Moms Unite! Mothering Through Social Media.

Not too long ago, it would have been virtually unheard of to meet someone in person that you really don't know. At all. Before the age of this Internet thing - which I am pretty sure is sticking around, by the way.

I remember back when "you've got mail" was the newest, hottest thing and that ding with the mailbox flag suddenly meant that someone who used to call or even write a letter (what's that, by the way?) now was able to electronically send a message - the start of today's Immediate Gratification society.

And, if you've followed us at all, you know that I have really practiced more of a Hand's Free mentality toward parenting.  I am far from perfect at this attempt, but while Baba is awake, my phone is (meant to be) not at the forefront of our daily activities. That doesn't mean that I am not drawn to every ding, tweet and ring. But, my priority is Baba.

With that, there is no denying that we live in a different time than when connection meant sitting in the closet with the phone cord wrapped around your finger talking to your best friend, who, coincidentally, lived three doors down. And, balancing where I really wish things still were (for innocence and simplicity's sake) with where they undoubtedly are.  So, it's a fact: I love social media.

I love that it keeps me connected. I love that I can still be social coordinator of our family, because, well, I know who is where, doing what and with whom. Husband would remain clueless if it wasn't for me. And, I love that I get to watch children grow up before my eyes. Here's the kicker - many, if not the majority, of these children are not littles that I even know. But, I do.

I know them because I have connected with their Mommas on social media platforms designed to bring together women who are all going through the same stages at the same time. Right now, it's all about potty training (ugh. It sucks. But, that's a different story for a different day). Aside from the world's worst task, we all watch each other's kiddos smile, laugh, grown, learn and play. It's bliss, really.

The support is like no other. Who else knows about the daily torments adventures more than someone living it every day - just like me?

So, earlier this month, Baba and I were planning a trip to visit my Grandma. In this social media life, I remembered that one of my favorite Mommas lives not far from Grams. And, so I reached out. Never having met this woman, but feeling like she was an old friend, it felt like the only natural thing to do. And, natural it was.  We met up at the local children's museum. And, we watched our littles play. And, play.

It was the sweetest thing.

I believe in socialization for Baba. Duh. I am the biggest preschool advocate there is. But, I also believe in play dates and random encounters with other kids so that Baba learns to get along with different types of kiddos.

Baba and "Baby" (her pet name for her new little friend) couldn't get enough of each other. They're at the perfect age to enjoy the company of others just like them. And, their Mommas couldn't get enough of watching them play.

At the end of the day, we all made new friends. And, there's no price on that. Two weeks later, Baba is still asking for "Baby."

I am pretty sure this is a friendship that has made its way past the screen and into our lives.

See you next time, "Baby."

Wishing I Could Jump Out Of This (Severely Delayed) Airplane

Before Baba ("BB" if you'd prefer), I loved air travel.  I did, really did. It was calming, it was adventurous and it was enjoyable. I always managed to fall asleep virtually the minute the engine started and often would not wake until the jagged landing jolted me awake. And, for the love, I wasn't even slightly aware of what being tired was. Those were the days, girl.

After Baba ("AB" appropriately designated with her initials), there is almost nothing more torturous than travelling on an airplane with a child. I seriously loathe it. It's exhausting, it's messy and I sweat buckets - attempting to keep her calm, happy and still. And, she's two.

The good news here is that I am getting the tiniest glimmer that this despised activity may, indeed, be getting easier. And, my reasoning behind it is simple: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Yeah, yeah, I really want to be a screen-free family. But, hell. On an airplane anything goes.

We flew across the country two weeks ago. Just Baba and me. I honestly would have rather been tarred and feathered, but it was for my Grandma, so it was entirely worth it. Especially now that I have gotten past the hangover that resulted from our return trip.

The flight to our destination was as close to flawless as it could have been. My perfect angel sat on my lap for the entire trip, alternating between eating and watching Mickey. Don't judge. She was quiet. And, happy.

In the middle of our trip was a perfect visit with a little old woman who counted her blessings every moment we were there.  She embraced each passing second with her great grand-child and relished in the fact that the yellow rain boots she gave Baba did not come off her feet for the entire long weekend.

It then came time to leave. And, fly home. At this point, I think maybe my guard broke down. And, that's when all hell broke loose.

A three-hour trip back to Denver became a three-and-a-half hour sit on the tarmac. Followed by the three hour flight. And, a (very tired) little one.

I won't even go into the fact that our (severely) delayed flight made our connection impossible. And, that this dumbass Momma completely neglected packing anything that would benefit us in this scenario. Granted, I had an entire bag packed of toys given to Baba by the family, but not one change of clothes, underwear or toothbrush. Not even enough diapers or wipes.

The entire day(s) was crap. But, Baba made it. And, she made it with as much grace and poise as a two-year-old can muster. During the entire ordeal, I wanted nothing more than to hurl myself out of the plane. I wanted to scream and I wanted to cry. I wanted to be anywhere other than there.

Because I hate air travel now, right?!

But, my child proved something big to me that day. It's not nearly as bad as I convinced myself that it would be. Even with the disaster of our return, it wasn't all that bad. And, good thing we're not going anywhere in the near future.

Sanity = Mickey

Need a Pep Talk? It's Mom-isms To The Rescue!

