Tuesday, February 2, 2010

groundhog day

i once heard someone say, "motherhood is kind of like groundhog day." nothing else. no explanation. just a flat statement. and she had a tone about her that was to say her statement wasn't a compliment to motherhood or february 2nd.

of course, maybe at the time i wasn't listening for an explanation. why is it like groundhog day? what about motherhood could possibly do with a groundhog popping his head out of a hole and looking for his shadow?

it wasn't until later that i realized they were talking about the movie, not the actual day, but let's not talk about that. it wasn't until i became a mother that i realized this person was basically stating that motherhood was boring. the same. monotonous...day in...day out.

and now that i'm a mother, i have to agree. but not in that uncomplimentary, wishing-everyone-knew-my-life-was-oh-so-boring tone. quite the contrary.

yes, i often find myself doing the same things over and over and over again. i've changed a kazillion dirty diapers. i've wiped the bean's face a bazillion times. i've yawned more in the last three years than i did during the previous 25 combined. i've spotted a trazillion white onesies never to be fully recovered. i've watched countless episodes of the backyardigans. i've done numberless loads of dishes and wiped food from every corner of our kitchen a kajillion times. i've been spit up on, pooped on, peed on, slobbered on and more.

i've also received a kazillion hugs and kisses. i've snuggled the bean a bazillion times. i've wiped the yawn off my face to go and watch her sleep. i've folded a trazillion adorable, tiny outfits with a smile on my face. i've laughed at countless episodes of the backyardigans. i've gone down numberless park slides as i hear a shrill giggle beside me. i've formed numberless fauxhawks with the help of water and shampoo on the cutest little body i've ever seen. for a time, i heard the cutest little voice say the funniest things i'd ever heard in my 28 years.

but the greatest part about the movie isn't the fact that phil gets to live his day over and over again. it's the fact that he gets to learn from the previous day and figure out how to live that day better. more full of life. more full of love. more full of adventure.

i know motherhood has helped me do just that.

some days are better than others, just like the movie. some days i throw in the towel. i push snooze and just want to give up. others make each day worth living. i try new things and make sure that little girl knows just how much i love her. and hopefully, as i continue to be blessed with more days, the better days will continue to outweigh the throw-in-the-towel days.

i wonder if that other mother ever finished the movie.

motherhood is kind of like groundhog day. and i kind of like it.

22 comments:

t.t.turner said...

This post is so beautiful, and needs to be published! Seriously!

Saw your mom this weekend - she is so sweet. I said to her, "Maren is amazing - I don't know how she does it!" She instantly teared up and said, "Yes you do! She's Maren!"

jularun7 said...

thank you so much for this, mare.

Molly said...

What a wonderful post. Seriously.

Uffens Family said...

I needed this...especially today. Love you to the moon and back Mare!

whitney said...

love it. i have the same feelings... i only wish i could put them into words so eloquently. :)

Claire said...

What a great post! Well said

maryirene said...

i know i've probably said this before, but you just have a way with words that i love. that was such a beautiful description of life as a mother. i agree. thank you.

carolee said...

Just what I needed to hear today. Thanks so much!

megan said...

That was so uplifting! You have an awewome way of putting feelings into words! Thanks Mar!

Karen Hauley said...

I loved, loved, loved being home with my kids. I wish the time had not passed so quickly. Thank you, Maren

Unknown said...

i agree with mom... and with your post. in fact i thought about this last night when putting mack to bed, she usually puts herself to sleep but woke up with a nightmare after 15 minutes and SCREAMED so i ran in there and she was so scared and wanted to cuddle and i held her and rocked her just because i could...and i loved it. i love being a mom even if i is the same thing (mostly) everyday.

Amy said...

such a great post. I always love your writing and perspectives.
I have the most random question. I want to ask it everytime I visit your blog. Where do you shop for your clothes? You always have the cutest outfits. I thought that even when we were in the same ward forever ago!

marta said...

just had to say a big hello and congrats. you've won my giveaway today for the darling divine twine! please email me which colors you'd like and your shipping address. thank you!!!

marta@martacards.com

enjoy..

Jenny said...

I'm glad I hadn't read this until today...a day I really needed it. Thanks!

Rebecca Parker said...

i have no idea what Puxatawny-sp? Phil had to say this year, but i liked your post yet again:) not gonna lie, Groundhog Day isn't my fav movie but i do like being a mother when i can take a deep breath & just enjoy...fam like you helps me do just that & watch & learn from other hot mommas as well as my boys!!

Emily said...

Maren, I shared this blog post with my young women. because I taught the lesson on Motherhood and home environment. I think they were touched by what you wrote. I told them how your view of Motherhood is how God views this special role and how we should look at this responsibilty! So thanks for making my lesson great today! I am the second counselor in the young women's and I am loving it! :)

Amelia said...

THis was one of my favorite posts ever. You really should send this to some paper or something. It is so true. And I love how you said we are to learn from our previous days to make the next one better. :)

Melanie Sharp said...

Love this. Well said, Maren!

Michelle said...

I know everyone has already said this, but I LOVE this post!! Well said!

Dustin and Jamie said...

I love reading your blog. You have such great insight. Thanks for sharing this. I love it!!

Porters said...

amen sister. That is so true. I love it....

House of Payne said...

Maren! It's Erin (havell) Payne. I love to read your blog. You have a real talent for writing. And your daughter is beautiful! Any news on our 10 year reunion?