"I'm just a mom..."

I couldn't believe how effortlessly those words rolled off my tongue. I had been chatting to someone as our kids played when she asked, "And what do you do?". "Right now, nothing...I'm just a mom", I replied. Then I went on about what I used to do until last April. And it wasn't until later that I started having a conversation with myself about how annoyed I was for giving that reply. Because I *know* the worth of a mother, it can't be measured by a pay stub or salary increase, or a Christmas bonus. I know better.

But lately I've been having a bit of a pity party. There are no invites sent out to this party. No balloons, no cake, and surely no presents. It's a party for one. And at this party I kick myself for being short with my kids, easily frustrated at the end of the day, too tired or too wound up to stop for 5 minutes and enjoy a "moment". Tomorrow will be better, I say. Then tomorrow comes and sometimes it's a wash, rinse, repeat. And I start the party all over again. So many days are good, though. No, not good, GREAT. Awesome, fun, filled with hugs and giggles and tickles and pure joy. But it takes just one bad day to feel like you're failing somehow.

So I'm trying to work on that, and lift myself up, and tell myself it's ok to have a bad day, and tomorrow WILL be better. I'm not failing. I'm human. And I'm a mom: a teacher, coach, cheerleader, nurse, dental assistant, nutritionist, tour guide, secretary, personal driver, event planner, security officer, chef, waiter, creative director, (toy) car mechanic, personal stylist, and more. And I'm still learning - about them, and about myself. I am a mom, and will forever wear that label proudly.

Week 4/52

Sunday, Jan. 29 - Ok so I am off by a day, shhhh don't tell anyone. We had just gotten to my sister's house, and I wanted to snap a picture while it was still light out and both boys were around. Neither of them were interested in taking a picture, they just wanted to go play with Max, the puppy.

Week 3/52

Saturday, Jan. 20 - Rocking, snuggling, and singing at bedtime.

Week 2/52

Sneaking this one in just in the nick of time...

 Saturday, Jan. 14 - Just took Anthony out of the bath. As you can see he was trying to squirm out of my arms (hence the blur). Matthew was still in the tub, as he always asks for "10 more minutes".

52 Weeks With My Boys.

Last year, a number of my wonderful mommy friends started a photo project/challenge. The premise was to take a picture a week, of mom and her kiddos. As a mom, I have hundreds (if not thousands) of pictures of my children. And a ton of them involve daddy. However, not many of them involve me; I'm usually the one behind the camera...not in front of it.

So I was determined to do this in 2012. A picture a week. Shouldn't be that hard to do, right? Here is my disclaimer (and you know I like disclaimers): I will do my best to get a picture of me with both boys. But we all know what happens when you plan on something with children. So, my ultimate goal is this...capture a moment in time, with yours truly and at least one of my offspring. I'm not promising frame quality shots here. Or even face shots. But I will be present in some way, shape, or form. The pictures will also include a little something about that day.

And with that, I give you Week 1: January 1-7, 2012.

 Tuesday, Jan. 3 - Typical non-school morning. The boys and I were playing cars. I was trying to snap a picture of the 3 of us, but it didn't work out. Matthew wanted a picture if him giving me 'buzi'.

 Friday, Jan. 6 - We had a bit of a warm streak. Matthew was at school, Anthony and I headed outside to take advantage of the 50 degree weather and work off some energy. He loves walking (or running) around the block, over and over and over...