Motherhood Mutual Admiration Society

I want to start this club.

This morning, I was greated with a message from a friend. It read, "Lindsay, how do you do work, go to grad school, and still have time for exercising, Claire, and Michael... I just started back (to work from maternity level) and already feel like I'm a terrible teacher / student, etc. Are you superwoman or something? Do you have any time saving tips?". I was taken aback. Me? Superwoman? I even laughed a little, I admit, though I must confess, the vote of confidence more than made my day. I walked on a cloud thinking about it! The thing is, I always feel that way about other moms! I see them and they look so together! I want what they have. The mother who authored the preceding message included! She is a first time mom to 6 month old twin boys, she taught two internet classes when they were just weeks old and is returning to the classroom this week. This is a mom who is juggling two infants, breastfeeding and pumping, is married and pursuing, working in high education at OU. Christi, I tip my hat to you, dear! You tell me, how do you do it?!

What I really want to say is, how come we don't let other mothers know how much we admire them more often? Motherhood is a sisterhood of sorts. We have the power to build each other up and teach each other so much. What a beautiful thing. It makes me wish we could all get together and truly start the Motherhood Mutual Admiration Society, have meetings (with delicious treats- just sayin'), let the kids play, and just share how we all do it. We all keep things together somehow, even when we feel like we are falling short.

Please allow me to share what I would discuss at our first meeting:

Christi- You blow me away, with all the things I listed above! Two at one time! Wow. You handle it with grace, even if you don't always feel like it!

Melissa Robins- You are so patient and nuturing. I love how respectful your kids are because of what you have taught them.

Jaime Crosby- You are one of the best balancing acts I have ever seen. You always fit everything in- well, except sleep. I don't think you do much of that!

Laura- I admire you for pushing through med school as a single mom! Amazing!

Alisha- I hope your kids realize how much you do for them!

Pam- I admire your dedication to ensuring your children are well rounded and have a general respect for humanity- passion for what is right in life.

Codi- You take challenges in stride!

Amie- You make sure you make time for yourself.

Ruth Anna- Everything you do, you do well. I have always admired you in general, so that just funneled into motherhood.

Jill- You are so patient with Mara and very loving

Mary- You and Emma are evidence of God providing and I thank you for all your guidance and support! You've really made me feel better in some challenging times!

Lindsey Elise- You always focus on the best interest of your child, even when it would be so tempting to give into frustrations! You are graceful, girl!

Mindy- You always make me smile and you never fail to be grateful. You are such a loving and devoted mother.

My mother- I am not sure blogger would have the capacity for me to talk about all we've been through together. Mostly, I thank her for always understanding me and being my sounding board.

There are so many mothers who I love so dearly, so if I did not mention you directly, know that you are still in my heart. I love you all. Many moms are just starting out and I am eager to see all the things I know I will admire in you.

Love, Linds