Be simple. Be sophisticated.

Today's meeting was fantastic! Our speakers were wonderful and the honesty everyone shared is what makes MOPS so special to me. 

I came home and emailed my mother-in-law. I shared the Momastery article with her and thanked her for her masterpiece (don't tell Nick I referred to him as a masterpiece, his head is big enough). I have a hard time with the fact that my family and Nick's family operate very differently. I try to remind myself that it all comes from a loving place, which is what matters the most, but I don't always act in the kindest or in the most sophisticated way. 

The article, which if you haven't read please do yourself a favor and read it now (link below), really hit me. I was a teary eyed mess when I read the last paragraph. I saved this quote in my phone, "Be kinder than necessary, being mindful that the piece of art it took her a lifetime to weave, her masterpiece, she gave to you, to keep you warm at night. One day you’ll give your masterpiece away, too. Be simple. Be sophisticated." 

As a mother of two boys the thought that one day I will have to let them go breaks my heart a little. I will do my best to think of the above quote when I find myself frustrated with my in-laws. 

Momastery link: http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/11/on-weaving-and-repentance-2/

Feeling humbled, 

Jessica 

This is a gift, not a burden.

Vanessa did such an awesome job at the photography meeting! I was very impressed by her excellent teaching skills. Her handouts were great too! Since she was so thorough, I am just going to share some pictures I took during the meeting and then highlight a few things that Jan said in our always inspirational mentor moment. 

Our awesome photography teacher for the day!

Eager students soaking up the knowledge. 

Everyone learning more about their cameras.

Now,on to my take aways from Jan's mentor moment...

It is always nice to hear that parenting is hard. I know that it is, but sometimes I get stuck on the idea that maybe I am the only one who it is THIS hard for. One of my favorite things Jan said was, "Parenting is hard, you aren't doing anything wrong." This hit me, because I am always thinking, what am I doing wrong? What should I be doing different? Am I not disciplining them enough? Am I disciplining them too much? And the list goes on and on. It is great to be reminded that we are doing the best we can and it will never be perfect because parenting is just HARD. 

Another quote that hit home was, "This is a gift, not a burden." This was my mantra this morning as we were running late trying to get ready for school. My three year old was laying by the toilet screaming and crying because he couldn't decide if he wanted to use the stool to pee or not use the stool. "This is a gift, not a burden. This is a gift, not a burden! This a gift, not a BURDEN!!!"

I wish now I would have gotten my camera out, set my ISO for inside light and snapped that precious moment, but I was too busy trying not to loose my sh*%!

Just trying to hold it all together,

Jessica