Parents Who are Proud of Themselves!!

Why do parents feel the need to log onto facebook to post what great parents they are? I'm seeing this more and more, and quite frankly I'm disgusted. Anyone who has to announce "I'm the greatest parent in the world" isn't. Great parents don't know they're great, in fact great parents often feel like they're never great enough. I will brag all day long about my children's accomplishments but you will NEVER see ME post a comment about what a great mom I am. 

Don't get me wrong, I think I'm a decent mom and I've met way worse than I, but I am not foolish enough to think I'm great. Every night after my children are in bed I think about whether I was a  "good enough" mom for the day. Did I really listen to them when they told me about their day or was I distracted by my phone, the dogs, or the dirty house? Some days I'm fortunate enough to say I have listened, other days... not so much. Everyday I reflect back on whether or not a showered them with enough hugs, kisses, and I love you's. Some days I'm satisfied and some days I'm not.  Every night before I fall asleep I vow to do better. I vow to be a better mom tomorrow than I was today. When the reality is........ I will never feel like I have been a perfect parent. Its just an impossible task.

That's why these "bragging parents" kill me. They don't brag about the kids, nope, they brag about their parenting skills. I can say that those I know personally, are bragging out of insecurity. One parent goes on and on to brag how he is a single dad and has raised his daughter when the reality is his daughter has only lived with him for 6 months and up until that point he's never been a stable fixture in her life. He was too busy screwing around on her mother. Gimme a break; get over yourself! The only people who can attest to your parenting skills are your children! If your children become well rounded, well mannered, successful adults who know how to live, love, and laugh, then and only then, may you give yourself a pat on the back. However, that pat would be much more meaningful if that child you raised was the one giving it to you; that my friends means you not only have done your job, but you did it awesomely!

New Year......Bring on the Improvements!

I'm totally stoked its a new year. It's so refreshing to feel like you have been given a do-over and since we only get one a year, I take mine pretty seriously. I have carefully considered  for days what things I would like to do differently in 2012. I know some will be disappointed that I haven't chosen to do over my cynical attitude or my crazy ability to judge everyone I encounter. Sorry folks,I believe in only resolving to change things that are possible, neither of these two are at all a possibility because ,well without them, I just wouldn't be the Stacie you all know and love. In 2012, I will still be the girl u can come to when u want the truth, not the sugar coated version, but the hard core truth. ;)

When I make my resolutions, I think of things that would make not only myself happier,but things that will make my family happier too. With that said, I've decided 2012 will be the year I make myself and my family eat clean. You know what I mean right? Proteins,veggies, fruit, and zero /zilch stuff that comes from a box. It's going to be hard as hell and I'm pretty sure my family, especially my candy loving kids, will hate me for sure so I decided to ease the blow allowing 1 meal/snack a week in which they may have whatever they want. One day they will thank me for this. I have also resolved to be more active as a family. We love the outdoors but haven't been very outdoorsy since moving to Alabama,possibly because 6 months out of the year it's Africa hot.

I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff, this will be my most difficult task. I'm thinking I shall adopt the motto of living for today. I plan to start my day with the saying "live today like its your last". I mean quite frankly we just never know, do we? My luck ,I will die on the day I decided to freak out on my entire family because they're not OCD freaks like me. I just can't have that. It's going to take HUGE amounts of reminding but I CAN do it!

Lastly, I need to make a career resolution. This one hasn't come easy because I am a hot mess when it comes to my career. Everyone thinks my job is so interesting and well it was interesting to me once too, about 10 years ago. Now it's rather monotonous and I'm super bored. I feel as if I have somewhat mastered it. Time to move on. I'm just not so sure what to move on to. I want a career where there is variation. A career where moving up the ladder is a feasible option. So I know what I want overall out of a career just need to decide if i should go back to school and more importantly what for? This year, I plan on doing some serious soul searching and if you all have any career recommendations for me, i will gladly consider them. I'm hoping by next year, I will be able to report a career change.

 I have a really good feeling about this year, better than previous years. I'm hoping my "feelings" are right. :)