What they don't tell you in the "Mother Manual"

First, I have to begin by saying I am truly blessed to have such an amazing Mother. (And just as amazing Mother-In-Law!) It's sad that it takes becoming one to fully understand just how great you had it as a kid. I can remember those times I gave my Mother hell and some of the situations I got myself in that caused her to worry. And I know I took all that she did for me for granted. What's amazing is that no matter how old you get, or whatever your situation, your Mom will still do anything and everything for you! So now that I have kids of my own, my eyes are open to all that she did for me and all that she continues to do for me, which makes me love and appreciate her more and more every day!

So what have I learned in the 10 years I've been a Mom? Well, let me share some with you! Things you don't think of when you are busy registering for all the cute baby clothes, and bath towels, when you are deciding how to decorate the nursery, and looking for that perfect name!

*Only a Mom has the ability to find whatever is missing. (Even if it's "missing" in plain sight on the bedroom floor.)

*A Mom can sleep in a chair, a twin size bed, or a couch (sitting up) with a sick kid.

*That even though the bathroom door is closed, you still don't get a minute to yourself!

*That your body will never look like it did before the 4 c-sections.

*That being a Mom is the most thankless-yet most rewarding "job" there is. (And keep in mind, they'll thank you when they have kids of their own.)

*Once you become a Mom you will ALWAYS worry about your kids. The worry just changes from..."Will he be potty trained before preschool starts?" to "He better not be texting and driving." to "Will he find the right girl?" to praying for a healthy grandbaby, to "Hope they can get through the teenage years with little Susie." (I'm hoping I at least get a granddaughter!)

*That sometimes you are more nervous than they are. (Especially when the 5 year old shares story after story after story.)

*That no-bake cookies ALWAYS make a bad day better!

*That rotel can be considered a serving of veggies.

*That you will be your kid's #1 fan and that watching them compete is soooo much better than your own playing days.

*That EVERYTHING is your fault. (Even though you don't wear the retainer, you didn't play the Wii last and lose the remote, you didn't set the glass of fruit punch on the living room floor, and you didn't predict the weather.)

*That the only word that your 1 year old knows and can say clearly at 3am is MOM!

*That they REALLY need to talk to you when you are on the phone! (And only when you are on the phone.)

*That you should always, always, ALWAYS go with your gut when your 9 year old says he still doesn't feel good and isn't acting right!

*That you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Your almost 2 year old will talk eventually, your 3.5 year old won't be going to 1st grade in a pull up, your 10 year old will eventually learn his multiplication facts, and your 5 year old will figure out wearing jeans in 100 degree weather probably isn't a good idea. (All summer projects!)

*That a dandelion can be the most beautiful flower when your son gives it to you with a HUGE smile on his face.

*That nap time = YOUR time! And you NEVER, EVER wake a sleeping baby!

*That if you could, you would take away every pain, every heartbreak, every tear and make it your own.

*That even though they can drive you CRAZY...their smiles, hugs, and kisses make it all worth it!

*That vaseline comes out of hair after soaking the child in the bath and covering him with baking soda, shampoo, dish soap, and about anything else you can think of. (Took about an hour!)

*That you hope they don't embarrass you, just like they are hoping you don't embarrass them. :)

*That when your sweet boy comes to give you a hug and really buries his head in your shoulder...he's really probably just wiping his nose on your clothes! :)

*That your kids become your entertainment!

*That Mom is the only one that knows how to fold the washcloth right when someone has a temperature or their eyes itch.

*That a Mom can use 1 wipe for a 5 wipe kind of mess!

*That Sonic cherry-vanilla-dr. peppers can get you through those tough days!

*That you can spend 3 hours grocery shopping at WalMart when you don't have kids with you!

(And you can spend 30 min. grocery shopping at WalMart with a week-long list if the kids are with you!)

*Sleep? What's sleep?? Being a Mom means you can totally function with no to little sleep!

*That even though they look small and can't move around well, turn your back on them for 1 minute and expect destruction.

*And that no matter how old I am, or how many kids I have.....I still need my MOM!!!!

Hope all you wonderful Mothers out there have a FABULOUS Mother's Day!