Mom of the Year

Yesterday we had a makeover party at my house which is totally not my thing for people who know me in real life. However, I'm now almost 33 and I have never known how to properly do my makeup or hair and rely on "natural beauty" to get me through. But that can only last so long before my age takes over...

So we had a makeover party with me, my mom and my mother-in-law. Paisley was the one who enjoyed it very most though! She put on base, loads of eyeshadow and we drew a heart on her cheek with eyeliner pencils. The kid felt sooo pretty and special.

The consultant mentioned numerous times that I was super calm as her mom and that she would have freaked out about her daughter being so messy. She even called me "Mom of the Year" which is a title I know I'll never actually deserve. So it got me to thinking...

I guess I'm a pretty laid back mom. I definitely chose the parenting technique of "Pick Your Battles" and try to not have that many. I want my kids to know the song "I Hope You Dance" and really live by it.

Yesterday at lunch, Paisley decided to break out in dance in the parking lot so I joined her. Some days she wants her face painted like a kitty cat for school or she wants to wear her monkey house shoes to dinner or she chooses to wear her princess dress to Gymboree class.

I feel it's all a sign of her developing individuality and boosts her self confidence. Maybe I'm setting her up to be made fun of by other kids eventually. But I just can't stifle her independence and creativity at this point.

My kids don't always go to bed at the same time and they sometimes skip naps and we're on the go a lot. They may have stuff on their clothes and their hair is often a mess because we play hard. But the lack of structure that I bring to the table doesn't seem to hurt them and I hope they learn to be flexible, fun people.

We aren't perfect parents but we raise out kids in a fun, loving home where they get to do lots of activities. My theory is the more we're out, the less trouble they get in, the more tired they are and the less messy my house can be!!!

I know some people probably think I have this parenting thing all wrong and maybe I do. But it's what works for us and our kids are really happy and seem to be developing into pretty amazing little people. Now to remind myself of that every day instead of letting that Mommy Guilt take over!!!