This morning I laid flat on the floor with my two kids trying to wake up. It was early and my brain had not cleared the fogginess of sleep. Both of them had been up for awhile and like all children, their exuberance had kicked in the moment they opened their eyes. I, on the other hand, have lost that ability to wake up and instantly have zeal and zest oozing from my every pore. Like many mornings, I lumbered out of my bed, into their playroom and onto the floor desperately trying to resume even the slightest semblance of sleep.

Between building blocks, race cars, and the comfy Elmo chair I like to rest my head on I played with them half-heartedly, moving a toy here and there, smiling when I could to avoid having to talk just yet. Happily they both played, digging for toys, rolling the balls back and forth. If my son yanked something out of his sister’s hand, she just moved onto something else. Like a sloth I laid there, curled up and groggy, fighting to stay awake while my brain wanted to nod off.

Fortunately, the mommy fortitude kicked in, and from where it came from I do not know, but after a few minutes their gleefulness began to energize me. Hearing them laugh, making silly sounds and being so effervescent, invigorated me. It spoke to me in the magical way moms and their kids are connected. Soon I was playing with a few toys, looking for my favorite Hot Wheels™, grabbing a book and wrapping myself around them to read, “Quick as a Cricket”, for the millionth time.

It seems that women, we have the ability to dig deep and muster the strength, joy and love our kids need no matter how much our bodies feel deprived. How often have you given your own food to your child? How many times have you stayed up late to make sure they have what they need for the next day? If someone told me I had to chop off my arm to save my child, I couldn’t find a knife fast enough. Women walk for miles carrying their children on their backs, and reports have been made of mothers lifting vehicles to save a child from being crushed. There is no limit to the power of mothering, nothing we wouldn’t or couldn’t do for our kids. As much as I sometimes feel upset that my body isn’t always up for another race around the park, or my patience wears thin when I have to go down the slide for the fiftieth time. I know that encoded in us is the strength and determination that regardless of how tired, sick or distracted we are, we always find time for our kids.

Congratulations on being a mom, having that extra something special inside you.  Hats off to you for each and every day you get out of bed and be there for your kids. No matter how tired you feel, know that you are amazing.

Standing on my soapbox,

JB

Catherine Wade Diede from  The Dabbling Mom says,

“Besides the traditional and often commercial ways to have fun, parents can find less expensive and more spontaneous ways to have fun with their kids by tapping into a few spur of the moment activities, such as:

* Unusual Eat Ins
Think beyond the normal family dinner and try eating in unusual places: dine under the table, make a tent   with blankets, picnic in the living room, or eat in bed while watching a funny movie or having a family chat.

* Get Lost
Spending time together doesn’t necessarily mean doing something organized. Take an afternoon walk and “get lost” exploring new parts of your neighborhood, or drive to a part of town you normally don’t see. Look at the different types of houses and businesses you find there, map out your adventure, and/or make up a story about the different people and places that live there…”

To continue reading Catherine’s list, please visit TheDabblingMum.Com.