There are so many responsibilities and jobs to do as a parent. Recently I was reading an article about a women who was sharing her tansformation story, here is a quote that really resonated with me, "I had become a human doing, instead of a human being". It is easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind and forget the bigger picture. I often see friends on Facebook listing all the things they have to do in the day (I'm guilty of it, too!) like we need some sort of validation for all our "busy"ness.
Last week my parents were here. I find as we get older, we almost forget that our parents were in fact parents and went through ALL the things that we have gone through with us. Sick babies, teething issues, potty training, growing pains, school, sports, homework... We reminisced about my childhood and different events that took place. One thing that always strikes me is all the things I can't remember, or maybe never really knew, like my dad was on the school council for 5 years. I honestly think this is a huge part of why I scrapbook (in years, I will still have a memory of all that I have done). Anyone in my family will tell you that I have a horrible memory. For example, I don't ever remember my parents reading to me. I'm sure they did, I just have no recollection of them doing that. I know there have been times where I have judged my parents on what they did, how they did it or what they didn't do and resented them at times for it. I think this is pretty normal for a kid, teenager, university student to do. We blame our parents for all the things wrong with us and promise we won't do those things to our children. But as hard as I try, I know I am teaching my kids bad habits that I promised I would not do. I know I have neglected them in some way or another. In years, I am sure that they will resent me in some form or another as well, but for now I am quite happy to report that I don't typically earn the "I hate you" or "You are the worst mommy in the world" phrase.
When you have your own kids and become a parent, you learn just how hard it really is to be a good parent. It is tough to find a balance that makes you happy with every part of your life.
When my parents were here visiting, we did so many fun, family things and I realized that being good parents takes many forms. My mom was so helpful while she was here on her holiday: she put dishes away, folded laundry, made lunches and just helped take care of all the daily work load and really gave me a little bit of my own holiday. Dad spent lots of time doing projects with the kids: a paper mache Pixie Hollow tree with Jasmine and a wooden rocket with Devin. They were both great sports and joined us for bowling, snowshoeing and hiking in -20 weather at the sugar shack - pretty awesome! Whether you call them mom and dad, or gramma and grampa - it's all the same! They are taking care of me and my kids, having fun with us all and it was simply an awesome week!
Even though I am no longer at home, my parents are still an inspiration to me, they still help me and teach me and it is just a truly awesome notion to think I will still be parenting even when my kids are "all growed up". I feel badly that I ever had any bad feeling towards them, but with ... age comes wisdom and a better understanding of all those events that happen when you are becoming an adult. One great thing about parents is that they love you unconditionally and forgive you when you make dumbass mistakes like I did.
So, here's to being a parent... a good parent! It's a hell of a lot of work and often unappreciated, but I know for me I love my parents and am so glad that I have them both in my life. I also know that I love Jasmine and Devin more than anything imagineable and it is pretty cool to realize that is how my parents feel about me, too!
Here are some photos from the great week with my parents. Thanks for ALL that you do mom and dad!
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