I thought my mom was mean...

... until I became a mother.  

I love my mom!  She's always been my best cheerleader, guiding me, and listening to me (which I know takes a lot of patience).  I have always felt close to her.

However, there were times I thought... geez, what is her deal!

Here are a few examples of my pre-parent thoughts.

"Why does she say she needs at least a few hours of not talking to children before she goes to bed? Doesn't she love talking to me?"

"Why does she say, 'Stop using my name in vain! You have two parents.' Umm, she's the one I need to talk to."

"What's with her not wanting to share her water and food with me?  Doesn't she like to share everything with me? All the time?!"

Well, now I'm a mother.

And a mother to three. Boys.

Now, I understand that my mother was just a mother.

And being a mother isn't a easy job.

My mother minded self can now relate and thinks...

"Wow! It's been a long, non-stop day of serving, and I need some time to breathe and gear up for doing to all over again tomorrow."

"Hearing your name being said over and over, with a request for something, gets tiring."

"Can't I just have a drink free of kid backwash! Is that too much to ask?"

So, mom, I am starting to realize what it takes to be a mother.  I am sure glad I have you to look to and talk to!  You have done a great job and continue to be a great mother (and grandmother).

And don't get me wrong, I love being a mother. I love my boys.  I wouldn't trade it for the world,

but I don't think there is anything that can prepare you for motherhood.

The feelings of inadequacy, the amount of patience required, the selflessness, but also the love, the joy of seeing their little smiles and watching them learn and grow.  

Hearing them say, "I love you, mom!"

It doesn't get much better than that!

(The only way I could get a pic of these three was to literally hit myself on the head with a toy... it's the only thing that seems to work! Stinkers! :)

Here's reality...