"Ain't No Hood Like Motherhood!"

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. You truly have no choice but to put on your SUPERWOMAN cape and GO! You play the role of teacher, doctor, chef, lawyer, accountant, trainer, motivator, and so much more, every day. Some days, you are just pooped. Your engine moves in slow motion.

Today is one of those days.

It just seems like there aren't many hours in the day to check everything off my to-do list, and by the time I blink my eyes, it's time for after-school activities. Between the three girls, who are all enrolled in gymnastics or dance, it can be challenging. However, we make it work. Fortunately, I have the help of my husband and I'm able to see how well they are all progressing in their activities. I'm normally at dance with the 4 yo. because she's a Mama's girl. Today, however, my 8 yo & 7 yo excitedly asked if I can take them to gymnastics. The youngest wasn't very happy, but she accepted the fact that if her Daddy took her, she could stop at Stripes and get a cold slushee before heading to dance. LOL!

So, of course, I suited up and took the two eldest to gymnastics and I'm so glad I did! I brought a book to skim through while they warmed up, but for some reason today, I didn't pull that book out. I watched my girls from the beginning of warmup to the very end of practice. As I watched them in awe, their faces lit up with each cartwheel/routine they practiced. Maybe, it was because they looked up and saw their Mommy clapping and smiling from ear to ear after each drill. (Yes, I'm one of those moms who cheers them on, even during practice!)

I was their biggest cheerleader today. I think the other moms started clapping when they saw how excited I was. I glanced at one mom, who complimented my practice style. "Man, you're on fire for your girls and this isn't even competition! We need more moms like you." I smiled and thought about what she said for a second. Then, I said, "I have to be their biggest cheerleader. It starts now. So, when they grow older, they will know the importance of cheering and being happy even before something big happens." She agreed.

I replayed what she said in my head on our way home. I know that today's practice didn't only light up my spirit, but it lit up my daughters' as well. Yes, there's no hood like motherhood, and today is just a little example of that saying. I'm constantly tired, some days even exhausted, but in this moment, all of those feelings disappear. I wasn't thinking of how exhausted I was and how there's still so much work to do once we touch down at home. All I was focused on was being in my realm of motherhood. It was the best feeling in the world.

SO, for any moms out there who constantly just go, and it seems like there's just not enough time...KEEP GOING. KEEP STRIVING. KEEP being the best MOM you can be. YOU'RE NOT ALONE! And at times when you feel exhausted and you can't go on(and there are many of those days) JUST KEEP GOING. After all, you have little eyes watching you daily- cheering you on in this journey of motherhood every step of the way!~WE