By The Wiz
I am sitting here listening to M. Russell Ballard as he talks about motherhood, and living in the moment, and focusing more on the “doing” than on the “getting it done”. So, let’s share some shining moments.
We have written about great moments before. Here’s one of mine. Here’s one of Tracy’s. Here’s one of Heather’s. (We also have our slacker moments, we’re all human here).
Recently, my son hugged me and said “You’re the best, mom.” That was a Shining Moment. He also refused to carry in his plate after dinner, and my daughter said she’d do it for him. Shining Moment, combined with Annoying Disobedience Moment. They are all playing well together right this minute. Shining Moment. The boy on the bus continues to give my oldest love notes daily. She continues to tell me about them. Shining Moment (the talking about it) combined with HOLY CRAP MY KID IS GROWING UP AND I AM SO SCREWED Moment.
Let’s hear some Shining Moments. Then when the dark days come, we can take these Moments out and remember why we agreed to this gig in the first place.
Blogging AND listening to Conference? Nice multi-tasking skills. You must be a mom.
Comment #1 by vernApril 6th, 2008 at 3:09 pmI didn’t hear his talk. I guess I’ll have to wait to hear what all the buzz is about.
Comment #2 by apple pieApril 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pmYes, well, I have to listen to conference over the internet, so it’s not that impressive. Or it’s not that slackery, whichever way you want to look at it.
Comment #3 by The WizApril 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pmMy Shining Moments was when my youngest (almost 3) will say sorry to me when he’s done something wrong, without me telling him to do so. Also, when my oldest will just come up behind me and give me a hug and a kiss. Those may seem so small, but to me they are HUGE!!
Comment #4 by D'On MApril 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pmWhat my nine-year-old got out of his talk:
Elder Ballard: “Say ‘Thank you’ when clean clothes are put in your drawer.”
Nine-year-old (turning to me):” Yeah, you should put them there!”
My kids put their own laundry away. Nice.
OK–Not a shining moment.
Comment #5 by mmilesApril 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pmSorry mmiles, that sucks. Maybe it’s a good thing that we couldn’t get the kids in the room in time to hear what he was telling them and then once we got them in there we were all yelling at each other so we couldn’t hear…
Comment #6 by Alison WonderlandApril 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pmBut I have a shining moment:
I tickled the Pea on the kitchen floor this morning until he nearly peed! (not that the Pea peeing is really news but give me a break, I’m trying to be positive.)
My 3 year old stroking my face while singing her rendition of “I am a Child of God” when I laid down on the couch. She was pretending to put me to bed.
Comment #7 by ErikaApril 6th, 2008 at 4:27 pmI was having a ‘why did I sign up for motherhood’ day, when through the tunnel at the Jumping Beans class my 1 year old visibly lit up and smiled at me. A huge shining moment for me.
Comment #8 by moniqueApril 6th, 2008 at 4:43 pmI loved the talk. I thought it was so nice to hear and so worth it. Lots of shining moments. One thing I tried to start with my daughter when she was young is to say in her ear before I kiss her goodnight, “You are the best part of my day.” She usually replies. Now that she is getting older, we both forget sometimes, so it is nice to slip it in every once in a while.
Comment #9 by KatieApril 6th, 2008 at 4:57 pmMy little babe is only 13 months right now, but my favorite shining moment was a few weeks ago when during feeding time she was reaching her little arms out for something. So I leaned in and as I did so she grabbed my face with both hands and pulled me in really hard to give me the biggest, slobberyest baby kiss ever. I melted right them and there.
Comment #10 by MiggyApril 6th, 2008 at 5:35 pmWhen my son was about 9 years old, I noticed he was wearing a shirt with the number 7 on it. I told him it was my favorite number and asked what his was.
Without a blink he said, “3,000.”
I told him “enthusiasm” was my favorite word, and asked what his was.
He said, “Seven.”
But then he changed his mind. “No, my favorite word is…Mom!”
Comment #11 by Susan MApril 6th, 2008 at 5:38 pmMy daughter patting my cheeks and saying, “mom, I love you sooooo much!”.
Comment #12 by AndiApril 6th, 2008 at 5:42 pmNice choice on the posts, Wizzers- on all counts!
Comment #13 by Tracy MApril 6th, 2008 at 5:45 pmJ asked me if I played Webkinz when I was a kid, and I told him that they didn’t have Webkinz when I was a kid. In fact, I informed my offspring, they didn’t even have the internet when I was a kid.
He said, “So, you lived in the old times?’
Good stuff.
Comment #14 by Heather O.April 6th, 2008 at 5:50 pmOh. Nooooo. Now we’re in the olden times? Gah!
Comment #15 by Tracy MApril 6th, 2008 at 5:53 pmMy kids always saying “thank you for the yummy dinner” no matter what kind of crap I feed them–shining moment. My kids always saying “I love you” and insisting on hugs and kisses before bed no matter what kind of crap day we had–shining moment.
Both of those are more like shining moment combined with I’m the worst mother in the world but at least my kids still love me moment. But I try to focus on the positive.
