My Definition of "MOM"

When I first started staying home, I met a lot of new women.  People would ask me what I did, and my response was "I am a Creative Specialist for Domestic Development".  The reactions were always very interesting!!  People seemed intrigued by my fancy career choice!  When they begin asking questions, I filled them in on my job responsibilities...  Cooking, Cleaning, Diapers, Laundry, Shopping, Loving on my Daughter, REPEAT!  People would always laugh when they finally realized my job title was just a fun way of saying I am a Stay at Home Mom!  Home or not home, MOM has so many meanings!
When I try to define it. this is what I get...

moth·er ¹  (muth-er)

noun

1.  A woman who loves, cares, and raises their children, always providing support and compassion. 

2.  She prepares 3 meals a day (even if it is a hotdog and applesauce situation).  She sings "The Wheels on the Bus" for an hour straight to keep everyone happy in the car.   She has learned to hide the spit up stain on her shoulder with her purse strap.  Poopy diapers don't phase her, and potty training is her newest goal.  Going shopping has a new meaning, and purchases are usually not for her.  She can buckle a car seat with 1 hand.  She can locate and retrieve a sippy cup in the back seat while driving.  She's best friends with Santa, and pretty chummy with the Tooth Fairy.  She manages to shower almost every day, and on some occasions all of the kids are clean at the same time!  While she isn't without flaws, she tries her best to make sure that everyone around her is happy... even though most days, it feels like a complete waste of time. 

3.  She is a BOO BOO FIXER, a CHEF, a CHAUFFEUR, a TEACHER, a MUSICIAN, a VACATION DIRECTOR, a PERSONAL SHOPPER, a DECORATOR.  She runs a CLEANING COMPANY, a LAUNDRY SERVICE, and a DIAPER SERVICE. 

4.  A woman who does the work of twenty, for free!

Growing up, I never gave my mom enough credit.  I didn't realize how hard it was to be a mom until I was one myself.  I know that is generally the way it works!  On many occasions I find myself calling my mom and apologizing!  "Mom, I am so sorry for poking you in the eyes when you would fall asleep on the couch"!!  Being a mom is the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever had the chance to do.  My kids are gifts, and I am honored to get to raise them.  As much as I want to call them mine, they belong to God.  I am so lucky that he is letting me borrow them, and I hope that I make him proud.  I appreciate my mom, and as Mother's Day approaches, I find myself thinking, once again, that there really is no card or gift good enough for the occasion.  I hope my mom realizes just how grateful I am for everything she has done for me.  I can only hope that I make her proud of me as a mom too!

 - Jessica