New Series: Never too old to learn

I know this is so over-used: "You're never too old to learn." If you don't already know this about me, I've always loved to learn. No, I don't think you get it. School was my favorite part of the day. My friends are nodding now. They received many notes back with grammar corrections on them. Somehow, they still liked me. If you weren't there to learn, I was not a happy camper. Yes, I'm slowly learning not to be so serious.

This week, I'm doing some self-exploration on the topic of learning. From various places and experiences, the opportunity to learn and discover can come from many sources.  At times, it's hard to just sit, relax, and reflect on the new knowledge. Then, on some days, I think I've figured out it all. Those are the really funny days because my children know how to keep me humble... like throwing a huge fit in the middle of a home improvement store. My children? Um, yes... that was my child kicking and screaming on the floor with me two steps away trying to figure out how to stay sane, calm my child, and look like I know what on earth I'm doing.

Sometimes, it helps to have a little outside help to keep things in focus. My parents came to visit for a week and a half, and it was glorious. Well, aside from the freak tornadoes that swept through central North Carolina and my dad having to fly overseas for an unexpected business trip, it has been wonderful to sit and learn from them. There are times that I want to say that I've accomplished something special to be able to speak on the same level with my Mom. However, there's just still so much I have yet to learn. So, I have to close my mouth and remember that she has wisdom to impart to me... especially in dealing with the screaming child. She smiles and reminds me that I was just like that. Somehow she survived. Somehow I will survive this stage with my dearest three-year old. I'm honored to be a mommy to my two boys (as trying as some days may seem), and we will make it.

Photo courtesy: My Dad

I know it's still a bit early for Mother's Day, but I feel like everyday is a tribute to my Mom. Her beautiful example is why I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. Although we don't get to have coffee together very often, I want to savor each visit with her — as infrequent as it may be. Well, I guess I do have Skype to keep us connected, but it's not quite the same as her sitting at my kitchen table. I'm so thankful to have my Mom as one of my dearest friends. I love that we can chat about so many things in life, and I still appreciate and need her gentle guidance. Thanks, Mom!!

I pray that every young mother has a Mom to look up to. If not, I hope that you can find help through a mentor. When my mom isn't there, I'm thankful that I can turn to my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law. They are my mentors.