Parenthood

‘Yes Mom’

Posted on by Ang Anderson

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So, we just got back from a lovely vacation at a cabin up north. (We are already considered “up north” where we live but for us to take our holiday, we most certainly must head in another direction.) We had a relaxing and enjoyable time at Lake Belle Taine near Nevis, MN. Of course, now that we are back, I am feeling the sudden let down of not being on vacation. The After Vacation Blues have nestled in, as I suspected they might. While there are many things to miss from our vacation, one particular aspect was highlighted to me last night in a particularly bright light.

What is that one thing I miss most about being on vacation? I miss being a ‘Yes Mom’. You see, while at home I am constantly calculating how many ounces of juice my children have consumed, how many hours of screen time they’ve had, and how much time they have played outside in any given day. These numbers are all circulating in my head to be pulled forth at the necessary moment, to reiterate, recalculate or refute children’s inaccurate claims. This is exhausting. (Yes, I have their best interests at heart but it’s a tiresome adventure none the less.) But while at the cabin, I just said ‘Yes!’. All. The. Time. I said ‘Yes!’ to copious amounts of juice and sugary soda, to ice cream, to candy, and anything my children’s hearts desired. I didn’t have to keep track of how much time they spent outside. They played board games and card games. They played on the playground. They played on the beach. They played in the water. They went fishing with their dad and uncle and caught plenty of fish to brag about. They canoed and paddle-boated and had wonderful adventures I hope they remember forever.

Do you know what? It felt GREAT. I LOVED it!

That must be akin to the same rebellious excitement I feel when I let the kids have ice cream for dinner.
They love it. I love it. Because I get to say ‘Yes!’. And they get to hear it. Isn’t that what we all want?

P.S. In honor of being a ‘Yes Mom’, we had ice cream for dinner tonight. With chocolate. And sprinkles. And smiles.

Favorite Things

Posted on by Ang Anderson

favorite things

Each night at bedtime, my son and I have a very important ritual that we partake in.

It goes something like this:

Easton: “Mama will you lay by me?”

Me: “Of course.” (Crawls in bed with him)

Easton: “Will you rub my back? On the inside?”

Me: “What was your favorite thing you did today?” (Rubbing his back. On the inside.)

I get various answers ranging from an amusement park adventure we had last summer (to which I say, “That wasn’t today” and he replies, “I know but it was my favorite thing!”) to spending time at Grandpa and Grandma’s or watching a movie. The answers I love best are the simplest ones. The ones I don’t think of. I love the days he surprises me with something I would not have expected.

Of course, it is rarely actually a “thing” that is the favorite. It is an activity, event, or moment in our day. ‘Favorite Things’ always makes me think of Oprah and her amazing give-aways. We are certainly not competing with Oprah in our favorite things each night. (Last time I checked, we hadn’t made the Forbes Top Anything List.) However, the riches that we receive in our daily lives completely humble me. They illustrate that the favorite and blessed moments that bring the most joy rarely cost a thing.

I now have a confession to make. I started this post a long time ago.

I found it in my drafts and dusted if off.

*clears cobwebs*

*coughs*

So, now you know. I start things and don’t finish them.

I said it. I admit it. It’s true.

What can I say?

I’m here now, aren’t I?

*smiles*

So, while the draft included Easton, I would like to include Eva in this story as well. She is now talking and walking and after all, nearly four. Our ritual was never really the same because she is daddy’s girl to the core. But I now ask my daughter this question too. Being a girl, she usually proceeds to give a bulging synopsis of the days activities. Her answer is lengthy, detailed and extremely descriptive. Totally a girl thing. (Did you know women typically use twice as many words as men throughout the day?) It’s probably best that she bonds with daddy at bedtime. If it was her and I, we’d be awake until well after midnight.

I cherish the dialogue at bedtime with each child. It closes the day in a sweet, loving way to hear their precious thoughts. I love asking my children this question (among others) each night and also try to remind myself of my favorite things as I head to sleep too.

Counting Blessings –

Merry Christmas

Image posted on by Ang Anderson

Christmas Donuts

It is that festive time of year, to bring good cheer wherever you can. Last Saturday, I chose to infuse some fun into our breakfast. I baked some chocolate donuts and donned them with red, white and green sprinkles. Sometimes it’s the little things. The kids, of course, loved them. I am reminded by the events in the world that it is actually always the little things. Kisses, hugs, squeezes, and tickles abound at the Andersons in firework finale fashion. I see my kids through lenses that have been adjusted into a heightened state of awareness. I am reminded that the traditions we cling to each Christmas are more important than ever. I am grateful for each moment. I delight in the simple smile returned by a stranger and the way my children’s faces light up at the magic of Christmas. I will cherish each moment, tiny and gigantic, and know that some parents are not as fortunate. My heart has been sick for the families in Connecticut and I carry that with me as I go about my days. While there are tears behind my smiles, there is also a deep sense of meaning and purpose for my own life and the lives of my children. I find an ever-pressing need to bring God into every part of our day, because I need Him now more than ever. We have many great books about Christmas and this year we made the delightful discovery of a new favorite, God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren. (Lisa is also the author of God Gave Us You.)

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The pages are beautifully illustrated and the story is endearing. One of my favorite pages and text:

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May God be with you this Christmas and each day of the new year.

May you find magic in His majesty and wonder in His love.

May you find His light in the darkness and may you be a light for others.

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Merry Christmas!