I Am A Mom: Grateful, Blessed, and Occasionally “That Mom”

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I’m a mom.
I’m “Mama.”
I’m “Mommy.”
I’m “MOMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!”

Most days, you’ll find me in yoga pants, although I rarely do yoga. I pair them with running shoes, even though I don’t run. My hair is usually hidden beneath a baseball cap—either because I haven’t had time to deal with my gray roots or haven’t washed it in a couple of days. My nails are chipped, my underwear mismatched, and I’m often sporting my daughter’s unicorn socks. That’s just my style.

Some days, I opt for jeans—definitely not “mom jeans,” because I do have some standards. I do love to dress up for the occasional date night with my husband, but honestly, I’d prefer to wear my favorite sweats while curled up on our not-so-cozy couch, binge-watching reruns of Friends and Seinfeld, all while knowing my kids are snug in their beds just down the hall.

I’m in my mid-30s, living a middle-class life, and I’m fairly average. My housekeeping skills? Not the best, but my home is filled with love and laughter. Cooking? Not my forte. My freezer is stocked with frozen waffles, and there’s always white bread in the cupboard—please don’t judge me.

Right now, I have six loads of laundry waiting to be done, five loads to fold, and four loads that need to be put away. I am the family chauffeur, navigating our minivan—lovingly dubbed The Golden Bus—adorned with seven stick figure stickers (eight if you count the dog), a “my kid plays sports” magnet, and enough Goldfish crumbs to feed a small army. It’s a sweet ride, if you can overlook the smell and the chaos in the backseat.

I’m not perfect. I sometimes use bad language, lose my temper, and occasionally need a time-out myself. I love to pin creative ideas on Pinterest, but let’s be real—I rarely bring those ideas to life. I’ve spent countless hours binge-watching shows like Gossip Girl, Breaking Bad, and Sons of Anarchy, all while my kids were occupied. I really should get them each a puppy.

My kids are kind-hearted, and my husband and I strive to lead by example, which fills me with pride. I can be a bit inappropriate at times and often find humor in things I perhaps shouldn’t. While I don’t always stay up-to-date with the news, I keep a close watch on what’s going on with my children—they truly are my world.

I sometimes feel guilty about not spending enough time with my kids. Other times, I can’t wait to have a moment to myself. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine. There are days when I might not like my kids, but I love them every single second of every day.

I consider my children my best friends, and I hope that bond never fades. I don’t demand perfect grades; I just want them to give their best effort. If they try and stumble, they’ll get help instead of punishment. I believe that consequences should be fair. I won’t cry over spilled milk, but if someone intentionally hurts another’s feelings, well, they’d better be prepared to face the music. (And please, clean up the milk yourself—I’m your mother, not your maid!)

I find myself mediating sibling arguments regularly, and yes, I sometimes root for one child over the other in secret! I respect my children, and they respect me—that’s a must in our household.

While I once thought about going back to school to pursue nursing, life had different plans for me. Still, my “magic kisses” and character Band-Aids work wonders on little bumps and scrapes. I admire teachers greatly, even though I could never take on that role myself.

I wish I could coach my kids’ sports teams, but I will always be their loudest cheerleader, and I’ll cheer just as passionately for other kids, too. It weighs on me that I’m not a stay-at-home mom, but going to work each day keeps me sane.

I’m the storyteller, booger-wiper, spider-slayer, toy-finder, party-planner, peacemaker, dream interpreter, homework helper, and psychologist. My payment comes in the form of sweet kisses—and it’s totally worth it!

Sure, my kids spend too much time on their iPads, and I’m guilty of being glued to my phone, too. We all need to work on that.

Sometimes, I’m that mom. And guess what? It’s perfectly okay because we’ve all been that mom at some point, even if we don’t realize it.

I am grateful.
I am blessed.
I am a mother.

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Summary:

In a heartfelt ode to motherhood, Sarah Lynn Carter reflects on the chaotic yet joyful life of being a mom. She describes her everyday struggles, from laundry piles to fleeting moments of frustration and pride in her children. Embracing imperfections, she highlights the importance of love and laughter in family life, while acknowledging the challenges of balancing personal time and parenting duties. Ultimately, she finds fulfillment in her role, cherishing the unique bond with her children.