Feeling Like A Rock Star

I have a special routine that I do every Friday for very selfish reasons. Since July, every Friday I wake up early, put on my mommy uniform (matching jogging suit) and volunteer in David's class for a few hours. I could lie and say I do this to help out his teacher but in all honesty I do this because I feel like a rock star! You see, I don't think there is a better feeling then when your kids show pride in sharing you with their friends and having you in their lives. I LOVE the smile David gives me when I'm in his class and he looks up at me. I play over and over in my mind how he says "Hi Mom" every time he passes me to put something away.  I know someday David will be embarrassed by me but until that day comes, I am going to milk this for all that its worth!(: I know my days of feeling like a rock star with Lena are numbered...but I did see a glimmer of hope the other day when I did the unthinkable. Lena came home pretty depressed because their color guard coach had quite which means until further notice there will be no more parades or performances. I saw her sadness and wanted to fix it, so after thinking about it for 3 days, I composed an email offering to take over as the color guard coach. But before hitting the send button  I called Lena over and read her the email not really sure what kind of a reaction I would get from her. I was so surprised because as I read it to her a huge grin came over her face. It was followed up with "mommy I love you!" Lena still loves me!!! At that moment I seriously felt like a rock star!! I would do anything to have her look at me that way, even work with a group of 12-13 year olds!! Side note, I haven't heard back from the coach. Think it has something to do with my stalker behavior during parades??? Hmmmmm.....(;
So there you have it, someday I know both my kiddos will ask me to drop them off a few blocks from school, walk two steps behind me in a mall and prefer to spend more time with their friends than with me. But until that day comes I'm going to revel in these Rock Star moments!

Hugs and Raspberries
L

Happy New Year!

So, the holidays are ending and some sense of normalcy is returning to the the Rodriguez household. So of course it's time for my first blog of the new year. So what's on my mind? Resolutions of course! Yes, I would love to lose 10 pounds, finally go back to school for my doctorate, bring more technology and new activities to my classrooms, and of course continue the journey to becoming the next Ina Garten! But here's the thing, David and Lena both grew 2 inches these past 3 months!!! Lena recently asked me if she could date when she turns 14 and David is starting to read! I am finally realizing I really do only have one shot to get the whole mommy thing right. I am not saying that I am an expert at parenting or that I always say and do the right thing. I will also be real honest.. these last 3 weeks of vacation with my kiddos 24/7 has been tough with good and bad days..parenting is definitely not for the weak! But at the end of the day no matter what has transpired, I hope my kids know that they are safe and loved and have 2 people in this world who will always be there for them.
Which brings me back to this year's resolution. I have just one...This year, I promise to try to be the best parent I can be! How? Argue less and listen more, be consistent, have more sit down meals as a family with no technology allowed, have more quality time with each kid, and the hardest one of all...not be so hard on myself when they stumble.

Hugs and Raspberries,

L