Comment #16 by bythelbsApril 6th, 2008 at 6:48 pmDD saying in her one and a half year old voice, “Ta-to, Mama” (thank you) for everything I do for her and even things I don’t do. Even when DH does something, she still thanks both of us. And random hugs for no reason. I love being a mommy!
Comment #17 by StarababaApril 6th, 2008 at 7:16 pmI loved Elder Ballard’s talk. While I get what Sister Beck was saying in her talk last conference, it left me feeling like I’m just not good enough. Elder Ballard’s talk was a great response to her talk I thought. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I just felt better after hearing his talk. Like I can do motherhood, and it will all work out. I especially liked how he reminded mom’s to take time for themselves.
Comment #18 by GingerApril 6th, 2008 at 7:22 pmElder Ballard’s talk was my favorite and it actually had me in tears at the end. It had been a hard “mother of a teenager” weekend. My youngest (14) had actually told me “You are a bad mother” on Saturday as we were arguging - I meaning discussing something. But I do know that she loves me, in her own special way.
My 22 year old son was also a “challenge” but about 18 months into his mission I finally got “the letter” - the one that told me how much he appreciated me and loved me and what I great mother I was. I had to wait 20 plus years to get that letter but it was worth the wait!
My oldest, 24 year old son, called me after hearing Elder Ballard’s talk to tell me how much he loved me and that through the talk he kept saying to himself “My mom does that, my mom does that….” So it is worth all the “what did I do wrong to deserve this moments” for those “shining moments”. I had both this weekend!
Comment #19 by Leigh Anne WilkesApril 6th, 2008 at 7:33 pmOne of my shining moments are when I see my 5 year old who tends to be quite violent and emotionally immature when it comes to dealing with his sister, instead reach out to her and give her a hug and a kiss. And also when I see him thinking through consequences when he’s about to hit someone else. I can see his mind work, and he stops himself from doing the wrong thing, and walks away instead.
I echo all those sweet little hugs and kisses and ” I wuv yous” I hear from time to time as my shining moments also. Those are priceless. I wish I could bottle them and open the bottles on the tough days when I need a lift. Or send some to work with my DH to use during the day. I love being a mommy also.
Great Post, and great conference talk also.
Comment #20 by mellocelloApril 6th, 2008 at 7:36 pmYesterday, Miss Maggo (4) and I went and had our hair cut together. It was only the 2nd time she’s had her hair cut so it was a really big deal. She got done before me and while I was sitting there having my hair dried, she patted my leg and told me that I was beautiful.
Comment #21 by moddyApril 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pmThen last night on the way home from grandma’s house ds told me that he loved me, even if my hair was too short, good times.
I love it when my kids read to each other. My preschooler is just learning to read, and she will sit and read to my toddler, who eats it up. He goes and grabs another one for her and she reads (or “reads” it) proudly. I have pictures of her older brother reading like that to her, and of her reading to her little brother. It’s the sweetest thing.
Comment #22 by Emily M.April 6th, 2008 at 8:12 pmShining moments: This weekend, when my 3 oldest kids (ages almost 9, 6.5, and 5) sat through *3* sessions of Conference, and especially this afternoon’s session when we were at Grandpa’s house with the extended family and they sat still listening like perfect children. (Thank you, Conference Bingo!)
* When the same 3 kids now let me and dh sleep in until 9 am on weekends because they get the young’un (15 mos) out of his crib, get him a drink and a snack, and watch him until we get up. I can’t tell you how WONDERFUL it is to be able to sleep in again!! (Cue angels singing “Alleluia!” music.)
* Sweet comments from my son: “I just love your blue eyes!” and “You’re the best mom in the world.”
* The kids occasionally saying, “Thanks for the yummy dinner, Mom,” especially when they can see that it’s ‘been a day’ for me.
* Taking my kids camping or on a road trip sans dh during their school breaks. All of us happily surviving and looking forward to our next adventure.
* Letting my kids cook or “help me” cook, instead of getting it done quicker and easier by myself.
Comment #23 by StrollerbladerApril 6th, 2008 at 8:54 pmThe best moments for me happen when all four of my kids are playing happily together (just before the squabbling breaks out!). Sometimes they just jump on the trampoline all at once, but my very favorite thing is to watch them all play hide-and-go-seek. There’s just nothing like it… To see all four of them, ages 12, 9, 6 and 4 enjoying each other’s company… It’s moments like those, I realize what a gift I’ve given them… the gift of each other!
Comment #24 by BeckyApril 6th, 2008 at 9:53 pmI blogged about mine on my site! Loved Elder Ballard’s talk!
Comment #25 by CarrieApril 7th, 2008 at 6:33 amMy thirteen year old son will still say, “Love you mom.” when he gets out of the carpool with 5 of his friends.
Comment #26 by camayApril 7th, 2008 at 8:39 amShining moment - when my 2.5 yr old son spontaneously comes up to me and tells me he loves me. When he asks me to cuddle with him. (He was not a cuddly baby, so this is so awesome.)
