February 8, 2010

Just one little thing.

We were out of town yesterday. We went to a baby blessing for my newest little niece. Which, by the way, didn't help my baby hungryness any.

I think making up words like "hungryness" is cool. You should try using it in a sentence sometime. Then you would be cool too.

It was a lot of fun. I happen to have really good in-laws, probably because of the awesome girls they married (sorry boys, but its just the way it is). And with a million and one cousins to play with, our kids were in heaven!

On the 2+ hour drive home, Luke and I started talking about family. His family, my family, and our family. We discussed the struggles we've overcome and the ones staring us in the face. We especially discussed how tough the kids have been lately. The more we discussed the more determined I felt.

Something has GOT to change. And I'm not talking diapers.

I've made many a goal before, to become a better mother. But its so hard to be consistent. Well, and sometimes its just hard. But I want us to have the kind of family where our kids think we're the greatest (yes, it IS possible because I thought my parents were awesome) and who love to do family activities together.

So I thought... but its very hard when your head is full of fluff. (think think, think think) And if you tell anyone I compared myself to Pooh Bear, I'll toilet paper your house.

Then, I decided.

I would pick ONE thing to focus on or work on each week. It doesn't have to carry over to following weeks or anything, but for that whole week, it would be the one parenting thing I do right.

Since our three-year old has been the hardest lately, I decided to choose something he loves. And he loves to help me cook.

I confess, I don't often let my kids help me cook. I'm usually in a rush or a don't want the mess or whatever excuse I can think of. But this week, none of that will matter. This week, my kids will get to help me cook every meal.

I've decided to keep it posted in the corner of my blog where I can see it and keep myself reminded of my plan.

Yes, I believe this to be doable for the week. I can do it!

And If my house burns down, you'll be the first to know.

Well, actually, the second. The fire-fighters would be first... hopefully.
                                                 

11 super cool people speak:

Mama Smith said...

FANTASTIC, idea...Sarah...Will be a most INTERESTING experiment...No matter how things turn out...(food wise) (smile) that ONE on ONE time with them...will NEVER BE WASTED!!! I will pray for ITS SUCCESS!!!

Wonder Woman said...

My 3 y/o loves to help me cook, too. He flipped pancakes with me yesterday and helped me tear lettuce for the salad.

Life was like this for me, too, at the beginning of the year. I didn't make any "resolutions" but I did make a conscious effort to change. It was just a good time to do it since we'd been gone for 2 weeks and our schedules were all messed up. I decided to make new schedules and have miraculously been able to keep them.

This can SO work for you!! You can do it.

p.s. love car trips that give you and the hubs a chance to talk.

Evelyn said...

I love your blog! You sure make me feel like I am not alone. I think we are blog sisters. :)

ldsjaneite said...

I always wanted my mother to ask me to help her cook. I couldn't understand why my sister always got to, and not me. It wasn't until I got to college that my sister told me it's because she asked. I still find that a little unfair. (Then again, that's the influence of "Little House" and "Anne" on me.) Still--I think it will mean a lot to the kids that you let them help. Good luck, though!

P.S. My family's nickname for me is Pooh Bear. And it's not just because I am short and round. :-)

the fowlers said...

I wish you luck with the cooking! I think it is totally worth it and yes, you can do it. It sounds like a lot of fun.
I really love your whole idea. I might steal it, but since I'm not a quite a mom (any day, any day) I might try it as the "one thing I do right as a wife" each week to start.

PS - Seriously, the circus peanuts. I think sometimes it's a genetic trait for those of us with serious sweet tooth syndrome. We adapt to eat the candy nobody else likes so we can get all the sugar for ourselves.

Windthicket Fables said...

Serene, I just found your blog, and I don't know why it took me so long! I love it! It's adorable, and I seriously feel just the way you do! I strive every day to be a better mom! And I am constantly baby hungry (Kids ages 2,3,4- and we're trying for another one!) I am adding you to my daily read list!

FOund you on MBC!

Marcie said...

We had so much fun this weekend with you guys! Audrey is still talking about all her cousins! :) You are smart to pick one thing a week, I think I always try to "improve" on too many things at once, then it's too much and I end up not doing any of it! I'll have to try that. And your kids are awesome, I told Brock about Jacob's "SAW" and how funny it was!

Nicole said...

Good luck. I think it's a great idea. I often have the same feelings about wanting to be the BEST parent ever, but it is so hard when everyone is screaming and tugging at your leg all the time.

Brittney said...

You are such a good mom.

Pitterle Postings said...

Serene, don't be too hard on yourself. I have changed so much over the years and sometimes wish I could go back and be better. My adult kids are so amazing though! They think their life was great and think their little sisters are spoiled! So, work on things one at a time. If you fail this week, work on the same thing next week. Write about your successes. That will keep you motivated. You are amazing! I love your blog and I love your experiences. Keep up the good work!

Evelyn said...

Thanks for inspiring moms everywhere to try a little harder! What a great idea!!

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