And NOW they tell me that there is no manual.

So, I'm going through my facebook, like I often do, and stumble across an invaluable post.  Now, the person who posted it I'm sure wasn't thinking, "Yep... Laura... She needs this."  But I'm so glad that they found it important enough to share because I'm learning that there is no guide to step-parenting... or parenting in general.  How did my mom do it alone?!  So the article is here.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-macy-stafford/the-important-thing-about-yelling_b_4484027.html  Go Ahead, I'll wait while you read it.

Now, I don't have any kids of my own... I have Graylee... my dog.  That's my child.  But I was blessed enough to find a husband (super dad) that had two BEAUTIFUL children that he handpicked me to help raise.  WOW.  If that isn't an ego boost, I'm not sure where you will ever find one.  So, I start out the fun mom.  The mom that doesn't get frustrated, sad, or aggravated.  That's good, right?  Well, then I start in on trying to fix everything.  Even things that aren't broken in my family.  Trying to be a perfectionist when I know, there's no reason.  I guess because I want to be super mom.  I want to be the mom that my kids deserve, need, and want.  I want to be the one that fixes boo-boos and one good night kiss will never do.  So I put PILE insane loads of pressure on myself to be perfect, because after all, who can love me if I'm not perfect.  (Wow... what a way to think.)  I forget that the memories I'm missing by getting angry and upset that everything's a mess or I've now had to repeat myself 30 times are far more important and precious than the 30 seconds of being the EVIL STEP MONSTER.  I struggle with finding enough patience to get through some days.  And that was a tough sentence to be honest and write.

I see my husband so carefree and able to handle any situation with NO STRESS and calmly get everything under control... EVEN ME, and I'm jealous.  I get more mad at myself for not being more patient and calm and collected.  But then again, I say that he's been doing this since the kids were babies and has earned the patience.  I think that's just to make myself feel better because that man I married is a saint.  HONESTLY.

My kids are beautiful.  INSIDE and OUT.  I'm being the most sincere person when I say that.  I love them to depths which I never knew existed and I love them as if I carried them in my womb for 9 months.  They are everything to me, like my husband is.  They are sweet and considerate.  But they also have quite the knack for sarcasm.  haha!  I like to give that credit to my husband, but I'm just as much to blame.  They are kids; they get tired; they get grouchy; they just wanna hang out sometimes.  All things I do.  But it seems easier for me to get upset with them than to realize they are just like us.  This is all very hard for me to admit but I struggle.  A LOT.  With a lot of things.  So I tell you all this to say that I'm making a promise to God, all who might read this, and most importantly my kids.

I promise to spend less time yelling and more time laughing.
I promise to put my phone down and play games more often.
I promise to put myself in your shoes before I think I need to be perfect.
I promise we can clean up that mess together and make it fun.
I promise to be the momma who kisses your boo-boos and one good night kiss is NEVER enough.
I promise to show you love through the way I love your daddy and honor him.
I promise to use sarcasm less and use sweet words more.
I promise you that I will love you to the ends of the earth.
I promise to provide you with a home you will never want to leave.
I promise to give you so many kisses and hugs that you will be sick of them.
I promise to be slow to anger and quick for hugs.

Now, I ask one thing in return... patience for letting me get all these promises in line.  I can change and do this, but need help.  But I promise I won't be afraid to ask for it.

Please friends, go hug your babies and honeys tight and let them know that you will always be there... even in  your grouchy moods.

{lou}