A Mom's Year

Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time

Let’s Talk about Books

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When I posted this the other day, Michelle, author of the wonderful blog One Ordinary Day, wrote: “What an awesome poster. My baby girl has been sitting in a nook of her favorite tree reading. Makes me so happy.”

Yes. Michelle’s simple comment pretty much sums up my entire parenting philosophy: Give them some books, a tree or two, and time to enjoy them.

But even out here in the woods of Wisconsin, the hamster wheel tries to pull us in with its siren song: “Achieve! Acquire! Succeed!” I have to remind myself that participation in the wheel-running is not mandatory and busy does not equal happy. Just because we’re presented every day with endless opportunities to “Get more out of life!” and “Make every moment count!” doesn’t mean we have to. The days when we fly around getting kids (and ourselves) to activities might feel like they count more, but the truth is that days spent being instead of doing count, too. So go ahead and fill their heads with information, but be sure to fill their souls, too.

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Happy May Day!

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Is it May 1st already? My goodness, time is flying by.

When you were small, did you ever leave May Day baskets for your neighbors? I remember making woven paper baskets, setting them on the neighbors’ front steps, ringing the doorbell, and then running to hide, giggling, in the bushes to watch their surprised faces when they discovered the little treats.

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Your Kids on Books

A lot of my inspiration seems to be coming from Facebook these days, but when a friend shared this it made me smile. Mike Anderick created this poster for Burning Through Pages, a nonprofit organization dedicated to getting kids reading.

What would your kids look like on books these days?

Saying Yes to Adventure

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I’m giving myself a little encouragement today because I really need it. Really, really need it.

Do you ever find yourself saying “yes” to some crazy things because, hey, life is short?

My latest “yes” involves tap dancing and a certain pop icon. I’m wondering how I got myself into this, but I’m also trying to enjoy the ride.

What adventures are you saying “yes” to right now?

Tim Cheers Me Up About Getting Older

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One of my favorite daily rituals takes place after the kids get on the bus and before Tim goes to work. We sit and have coffee together and, ideally, this is a time for peaceful reflection and camaraderie. But sometimes I slip and turn it into a fretting session.

The other day my fretting was on getting older. I don’t remember what set it off exactly (my looming birthday, perhaps?), but I do remember what Tim’s reply was:

“When I see a woman who looks good in her forties, I think she’s more attractive than someone who looks good in her 20s because it’s harder to do.”

I ate that right up, let me tell you.

Of course Tim wasn’t just talking about combating the effects of gravity. We more mature women have so many things pulling us in different directions that taking time to exercise and moisturize and get enough sleep can seem impossible.

So, yes, we might have to work a little harder. But I want to be like those women over 40 I admire who’ve kept that spring in their step and sparkle in their eye.

And just for fun: Have you read this little gem by Andy Rooney on women over 40?