I can hardly believe that October is here already! It won’t be long before children will begin thinking about Trick-or-Treating and moms may need to sharpen their creativity skills and refresh their sewing techniques. I’ve noticed that the days of simply wearing a mask are no longer suitable. Today the wee ones don some pretty elaborate garb, complemented with appropriate hairstyles, makeup, glitter, and all kinds of extras! The best part is that for many of them, their ornate apparel is designed and fashioned by their moms. Maybe it’s a competition, I’m not sure, but mothers go to a lot of trouble to carry out every detail of the costuming theme, so, before you have children, moms might want to brush up on their DIY abilities! They probably weren’t thinking about this when they had a child … SURPRISE!!!
Are you a new parent? If so, it is a moving experience, but it also opens up a whole new world and perhaps a lifestyle switch. But in time, you’ll learn just what your baby needs. It can be a learning experience for the whole family.
Patience is a great asset to refine when you have little ones. You can expect to be tested on many levels! In fact, I saw a list of tests of a mother’s patience that I had saved long ago; I’m going to share just in case this might be a day that you need a laugh!
For anyone who is considering starting a family, this might help you determine if you are truly prepared for the experience or not. This may help you prepare to withstand the first few years.
MESS TEST: You may find peanut butter on the sofa and/or curtains. You may find a lovely picture painted on your walls with a crayon. Or you could discover a fish stick behind the couch that has been there all summer. Can you pass the patience test on these possible messes?
TOY TEST: Obtain a 55-gallon box of Legos. If these are not available, you may substitute roofing tacks or broken bottles. Have a friend spread them all over the house. Now put on a blindfold and try to walk to the bathroom. If you happen to step on them, DO NOT scream as this could wake the child at night. Can you pass this test without losing your temper or swearing?
GROCERY TEST: Borrow one or two small animals (goats would work) and take them with you as you shop at the grocery store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage. A little challenging but you can do it!
DRESSING TEST: Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Try stuffing it into a small net bag making sure that all arms stay inside. You might have to work a little at that one!
FEEDING TEST: Take a large plastic milk jug and fill it halfway with water. Suspend it from the ceiling with a stout cord. Start the jug swinging and try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug while pretending to be an airplane. Try not to dump the contents of the jug on the floor. Good luck!
NIGHT TEST: Obtain a small cloth bag and fill it with 8 to 12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 8 p.m. begin to waltz and hum, holding the bag until 9 p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10 p.m. Get up, pick up your bag and sing every song you know. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4 a.m. Set the alarm for 5 a.m. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for several months. Stay cheerful!
Tests are complete. How did you do? Pass or Fail? Don’t worry, though; they may try your patience at first, but these ‘trials’ are forgotten as the years pass.
I’m sure I must have gone through them too, and certainly they weren’t funny at the time, but NOW I find them humorous. Be patient; that child is worth every trial and you WILL live through it.
Quote of the Week: “There are hard days in motherhood, but looking into your baby’s eyes, even the hardest days can feel like a blessing.” ~ Unknown Author