Back in the days when I was applying and interviewing for jobs, I had to think about my strengths. I was a young thing and I was very specific about the kinds of jobs I was interested in and, because I didn’t have a whole lot of experience, my list of skills wasn’t particularly long.
I was really good at planning things. I was creative. And I enjoyed organizing things and was, dare I say, good at it.
I didn’t interview for my current job. My bosses are wee little boys. They didn’t even pick me for the job. But my skill set has grown as I’ve learned from them. Or maybe I just stretch myself and continue to do things that I’m not especially good at, but I do them because it’s part of the job.
For instance, Hudson loves animals. He wants me to sing “Old MacDonald” with him, but he likes to name off the wall, non-farm animals. And guess who gets to make the animal noises? Do you know what sound a penguin makes? Yeah, I didn’t either. But I do now!
Collectively, my boys weigh about 65 pounds. Put 65 pounds into a double stroller, and it’s close to 90 pounds. I had no idea I could walk at a brisk pace while pushing 90 pounds. But I do it because it makes them happy. My bosses need their walks.
I’ve been asked to draw elephants and monkeys. I’ve been asked to draw every wild animal under the sun for Hudson’s amusement. And you know what? He praises every single drawing like it’s a complete work of art. I’m a terrible artist. My drawings look nothing like the animals he has requested. But he knows exactly what they are and says, “Wow, Mommy!”
I’ve never received such high performance ratings in my life!
If you throw in the fact that I’m a boy mom, you’ll realize how much I’m really stretching myself for this. I had no clue what the names of all the different trucks were or the difference between a fire truck’s siren and an ambulance’s siren.
Before having kids I wasn’t even really a “kid person.” But these days, my whole day. Scratch that. My whole world revolves around kids and what they love. And I love it!
It’s keeping me young. It’s helping me grow.
And you know what else? There’s never a time when I’m asked to do something and think, “Oh no. I’m not very good at that.” I mean, who would say that to a toddler?
“I’m sorry. I can’t show you how to play tee ball because I was never very good at it.” Pssh! No way. I have tried so many new things I’ve never tried before. And as far as my kids are concerned, I’m the best in the world at it. (Besides their Daddy, of course.)
I still get to organize and plan. I can still be creative.
I still can’t sew and I don’t whip up gourmet breakfasts for the heck of it. I can be crafty if I want to, but I’m better at sitting down and making animals out of Play Doh. (They don’t really look like animals, but Hudson doesn’t mind.)
But this job has perfected my talent of singing funny songs and making goofy faces that cause Hudson and Hayes to fall over in fits of laughter.
I believe it’s safe to say that my little bosses have taught me more than I’ve taught them.
What a great post! It’s so true that motherhood comes with it’s own unique skill set, and while it’s the most difficult “job” I’ve ever had, it’s by far the best!
Boy! Can I relate to this post?! Who knew there were so many different modes of transportation?! Ha! There’s definitely a boy-mom learning curve, but I love every minute of it.
THIS IS THE MOST WONDERFUL POST I’VE EVER READ!!! As a non-Mommy and not a kid person myself, I am always baffled at women who complain about motherhood yet say it’s the best job in the world. THIS post makes me realize that it can be the best job ever! It’s all about perspective. Thank you so much for writing this! It absolutely brought a HUGE smile to my face this morning!!
I love this post! Yes these darling kiddos we all have teach us more than they will ever know.
Even though they can be tough on us-and stretch us to our limits, I’m sure you would agree…we’ve got the best bosses in the world!!!
Erin, what a cute post! Reminds me of my feeble attempts at drawing T-Rexes and identifying Stygimolochs among other dinos. Having boys is truly fun!
Love this post, Erin! You are so cute – you really are. I admire how you’ve embraced and jumped into your role as Hudson and Hayes’s mom with so much enthusiasm. Your boys will always remember how much fun they had with you. You’re a great mom, that’s for sure!
Love this post! I’m so with you on the drawings. Mine are all stick animals, but Little A still loves them. And she loves my singing, even if I don’t always love how I sound.
Love this post! SO cute and SO true!
This is such a good post! I never thought of the fact that kids are so demanding like wanting penguin noises and moms (or dads) just have to go with it! But at the time you do it, it probably doesn’t even seem like a job. You are such a good mom!
I love this post! I can’t wait to be a mom soon 🙂
Everything you do will be perfect in your boys eyes.
So cute and so true!
I think this is my favorite post you’ve written. Sweet as can be!
Such a wonderful post Erin! Even made me cry a little thinking of my little boss 🙂
Love this post. Not a mom but I feel like I can relate a little bit as a teacher.
I LOVE your perspective! I don’t have any children yet, but I think making the best out of every circumstance and creating unique oportunities for them is a major part of what it is all about.
Oh and btw…Your children are adorable!
This is the greatest post ever!! I love it. You brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never commented before, but I had to tell you that you are a fabulous Mom, and write such an honest, real blog. I have 2 boys as well – Holden is 28 months and Walker (who was thisclose to being named Hayes) is 11 months.
I just teared up! This is EXACTLY how I feel about being a mama. What a unique time of life. Thanks for helping me to count my blessings again today!
This is such a great post! I love the concept of pushing yourself and not being scared to try new things since you know at the end of the day your family will be trilled that you tried.
This is really sweet. As someone who doesn’t have kids, it’s a nice perspective on all that you do. It sounds so rewarding for you!
LOVE it! What an awesome perspective on your awesome job!
This was the most BEAUTIFUL post! I have taken SO much away from your words and forever grateful. You put a lot of things in perspective for me….I thank you for that.
i can SO relate to this! libbi’s newest obsession is wanting to know what every animal eats. “what’s a wombat eat?” (thank you baby einstein for the wombat reference!) uh….??? and “i don’t know” is NOT an acceptable answer. i have found out the diets of many animals that i never thought i would care to know about. but i’ve happily researched it and proudly shared my findings. and then she runs and tells jeffrey like it’s the greatest news she’s heard all day. ha! 🙂 gotta love it!!
Your job sounds amazing – any openings? 🙂 hehe
After three years away from blogging, I am jumping back in. I decided to go check in on some of the people I used to keep up with (years ago) and what a great first blog post to see! You boys are absolutely adorable — and so lucky to have such a great mom. I love the idea of the litle men as your “boss” causing you to truly push yourself!
Erin, I absolutely love everything about this post. It might be one of my favorite that you’ve written. And, I’m sure you make one heck of a play-doh animal
This is a really sweet post, although I don’t have any kid yet, do wish to have one soon. In a mean time, I get to entertain my 6 nieces/nephews.
what a beautiful post. you’ve done it again erin. you’re encouraged me to pick myself up and keep trying to be the best stepmom i can be. i’m learning and growing every second of it 🙂
love this Erin! love that you say pre-mom you were not a “kid person”..me neither! Funny how quickly that changes and we’d rather be cuddled on the sofa with our little family than be at the best shoe sale ever 😉
you’re an awesome, inspiring mother!
Little boys are the best!