Sandy Speaks…

Have you ever been hit by an emotion so suddenly that your immediate reaction almost knocked you down?  

The realization that my new baby was going to grow up too quickly was the day that he no longer fit into his newborn diapers.  I burst into tears and sobbed while trying to hold him still while searching for the Size 1 diapers!  ”Oh my word”, I said to myself between tears, “So, this is why people kept saying ‘they grow up soooo fast’ while I was pregnant” (something that I find myself doing to every expectant woman I see now).  

This week, almost four years later, it hit me again whenever I placed the call to enroll my son, Jake, into pre-kindergarten.  When I hung up, I started sobbing…almost uncontrollably!  ”How in the world did the last four years go by so quickly?” I wondered, as I felt a big sense of nostalgia and a small sense of panic.  Am I spending enough quality time with him?  Am I focusing on what is most important to create a life of prosperity, safety, and happiness for him?  Am I teaching him everything he needs to know to be a good student and, most importantly, a good person?

Later that day, I overheard him say to one of his toys “My Mommy is grateful.”  I relaxed and thought “Well…I am off to a good start!”

(picture courtesy of http://freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=989)

I hosted a baby shower at my house last week for a small group of women who, like me, have 3 year old children.  We recounted stories of things that our children recently said or did.

One Mom talked about how her daughter called a friend a “dumb ass”; another lamented because her child wouldn’t bow or curtsy during a school play because he didn’t want her to think he was acting silly; another described how her daughter was pretending to be ‘the Mommy’ and slapped her hand on her forehead in exasperation; another spoke about how her daughter pointed to a man wearing an earring and proclaimed loudly “boys aren’t supposed to wear earrings…only girls”; and I shared that, when my friend watched Jake the other day, he said “Have you seen Sandy Harper’s Gratitude Boot Camp on Facebook?”

We all laughed because kids say the darndest things!  We also pointed out all of the wonderful things that we do as Mothers and didn’t allow each other to feel badly about anything our children say or do that might cause us to feel guilt…after all, there is no such thing as a perfect Mother.  

Later, I thought about how our children are such mirrors of us!  I thought about what my child said and realized that I’ve been working too much lately!  So…I am committing right now to spend a minimum of one hour of uninterrupted time with him per work day (even if it is in 5 – 15 minute increments)…no phone and no computer allowed!  We are going to sit down right now and play a board game…as. soon. as. I. finish. posting. on. Facebook, that is!!!

(Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

I had to write my annual poem
   As 2009 comes to an end
I am full of love and gratitude
   That to all of you I had to send.

Jake is now three years old
   He is friendly and such a little man
He is very tall with a head full of curls
   He speaks Spanish, sings songs, and is Mommy’s biggest fan.

Stephanie is a full-time student now
   And I can’t believe that Hailey has turned ten
I lost both Shakespeare and Spencer
   I sure miss my sweet, furry friends.

My family is happy and healthy
   A great-nephew named Luke Ryan arrived
I’m available to consult about real estate
   I still eat Mila each day to feel healthy and alive.

I created Gratitude Boot Camp
   Where I coach about counting your blessings
There is a Gratitude Boot Camp fan page on Facebook
   I can’t wait to see what miracles GBC brings.

I’m the Leader in Orlando and Celebration
   For a wonderful organization
Women’s Prosperity Network
   Is expanding throughout the Nation.

I’ve created a mantra for the New Year
   Let’s all say it together
Stand tall, Smile, and Shout Out Loud
   “2010 is my best year EVER”!

           HAPPY NEW YEAR!!