I'm writing a book for one of my friends. (I'm always writing a book about something, ha!)
The title of the book is going to be: "What I wish I knew about being a Wife and Mother BEFORE I became a wife and mother."
I remember friends and family making comments on topics they wish they knew before they were married or had children. These comments enlightened me before I was married and since have brought me a great deal of encouragement and understanding. For example, I remember my sister once saying (I'm not sure if she remembers this or not), "If I knew I was signing up to be the maid when I got married, maybe I would have thought harder about the decision." That comment has been encouraging to me over and over again because there are times when I feel overwhelmed by "housework," and to know there is someone else out there that has felt the same way, at least once. Ultimately, it helps me feel like I'm not alone.
Other examples: I wish I knew how to teach my kids to read. I wish I would have taken a childhood development class. Something that has surprised is how kids LOVE to be nude. I've been surprised at how kids notice the details we, adults, think are minor and insignificant.
So, I'm asking you. What's surprised you about being a mom and/or wife? What do you wish you would have learned before you were married and/or had children? Or anything else you think would be appropriate under the topic of "What you wish you had known before you were married and/or had children."
And, for legal purposes (he, he), by commenting you are authorizing your comment to be anonymously included in my book :)
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ReplyDeleteThe very first thought that came to my mind was how much your heart is opened up with each child. Your capacity to love and care is reaches new heights.
ReplyDeleteWatching your children have children and the way it changes their lives is very heart warming. To see the joy in their eyes and actions is something that makes you appreciate them even more. Watching your children raise their families brings back memories of younger days when you were trying to understand and do the best you could with what you knew. The very best help I had was from Heavenly Father. He would always help me to know what I could do better. I just had to ask, listen and act.
I believe me exact qoute is "If I knew I was signing up to b a miad I wouldnt have doen it." And also due to my current state, why do women have more than one child?
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks so much for the Christmas presents, Ethan REALLY likes the marble thing and has become quite a pro at it. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have bought a camera sooner. There are moments every day that I want to capture forever. Granted, that means that there are moments that I would like to throw away as well. Which leads me to point number two: I wish I were better at letting go of the hard times, and better and enjoying life. I think most moms would agree with that. We're counseled to find happiness in all things, but sometimes the bathroom HAS to be cleaned, and you can no longer put off the housework, for safety's sake. That's the times when you have to put on some music, sing a song, or do something to make the unhappy things into a party.
ReplyDeleteI also wish that I were better equipped to let insults roll off my back and revel in the compliments a little more. I take criticisms way too harshly, and in any marriage--no matter how perfect the man--there will be criticism, change, and hurt. That's why I need to improve at taking compliments better, so they will help me through the things I need to change.
One thing I'm GLAD I did was talk to other people about sex. Sorry, but there it is. Being a virgin bride, there was a lot of learning to do. Of course, I wouldn't give that learning with my husband up, as it has brought us so much closer to each other. I am very glad I talked to my gynecologist and my mother, so that I was able to enjoy a very special, sacred thing with my husband, without fear or pain.
Finally, the best advice I ever heard for a marriage came from my Grandfather: "Don't Believe everything you think." Just because there's yellow water on the bathroom floor doesn't mean your husband missed.
(Ha Bridget, you asked for it!)
I heard a prominent man in the community once say, "Teach your children to be friends."
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