The most recent episode of "Modern Family" had Claire, the mom, wearing all the gifts she'd received in years past for Mother's Day. I seem to remember a "Cosby Show" episode that was similar for Father's Day. This will never happen in our family in the future. The reason why? I throw away pretty much everything. Really. I do. I don't frame the drawings they bring home from school, and I don't have scrapbooks with every birthday card they've ever received. And when they play soccer, I'm not going to keep all those "participation" trophies forever. (Maybe I'll keep something that counts for a championship.)
Today we were rushing around to get the house ready for a showing (yes, it's on the market), and I threw away part of Anna's preschool Mother's Day present - a paper teapot she'd colored. However - I did keep the tea that we're supposed to drink that will give us quality time together. NO MATTER. That afternoon Anna realized the teapot was gone and she had an absolute meltdown about it. The best quote, "Mommy, WHY do you throw away everything I make at preschool???"
Ouch. It's true. I throw 98% of it away. I didn't think she noticed, honestly. And so there's another reason for my children to need therapy.
And to tell the truth, the rest of the day held many more frustrated parent / child interations...
Playing baseball, where I mostly was annoyed that Anna wouldn't throw the ball overhanded and her underhanded throws are terrible.
Negotiating her daily wardrobe.
Threatening Anna with bedtime because she wouldn't clean up.
Answering the same question over and over and over. (This makes me crazy!)
Really, the only way I can survive this is to believe in the grace of God. I'm messed up, and not at all a perfect mother. Or even a semi-good one most of the time. But He is bigger than any parenting flaws and sins.
And no, my family (mom in particular) does not appreciate my unsentimental attitude toward keepsakes. I'm pretty sure their will says something about my sister inheriting all their stuff.
1 comments:
maybe our kids can go to therapy together, b/c I throw everything away too :) I did watch that episode and almost felt a little guilty, but then reality hit about how much clutter my house already has....I can't handle any 'thing' else! My mom saved a lot of things from my childhood, but I ended up throwing it away once I was old enough.... I am just not sentimental.
Of course, I am not the best example since my request for mothers day was to have a day ALONE....heehee (but for real!) Being a mom sure does make me thankful for God's grace :)
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