One day, I will no longer be the leading lady in my sons’ lives. Their future wives should know how high (and low) I’ve set the bar.
I have great moms.
My mom and my mother-in-law are amazing women (and I don’t just say that because they willingly take our three children whenever called upon).
I’ve heard other women complain about how they will never match up to their mother-in-law. Or how their mother-in-law puts unnecessary pressure on them to be perfect. Or, the worst offense of all, how their husbands complain about their inability to do things like dear old Mom.
I thought about the type of mother-in-law I’ll be one day.
I’d like to believe that I will be supportive, and that I’ve raised my sons to make good choices. In an ideal world, their future wives will come to me without hesitation for advice, support and unconditional love.
What they should NOT come to me for are instructions on how to cook, keep a clean house, remember birthdays, or stay focused on any single task for too long without being distracted. (I had to turn off the VMAs in order to finish this blog … I am fascinated by One Direction!) They should also avoid asking me for fashion advice, directions, or help with math.
In spite of my shortcomings, however, I’ve learned I bring a lot (of fun and nonsensical information) to the table. So, to the young ladies who will one day steal my boys’ hearts, do not even attempt to one-up me in any of the following areas.
1. Karaoke – I own the song “I Love Rock N Roll” and I’m willing to bet I’d bring a tear of pride to Joan Jett’s eye with my stellar rendition.
put another dime in the jukebox baby
2. Voice Volume - Librarians hate me.
3. Living Out My Glory Days – Not only can I catch a mean fastball, I will also challenge grown men to race me from home plate to first base.
( … which leads me to No. 4.)
4. Embarrassing My Boys - No matter what you do, it won’t top anything I’ve already done to them.
I don’t wanna let them go for awhile.
5. Excessive eating - You can’t out-exercise a bad diet, but that will never stop me from trying. Salads are overrated.
Num num num
That’s my short list.
As women helping to raise children, we all have shortcomings as well as areas where we are unmatched.
What are some of yours?
