Our job

As mothers our jobs typically go unnoticed and unappreciated. For the time we put forth to raise our children-our downfalls are noticed before our accomplishments. If you have not realized this I will bring you into the light.

Go through your pictures, all your pictures of your kids. How many are you included in? Out of the ones that you are in, how many of those did you take yourself or pay someone else to take? I can pretty much guarentee you that the pictures you are now holding in your hand wont even fill one of the "walmart" flip books. It sucks, for all the work that we have done, including making them look cute for pictures, we're somehow forgotten in the picture taking process-either because we're behind the camera or we're busy trying to get other stuff done. It seems like every birthday for my children this comes into play. Although I'm right there helping open presents, washing the kids up, trying to get around talking to everyone...somehow I'm always cut out of the pictures. For my daughters 3rd bday there was two pictures of me. For my sons first I only have pictures with the cake cuz I made sure to. Some of this is my fault as my camera was full, and instead of taking pictures my sister was having to erase. Unfortunately it was also my fathers bday party and do you think we got one picture of the two of them? Or Even my mother. This is just another reason why mothers should have four sets of hands.

Next who does the potty training? I mean yes fathers are important, and my husband is working two jobs to try and get things paid off quicker. He's an amazing father and an amazing husband, but it will never cross his mind to take a picture of the kids and I sleeping because it is so cute. Over halloween I asked him to take a picture of us carving...he did...but cut me out.

As mothers we get the brunt of the attitudes, the brunt of the meltdowns. As fathers they think it is hilarious to pick on the kids and then wonder why the kids are mad. This is a trait universal with men. The minute they walk in the door it's like a switch is turned on, they decide to tickle them til they scream, or take their food out of their hands and threaten to eat it, or pin them on the floor. All of which end in one thing...the kids screaming or throwing a fit. Then our men wonder why we get mad, cuz it isn't like we havent heard enough screaming or tantrums that day. Even better when the table is turned and out of no where your children hit them, or take their food, they then want to yell at them. I DONT THINK SO. You taught that behavior!! ugh...men-they will never understand this! I promise this is universal bc after talking to many other woman--my mother included--every father does this!

Finally we kiss the boo boo's, we dry the tears, we wipe the butts, we clip the fingernails, we clip the toenails and we give the baths the majority of the time. But if your children had the chance to choose between you and daddy-they seem to always choose daddy. Unfortunately as much as you try to tell yourself that it's natural-it still hurts. But the one thing I do have to say is this. Someday they will appreciate all of this. Allbeit it probably wont be until they have kids...but someday they will. When they are grown you will know you did your job right. Sure all of this right now is a labor of love, all of this right now can wear on your last nerve. But even though they can't say thank you for all the work you do, sweet kisses, and tight hugs sometimes is the only reward we need. Your little girl will turn into your best friend and your little boy will be your biggest fan. I guess this is what we need to remember as your going through pictures, as you are dealing iwth a screaming baby, while your toddler melts down in the middle of the supermarket!!