2 is smarter than 6, but to me, the wisdom in her simple statement was much more.
Being a mother is work, yet work, if you love it, is thrilling. And hence the philosophy behind the Title of my blog. To me, being a mother and running a household in this modern age is no dissimilar that pursuing a liberating career. And there is so much to draw from the wisdom of women who were in our shoes years ahead of us.
So the fact that I am "only making snacks" for a Christmas party for Nina, when I could still be at the office is moot. I will make them with pride and love and enjoy every little sprinkle-covered smile that enjoys them!
Monday, December 20, 2010
The Beginning
Okay, so why am I starting my very own blog when the remnants of lunch fester on the counter and those priceless nap-minutes tick away before I meet my oldest off the bus? Because it's Christmas-time and I promised to keep it simple this year!
My guess and hope is that anyone reading my blog is in the same boat. Despite all goals of buckling down to really get this-and-that done when the 3-year old is sleeping, the fact is, a little self-indulgent 'You Time' is an elixir for the season.
I am excited about the blog. I have plans. I want to explain the Title, add photos and dig-in. But, alas, ham and cheese don't fare so well at room temperature and I have a checkbook to balance.
In closing for today, I wish the utmost peace, joy and pure happiness to all. And thanks, especially, to Mom, who despite the approach of my 44th Birthday, has consistently encouraged me to expand my writing. Smooches to you, Mom.
My guess and hope is that anyone reading my blog is in the same boat. Despite all goals of buckling down to really get this-and-that done when the 3-year old is sleeping, the fact is, a little self-indulgent 'You Time' is an elixir for the season.
I am excited about the blog. I have plans. I want to explain the Title, add photos and dig-in. But, alas, ham and cheese don't fare so well at room temperature and I have a checkbook to balance.
In closing for today, I wish the utmost peace, joy and pure happiness to all. And thanks, especially, to Mom, who despite the approach of my 44th Birthday, has consistently encouraged me to expand my writing. Smooches to you, Mom.
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