So I ran some errands with the kids Thursday morning. I figured we would get a few things done then I would collapse in a heap of mush for the rest of the morning. Becca had a different plan.
There is something about my children, that I cannot seem to say no to them. I am not talking about candy, snacks, or stuff, I am quite good at squashing those things. Rather when they request an activity, I can never bring myself to say no. I always find a way to make it work no matter how I may feel about it in that moment. Rarely do I regret following their lead, although sometimes it is exhausting.
Maybe it comes down to me wanting to be the mom I never had. The disappointment in knowing no one was watching me swim (My Grandma always did, but once I moved with my Dad and his wife they were working), play baseball, take me to art class, or just play with me. I watch Becca swim twice a week, because she wants me to. There are moms there that roll their eyes at me and state they would never stay no matter how much their kids begged (and do beg!) That makes me sad. I get me time, I do not need to deny my kids my attention for HALF AN HOUR, while they swim.
So when Becca asked if I could sew her a cat with wings on Thursday, rather than grumble an excuse, we went to work cuting, sewing and stitching. She watched me through the whole process (that took the entire day), helping when she could.
The end result is pretty cute, if I do say so myself 
Friday I was tired, but there were things to do, cleaning and settling that for my own mental stability had to be done. I was grumpy and tired, looking forward to a movie in the afternoon so I could be grumpy quietly. Instead Becca insisted on painting. *sigh* A preschooler and a toddler painting really means A LOT of clean up. I had a headache (works for my husband yet never on the kids!) So we painted. But I was a grouch about it. In tears in fact, so not wanting to allow painting.
J came home and relief washed over me. I made homemade pizza while he bathed the monsters children and cleaned up after their painting time. I still feel cranky yet I am glad I am the mom that I am.
I am the mom that will be there (want me or not!). I am the mom that will be cheering. I am the mom that will let you get dirty. I am the mom that no matter how i feel my kids always come first.
I am that mom.
And I am proud (not about the grouchy part, I really need to work on that!)
A Canadian mom with three cute kids. This blog chronicles our lives my creative pursuits. 
The cat is adorable. Please be sure to take care of yourself, but it’s great that you can’t say no to spending time with your kids. Time is such a gift.
Aimees last blog post..Yoshi
I wish more moms were like you. You are an inspiration to them and they will remember all of the times you put them first. Those types of memories will last a lifetime. I know it’s tiring I have those moments with Steven but I realized even through my whole day at work it is refreshing to watch him, play with him, read to him and the feeling that he wants to be next to me and have my attention is the most rewarding thing to me on earth. You’re blessed Chelle, you are a fantastic mom and a fantastic wife. *hugs*
P.S. Love the cat, my son watches me too when I’m sewing and he wants me to explain every single step and why
Chars last blog post..self discovery
I am so the same…… and why not?
good on you!
Gails last blog post..Shaken and Stirred!
That is a cute kitty! You are not the only grouchy one, I have been uber grouchy lately. I think a lot of it is hormones and the fact that I am so uncomfortable right now. It is hard to be fun and spontaneous when you can’t get up off the floor very easily.
I always watch the swimming, but I don’t know that I would make a cat. Mostly because I wouldn’t know how, I think. You are such a great mom.
Heathers last blog post..Aweigh Results Show Week 5
My parents were always there for us too. Always. Nothing was more important than me and my brothers. And I hope I can make sure my daughter feels the same way- she is first. Of course, I can’t sew- so I wouldn’t be able to make a cat- but yours turned out really, really cute.
Melanies last blog post..I’m Still Here
You’ve done good momma!
The cat is absolutely adorable, with wings no less.
I sometime feel guilty that I have to say to my boys they can have my attention “in a minute” and that minute moves in to an hour. Then there are the time I just let the task at hand sit and get down on the floor and play. I definitely feel like the MOM I want to be when I am on the floor playing.
Caras last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Aw! Is that Becca’s special cat she tells stories about?
I can’t believe how big Ethan has gotten! Ohmygosh!
You are such a fun mom.
Damselflys last blog post..Today’s magic
What a good mom you are! I always cringe when I hear of parents who deny their children attention like you were describing. It makes me smile to see and hear of mother’s like you. Keep up the good work. Love the cat with wings!
Madelines last blog post..Party Girl
Sometimes I don’t say no just to let me think I’m a good parent. Donkey, right?
Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com
Mikes last blog post..Twitter, anyone?
Great job on the cat! This may not be he most environmentaly sound advice, but I have a cheap vinyl table cloth that I put down for painting and then jsut throw it in the wash. It keeps things “mostly” clean. Of course, one of James’ friend’s always asks to paint when she comes over because she knows I won’t say no. It’s a hazard. And guess what she’s getting for her birthday
.
At the CNY party, she asked to paint, and I didn’t care, but let the paretns rule the decision. And one dad in particular wanted no part of mess, even if it was at my house. I know if the mom was there, it would have been fine. Anyway, there’s my ramblings.
Tak care of yourself.
Hollys last blog post..Choosing to celebrate: Wednesday edition
Good for you! More moms should take lessons from you…I know I do!
much more than a moms last blog post..Grace in Small Things ~11
Awww, the kitty is cute!
Stephanies last blog post..Home Sweet Home
and what a wonderful mom you are!
Michelles last blog post..Friday Freebie
Hey a nice flying cat…meowwwwww
I know what you mean Chelle, I can never say no to my children too
For weeks I’ve had these thoughts rolling around in my head… and I just read them on your page. God, it feels so good to know that I’m not the only mom who is grouchy and really hates feeling that way!
I want to be THAT mom, too. Thanks for ensuring me that I’m not alone in my struggle:)
Jesss last blog post..Are you on the FB Train??
I agree with the rest that you are an inspiration to all of us. You set such high standards, I am ashame to say I usually drop my kids off at their activities rather than sit & watch.
And the Kitty is just super cute!
Immomsdaughters last blog post..Updates On Art Class
They are so cute! And you are a great mom. I need to remember to agree with the kids more often then I do. I feel like I try, but I am sure I could be better.
Tsoniki Crazy Bulls last blog post..Windblown Weekend
You are SUCH a great mother! And reall? Those mother’s say they wouldn’t stay to watch their kids? I worked full time when my boys were young (still do) and I went to every baseball, football and basket ball practice. Foot ball practice was two hours, from 6 – 8 PM four nights a week and the games were on Satudays. I ALWAYS stayed! I always thought the parents who didn’t just used practice as babysitters.
I LOVE the kitty! Did you just do that off the top of your head or did you have a pattern?
YOU are why you have such happy, creative, well-adjusted children. Don’t ever forget that.
I think you’re a great mom. That cat came out so nice – I mean, not too many moms would spend that amount of time to make such a lovely gift for their child.
Nadines last blog post..Start Spreading the News. . .
Awesome cat!!! I think I have the same ‘no’ problem as you. Don’t worry about being cranky, you need to be to appreciate the happy more!!
You do know the secret about mixing liquid soap with paint right?!?! It then comes off of anything…even red!!!
Helens last blog post..The World…according to Geordie!
You are an amazing mom and I think that it is great that you make time to watch your kids do their activities. I LOVE the cat!
All of this is why I like you so much. I’m kind of that mom, too, especially if we emphasize the grouchy. I’d say in your defense (and by extension, mine) that it’s okay to feel the crankies, lest we become one of those fake “oohing” moms who seems to have wandered out of Stepford, so insistent is she on the fact that EVERYTHING IS FINE, ALL THE TIME.
Jocelyns last blog post..
That’s wonderful – I love the feeling that I have become the mother that I needed as a child, the mother that I wanted to have.
And that cat! So cute!