Moral Mirrors

There is no conceivable way that you can be a good mom and be self-centered at the same time. Our kids are our "moral mirrors." (okay, that might be a stretch, but stick with me here.) How does one stay focused on oneself when hearing from ones 4 year old the words that one has said a time or too. (Now I'll break out of the third person.) I was just talking with Elisha today about the words our kids hear us say and then repeat. For example, Andon was asking me to do something, and yes, I admit I did want to sit on my butt a little longer. In my defense, I rarely get to just "butt sit." My butt was grabbing a mere few seconds when he asks me to do something for him. I forget what but I answer, "Just a second."(My standard response. In fact it is such the standard response that I get sighs out of my kids when I use it.) Andon apparently is learning that when he hears the "standard response" he shouldn't like it. It should not be accepted. So he says, "Now mommy." And as an afterthought, cause it usually scores him points, he adds "please?" I said, "Okay. Let me get up and get it." Apparently I was too slow because he adds, "Chop-chop Mommy!" I now know exactly what that sounds like when I say it. So, back to the original premise here: It's hard to take yourself seriously when you have children. If you do, there will be no enjoyment in your life. Besides, this is the stuff that makes life bearable. A good laugh makes everything just a leeeetle bit lighter.