I am Mommy. Hear Me...List!

My last post asked you to do a little Mom Project. I've just finished my "things I'm doing well as a mother" list below, and found that it wasn't all that easy. I don't know, it just doesn't come naturally to praise oneself. But it does feel good in the end and it's probably healthy, right? If you haven't made your own list, I encourage you to take the time. It's therapeutic!

Here it goes:

• I truly respect my boys as the unique little people that they are. I think of them this way rather than simply as children. It helps me to understand their behavior and (hopefully) makes me more patient with them.
  

• I try to keep myself educated on developmental stages so I can better understand my kids and therefore (hopefully) be less frustrated with (sometimes) crazy behaviors.
  

• I'm a ton of fun (when I want to be). We make up dances and skits and puppet shows. We're just plain silly. These are my favorite times in life.
  


• I try to exemplify unconditional love intentionally, all day, every day. When my boys get in trouble, I try to make an effort to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always good and always loved.
  


• I work hard to feed my family well-rounded, healthy and fresh foods.
  


• I make sacrifices for the sake of my kids, even if I don't feel like it.
  


• I take the time to answer one million questions a day, and I'm quite thorough about it. I love teaching my boys new things.
  


• I talk about what a Superhero God is a lot. We talk about His love a whole lot. I work hard to teach myself about this amazing unconditional love thing, so that I'm living what I'm preaching.
  


• We do something outside the house that the boys think is cool nearly every day.
  


• I make up great songs that rhyme nicely.


• Hugs and kisses are my specialty. Saying I love you is also a great skill of mine.
  


• Books, books, books...we're all about the books.

• I usually know when I need a mommy time out and I ask for help.
  

• I try to be an example of treating other people with respect and kindness. I want my boys to have good old-fashioned manners, so Miles already knows he has to open doors for other people. Even if they're heavy. I'm so mean. Tough love, people. Tough love.
  

• We're doing well at considering the planet as a family. Miles knows what needs to be recycled and not to let the water run forever while he washes his hands. And why.

• I am genuinely happy to have these two boys to call mine. I pray that this happiness exudes from me as I spend my days with them. More than my frustration exudes on the bad days. I hope they'll simply know how crazy I am about them because I feel it so intensely.
  

So there you have it. I sheepishly present this list of awesomeness for your evaluation.

Many of you have mentioned needing to think about it. You can add your comments or links anytime. In my world, there are no deadlines. (Except for maybe with bills, I don't like late fees.)
Thank you to each of you who've already done your lists. I have absolutely loved reading them in the comments and your posts with Mr. Linky. (you can click on Mr. Linky and add your post there if you'd like)
Thank you all for joining in.

(I will post my regularly scheduled Sunday Suck Ups later today.)