The Dragons and I were in the waiting area at the car dealership, zillions of popcorn kernels and nutrigrain crumbs were strewn all over the carpet (because the best way to keep Dragons quiet and out of trouble is with the use of food… any food.. the mess is irrelevant), and all was well with the world when an older woman noticed that two of #1’s fingernails had been painted pink and blue. Tacked onto the end of her observation were 6 words that will strike a nerve in any parent.

“Oh, you’re that kind of mother”

The exact intention of her sentiment continues to leave me quite befuddled because, lets be honest, my name isn’t Inspector Gadget and ain’t no mom got time to decipher the nonsensical statements made by the geriatric generation.

But nonetheless, it got me thinking. I’ve yet to define myself as to who I’ve become (as a mother) due to the simple fact that motherhood is constantly changing… constantly evolving. I am constantly changing… constantly evolving. In a season where no two days are ever the same, is self definition even a possibility?

For now, I (and my parenting style) may not fit into a neat, tiny box but as for the woman who knows no filter, I’m deciding to agree. I am that kind of mother.

I’m the kind of mother who encourages her children to go outside and get as dirty as freakin’ possible because it’s a hell of a lot of fun

I’m the kind of mother who encourages her children to eat their food with gusto

 

I’m the kind of mother who encourages the importance of personal hygiene

I’m the kind of mother who allows her son to put makeup on with her in the mornings. It isn’t a political statement and it has even less to do with breaking down the barriers of gender stereotypes. It keeps him entertained, out of trouble, AND has the added bonus of quality time

I’m the kind of mother who encourages her children to continuously test their limits (which is probably why they’re dragons, let’s be honest)

I’m the kind of mother who encourages sibling love, even when it hurts

I’m the kind of mother who teaches that good cooking feeds the soul

I’m the kind of mother who encourages her children to express themselves artistically

 

I’m the kind of mother who chooses her battles. Wearing new shoes to bed? Go for it!!!

 

I’m the kind of mother who encourages a curiosity and love of nature

I’m the kind of mother who teaches the overwhelming love, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, and strength that can only come from the Lord above.

I’m also the kind of mother who finds herself overwhelmed with the seemingly endless lists of tasks that never seem to get shorter. I’m the kind of mother who has more patience than a Buddhist priest but when #2’s crying never ceases and in an attempt to gain my attention #1 breaks my Le Creuset skillet, I completely lose it. ..And then I just keep yelling because it just feels so good to get it out.

In defining myself, I do not look to the instances of extreme chaos, but rather to the moments in which I feel the most joy… where I feel whole. I guess in defining myself, I should start there.

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