When you're a mom you have a lot of responsibility. Many things fall on our mommy shoulders...providing the necessities of life, raising children with good morals and values, keeping them safe from harm, guiding them through life, making lunches, changing bums, kissing boo-boos...the list goes on.
There are so many things that go along with this job of being MOM. I have to add being an ADVOCATE to the list.
Some of the things I listed above I think I'm really good at...others...not so much.
Things like PTA (that's Parent-Teacher Association for the moms of kids not yet in school) scare me off a bit. I had Jackson when I was young (by today's standards anyway) so when I went to parent meetings I always felt a little out of place. So I quit. Now, that I'm more mature (haha, some beg to differ) I am starting to get better at being a part of the mommy crowd and voicing my opinion.
I do love to volunteer at the school - it's been tough since January because I'm working full-time, but it's so fun to be around the kids and it's the most rewarding thing to be able to give back to the school, the teachers and the adorably fun kids.
School trips are always a hit too - Jake wants me to go on his next field trip with him - how sweet is that? He assured me that if I can't fit on the bus (because SO many parents want to go - don't you know), I can just drive up and meet the group there. So sweet.
Last year I got over my mommy shyness a little bit. After chatting with a neighbour about how our 'hood didn't have a park, I contacted our city councillor. I really felt passionate about advocating for our kids and the kids in the area. We really needed someone to play, socialize and meet new friends! After many contacts and her hard work with the city, we were able to get the ball rolling on a new play structure. There were a few naysayers. For example the one person who wanted a tall cone shaped play structure that kids climb on -- and it spun in circles too! Oh yeah, that's great fun -- particularly for a peds nurse who knows THAT is a head injury waiting to happen!
I did the politically mommy correct thing and had a meeting at my house about the park and what the neighbours wanted. My dear neighbour (also a nurse, love that she fully understood my 'head injury waiting to happen' issues) helped me to pass around the playground catalogues and got input from our neighbours. We all picked the ones we liked from the catalogues and the peeps with the budget made the final call. During this meeting; if I recall correctly, there were kids playing in our basement and someone came up and accused Jake of saying a$$$$$$$hole. OHMIGOSH. Really??????? I was horrified!!
..............................
No, not really - turns out he was playing King of the Caaaastle. Wouldn't that just up my status for mother-of-the year. Whewwww.
So after some heated discussions (nope sorry, no one plays with tether balls anymore) we decided on a structure that suited 18 months to 12 years. (It's actually tough to find one for all age groups- so many are either for 2-5 or 5-12 years)
It was installed last winter so we didn't get much time to enjoy it....but now that the warm weather is here, it's a hit! Jake even told his friends & our neighbours that when I die, I will be famous because they will then name the park after me! That makes it all worth it.
Isn't it gorgeous?
Now that I've mastered the mommy advocated park installation...
I'm sure PTA will be a piece of cake.






Recent Comments