It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, and I have to tell you, this might be my favorite holiday. Why? Because I always think Jason will forget about it or ignore it, and he always exceeds my non-expectations. Somewhere in the last few years I realized that the trick to a fabulous Mother’s Day is just that–go expectationless.
Don’t get me wrong, my gifts usually come from the dollar store, and it’s not like he brings in a marching band, but when you’re not expecting anything, dollar store gifts kind of rock. Besides, I’ll take an omlet in bed over a brass band any day.
When it comes right down to it, my favorite thing about Mother’s Day is the fact that I have kids. Sure, sometimes I want to run away to Mexico, and it’s no secret that I tend to curse in the laundry room on a regular basis, but I like them, stains and all. They’re independent and intelligent, and most of all, they make me want to get to Heaven because I know all three of them will probably be there (actually, the jury’s still out on the June Bug).
So I’ll put up with tantrum’s during church and routine poopy diapers, and I’ll try to breathe through Harrison’s sassy phases without smacking him. I can even brave these last few months of incubation with number four because I know that in the end, we’re going to get one more willful little angel out of it all.
My job is divine. My kids are amazing only becuase they’re mine. I have no idea what they’ll look like in twenty years, but I don’t doubt that I’ll learn more about love and forgiveness and patience and humor than I ever wanted to know.
Whether you’ve been there, are there, or hope to someday be there, may your Mother’s Day be filled with unexpected moments of joy, and if you’re lucky, a dish-free sink. Hey, we take what we can get, right?
No expectations is the way to go on Mother’s Day and otherwise. Gotta love the little boogers.
Sooo agreeing on the expectation-less idea. That goes for birthdays, anniversary, and Christmas around here too lol. Happy Mother’s Day! My hubby’s out of town (boooo). Don’t worry I picked myself up a little sumfin’ sumfin’. 😉
You are on to something here. Expectationless= no disappointment. Brilliant!
I just wanted to say the last little part where you wrote “or hope to be there someday” brought tears to my eyes thinking of me little sister (who you know quite well) who wants more then anything to be a mother and has not yet had that dream realized.
Thanks for putting Mother’s Day into perspective.
🙂
Awesome post… and why stop at Mother’s Day with the no expectations? That’s a whole year round thing for me!!! He continually surprises me that way!
“you got out of bed!?”
“Wow babe, you’re the best husband ever! Just for getting out of bed!!!”
See what I mean? 🙂
Oh Annie, I wish I could keep up with your blogs better cause your posts are always funny and insightful. For a women (like me) who you would think has nothing but time on her hands, I don’t seem to find enough time still.
go figure
but I too love being a mom——–challenging. We need t-shirts that say “I’m a Mom and survived long enough to still smile about it” (guess that’s kinda long for a t-shirt eh)
expectationless ——–good word
maybe life as a whole would be enjoyed more with an attitude of “expectationless”
That’s why I never set goals —–CAUSE THEN I’M ALWAYS SURPRISED WHEN I ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING. (I know, it’s a cop out)
Happy mother’s day. It occurs to me that your plan–not having expectations–is probably a good strategy for happiness, or at least peace in many contexts. I hope you day exceeded your expectations.
Hee Hee ok so this is why without even thinking I threw something at my husband’s head when he opened my Mothers Day chocolates from Belgium right? Because I didn’t even think about it, it just happened.