So, as I have mentioned before, my mom has amassed a lot of what my siblings and I have termed "Mom-isms."

What's a Mom-ism? Basically, a saying, motto, quote or such you may or may not be already familiar with but that she claimed as her own and repeats to us as applicable.  So, daily.  Since birth.

Mom-isms even appeared in the form of window clings or handwritten around our house when I was a kid.  Some of them are still hanging. This is for real. (Ask Sarah. She'll vouch for me on this one - she might have made fun of me once or twice for them. But, it wasn't my fault.)

The funny thing though is that the older we get, the less we make fun of her for this and the more we really "get" these messages and also find comfort in them. Life can be hard, and sometimes a few little words is all you need to turn your mood or the day around.

So, in honor of the biggest inspiration in my life, I give you my Mom's best inspirational messages.

"Think negative, get negative. Think positive, get positive."
Sounds so simple, but this one sometimes blows when I try to put it into action. It's so much harder than it sounds. I seem to get stuck in this track of negativity where it's hard to see the positive in a situation.

"I believe in myself."
I am a rockstar. Repeating this one works too, but it's just a souped up version of what Mom always told me. Especially after we become parents, it's important to repeat this beautiful mantra to remember that we are doing the best we can and man, that's good!

"Trust that life is good, even when it hurts."
But, it hurts. How can it be good? We've been there - probably many times at this point in our lives. At the end of the day, sucky things happen in life. But, in general, it is pretty darn good. Most of the time.

"No stinkin' thinkin'."
Love you, Mom. And, yes, I'll clean up my brain.

"When God closes one door, He opens a window."
Sometimes that next door isn't automatically opened, but at least a window is opened so we can catch a glimmer of what's around the corner. What can carry us through and get us to the next phase of our lives.

"What goes around, comes around."
A more traditional version of "karma's a bitch." But, it's true, isn't it?!

"Open your eyes and look."
Duh. I feel like this one has to be in every Mom's repertoire. And, seriously, could children (and their Daddies, sometimes) be any more blind? How often I want to scream, "OPEN YOUR EYES!"

"Keep it simple."
What a beautiful way to live and to parent.  We like this one a lot. Hence the name of our blog.

There is nothing like Mom's wisdom. (Or her chicken soup, but that's another post for another day). If I end this life being one-third the parent she has been, I am a wild success.

Passing on wisdom to the next generation.
This one was "Playing in the rain is fun!"

Confession: My Mom is the Fun One

There are literally countless life lessons I have learned from my mom. That woman is one tough, resilient lady.

Probably the best lesson I have learned that has been applicable to me recently is this: be positive and enjoy life.  Ok, that's two things. That's also not rocket science. But, she has practically had to pound these messages into my brain at times.  (More on her many mom-isms to come.)

The thing is, my mom completely and totally lives this every day of her life.  Hell, she exudes this message out of every pore of her body.  Sure she has bad days, or maybe even weeks, and life has definitely dealt her some big blows. But you know what, she has never ever, ever let it get her down or keep her down.  She has set an amazing example to my two siblings and myself that regardless of what terrible or tragic things may happen in our lives, we must carry on, remain positive, and live our lives as happily and fully as we can.

Ok, so maybe that's enough sappiness for one post.  However, I feel a little accolade and props is necessary.  The woman amazes me and her energy level is off the chart. Also, husband, if you are reading this, stop wondering why I like to be busy.  I promise I am getting to a point soon.

And my point is this: my mom is now at a turning point in her life as she approaches retirement. Most start to slow down about now, right? At least that's what I hear 60-year olds do. My mom? Not so much. It seems the woman is kicking it into high gear. Now it is finally HER time. I honestly don't know how she has the energy and she's still working full-time.

I live across the country from my mom and just spent two weeks with her so kept her schedule light in order to spend time with my family. The week before I got home though? She kayaked after work 4 nights (her latest sport venture), dinner out, imbibed during Friday happy hour, and hiked all day Saturday plus throw in some yard work, church, and of course her regular day job.  I am exhausted just thinking about that. (My defense: I have a 17 month old and a 3 year old. That's pretty exhausting right there.)

This is also the woman who took advantage of a winter weather state of emergency a few months back by going cross-country skiing at a local park. Her explanation, the snow was just beautiful and it was quiet and serene. Of course it was! Everyone was buying milk and hunkering down in their houses for the night.

Her activities are countless: biking, hiking, kayaking, volunteer usher at two local theaters, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, garden club, bible study, operas, weekly happy hours (must not forget happy hour!), plus her three kids and three grand kids.  Whew!

Maybe she's not so unique. After all, our parents spend the better part of two decades carting our butts around to school, sports, doctor appointments, friends houses, jobs, and college.  She's finally free and she is living it up.  And I say, go for it. I love knowing that my mom is out having fun and enjoying her life to the fullest and then some.  I can only hope to have the energy and good health at her age to continue the same level of activity.

There is a moral to this story I think.  It sounds cliché but age is completely just a number, it really means nothing and its all about your mindset.  You can do anything you set your mind to (I'm looking at myself here) and this concept extends far beyond just staying active as you age.  Definitely a message I need to absorb a little bit better once in a while.

I just wish my Mom would stay home once in a while so she had more time for me.  I'm lucky if I get 5 minutes these days. (Hi Mom!)


Yep, that's how she rolls.