# 0049: When Other Moms Love Being Moms

I'm not the most positive, upbeat, outgoing person all the time, but I love when other people are! I love other people's zeal they have for their… jobs, interests, lives, whatever- !!!
I recently met an ice skating coach whose smile seemed to exude ice skating enthusiasm, enough for everyone on the ice, really.
I will never forget a lactation consultant I had in the hospital who acted as if my breast milk was made of solid gold or better yet- OIL! It was plain to see she loved what she was doing and wanted to share that with everyone else.
It seems like speaking ill and sarcastically about our families, especially the ones closest to us is the "cool thing" to do anymore. We've seen it on TV for years; parents who can't wait to get away from their kids, wives who disrespect their husbands. We could probably spend a month researching and discussing some of this at length, going off on tangent after tangent.

All I want to say here is that I love talking with other moms who love being moms. They realize what a blessing and responsibly parenting is and they relish it! I love talking with moms who feel blessed in some way everyday no matter what. It's encouraging to visit with moms who strive for a successful home life, a healthy family in all the ways, but especially relationally. It's great to see another mom smile at her child; a relaxed, joyful smile.
We can talk about what's wrong with this world all day long. We can gripe about our days and complain about how hard things are, but so can everybody else. Our problems don't make us unique. It's our attitudes that make us. Period. I love being around other parents
that love what their doing in the lives of their little ones.

Here's a book you might find encouraging:
Motherhood: An Awesome Calling 

"YOU Are His Mama!"

In the first few days after my baby was born, I was seeking advice from just about everyone. I had no idea what I was doing, but I wanted to do everything "right." I wanted to breastfeed, but most of the hospital staff warned against using a pacifier too soon. Another family member suggested I go ahead and use it. So here I was with conflicting advice, torn and overwhelmed, not knowing what to do. I felt like everyone else knew what to do and could care for my sweet little boy better than I could in those early days. After all, they had experience and I didn't.

Finally after asking my mom a series of questions about what to do for my baby she said "YOU are his mama. You know best." When she first said that I thought, 'no, no I don't...I'm lost and don't know what to do!' As time goes on though, I think about when she told me that and I'm so glad she did. She may not have realized it then, but she was giving me confidence as a mama to care for my baby. One of the things I've had to learn quick is to be confident in whatever decision you make. If you are just a tiny bit self conscious about some aspect of your mothering, it's like people can sense it and jump in to offer advice, advice you really would rather not hear. Am I alone on this? It seems like if you are confident in your decision, people can sense that too and don't seem to offer as much unsolicited advice.

Nobody knows your kids like you do, and nobody can love them like you can. I have no problem asking for advice. I ask more experienced moms about something almost everyday. The difference between the first few days of being a mama and now is that I've learned to listen to everyone's advice, but sort through it and do what works for our family. Every precious little boy and girl is unique and special in their own way. There are no cookie cutter kids. Next time someone starts to offer advice (or critiques) of your parenting style, listen to what they have to say, but filter through and pick out what works... and remember, YOU are the mama! You know best.

Reason #852: Menu Planning

When I first got married I dreaded grocery shopping. Eventually I ended up telling myself  "you have to learn to like this...it's not going to go away!" So I did! I made myself like it, and now I really do enjoy grocery shopping for my family.

Do I like grocery shopping with my baby? Ehhhhh... Not so much. I like how friendly people are around him, but I've had an embarrassing experience in the grocery store with him... You can refer to number three of this post to read about it. I generally try to leave him with his dad while I grocery shop. I think that is a good arrangement for all of us! I get to shop without worrying when/if he will start crying and they get to play and bond without me around.

I try to menu plan for two or three weeks at a time and make my grocery list based off of the meals planned. By planning our meals for several weeks and limiting trips to the grocery store, it helps our grocery budget by not buying random things just because I have a coupon for it or it is on sale. I know a lot of people have good luck with coupons, but I usually don't. I try to just stick to my list and my menu. I've found that the less I'm in the grocery store (or any store for that matter...anyone else feel out of control in Target?) the less I will buy. Please tell me I'm not the only one who's been guilty of running into the store a gallon of milk and coming out with oreos to dip in the milk and ice cream to make milkshakes.

I like being in charge of the family menu, grocery list, and keeping the fridge and pantry stocked. I see it as a challenge to fix delicious, healthy meals each night all while maintaining our set budget each month. To me it is easier to sit down and take the time to plan several meals all at once rather than wondering all day what to fix that night.

Do you plan your meals? What is your favorite part of feeding your family?