Comment #27 by RorieApril 7th, 2008 at 9:32 amWhen my 8 week old gives me a huge grin. I totally love those moments.
And I must have missed Elder Ballard’s talk, because it doesn’t sound familiar at all.
Shining Moment #1- when I picked my 4 year old up early from preschool and he jumps up from the learning table shouting “Hey guys, this is my Mommy and Mommy, these are my friends”. So happy that he is at the age where his “Mommy” is still cool.
Shining Moment #2 - when the 3 year old cries because he can’t find his Book of Mormon and wants to read nighttime stories from it, rather than Goodnight Moon. I must be doing something right…..
Shining Moment #3- every time I walk into my baby’s room to get her out of the crib and she has huge slobbery grins and starts clapping her hands. True love…..
The “Shining” Moments are what get us thru the “Is This REALLY My Life????” moments!
Thanks for the post and the laughs!
Comment #28 by DeecupcakeApril 7th, 2008 at 9:41 amBrief shining moments–finding a toy monkey in my laptop bag, voice messages from my very talkative son that you can barely decipher, my 18 month old running up to me, giving me a hug, and saying “mama’s pretty,” and finding him waiting on the balcony, doing a little dance when he sees me pull up in the car, yelling “Hi mama! Hi mama! hi mama!”. And, having him loudly ask to pray (with arms folded) each time he eats, whether it is a snack at Costco, dinner in our kitchen, or out to lunch. It melts my heart.
Comment #29 by kateApril 7th, 2008 at 10:09 amI loved Elder Ballard’s talk, and love these comments. It helps me remember that there are joys mixed in with the frustrations. Some of my recent shining moments:
* spontaneous hugs and “ILY’s” from all of my kids when Elder Ballard said kids should hug and say ILY to their moms more often
* my independent college-aged son calling home to say hi, even though he’s swamped with projects, papers, plays, etc.
* my 5 y-o asking, “Mom, do you have to work tonight?” and if the answer is no, getting a hug and an enthusiastic, “I’m SO glad you get to stay home with us!”
* my teenage daughters seeking me out to talk
* my 9 y-o spending time with Dad (our Daddy’s Girl) — talking, doing sudoku, doing homework, whatever.
It’s a good life!
Comment #30 by Michelle AMApril 7th, 2008 at 11:17 amShining Moment:
My Missionary currently serving in the LB/Spanish Speaking Mission writing me over and over about how sorry he is for being such a dip over the last few years. Telling me that he finally understands exactly why I spent so much time kicking him in the butt and expecting what he once thought was way too much of him.
And why I refused to give up on him.
Funny thing is, that seed of manhood that was always within him, has blossomed to a point that has even left me in awe. His spirit is simply soaring. I can’t begin to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father.
He has grown so much these last few months. I’m actually glad that I decided not to strangle him after all.
Heavens knows I had plenty of reasons to.
Comment #31 by Tammy and ParkerApril 7th, 2008 at 11:21 amAmazing Shining moments — The first time my 2 sons and my husband blessed the Sacrament together.
–Teaching my daughter the following exchange:
Me: “Your Daddy is Crazy!”
Daughter “He sure is!”
Me: “And who made him that way?”
Daughter: “_I_ Did!!”
(She gets the biggest kick out of that!)
– When said daughter was baptized at 11 after meeting with the Bishop every year after she turned 8 to see if she was ready. She was SO excited.
– Being able to have random wierd conversations with my children that leave us all laughing
Comment #32 by MommomApril 7th, 2008 at 11:31 amWiz, thanks for this post. On my personal blog I have been writing a weekly blessing count (to help me focus on the positives in my life instead of being overwhelmed with the negatives). Your post has prompted me to include more consciously and overtly my amazing shining moments of motherhood as I name my blessings “one by one.”
Thank you seems woefully inadequate!
Comment #33 by Michelle AMApril 7th, 2008 at 11:45 amSorry, bad link in my name on my last comment.
Comment #34 by Michelle AMApril 7th, 2008 at 11:51 amRight now my 9 year old (sometimes hard to get along with
) son is taking delight in making my 10 month old giggle. Shining moment.
My kids voluntarily talking about their favorite moments of conference yesterday (nevermind that they were all jokes
). Pretty shiny.
Each time I hug/kiss one of my kids or see them after they’ve been gone for a while–that feeling of love/tenderness/belonging that surges thought you. Pretty darn shiny
.
Comment #35 by ErinApril 7th, 2008 at 2:53 pm*through* you–sorry
Comment #36 by ErinApril 7th, 2008 at 2:55 pmMy Shining Moment for the week: Last night, even though Lynne (2 months) wasn’t sleeping at midnight and I was up with her, she laughed for the first time. A couple times.
And when I made her Daddy get out of bed and come listen (he had JUST fallen asleep), she wouldn’t do it again. But then, she’s always done things for me but refused to let her Daddy participate. Until I was about 6 months pregnant, she would only kick when he was at work or asleep. Go figure.
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