One Secret to a Working Mom Success: Value Traditions

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Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three, working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."— Susan Lieberman   Traditions have a way of defining a family, provide stability and give hope. They are especially important for woking moms who spend so much time working to provide for their family that they may miss some of the "traditional" mom things like bake sales, volunteering at the book fair, and a host of actual and seemingly made up holidays.  They are also important for families trying to reinvent themselves in the wake of d...
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Honoring My Daughter on Her Birthday

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Leaping at Half Moon, Montego Bay

Happy Birthday, My Daughter

On this special day
I kneel and I pray
Grateful for every, single day
That I get to experience each love display
Honored to know you
Humbled to raise you
Looking forward to what comes next
Knowing that we haven't seen your best yet
So, on your birthday, I wish this for you
May my love support you and help your wishes come true

The beauty of having a blog, is that you have a forum where you can reflect and memorialize those reflections for all time. 

Last week my daughter, turned 12 years old. I can hardly believe it I have become that cliche, the mother who says time is flying by. But it is.

And, I mean it. It is really startling, she remember what my life was like before becoming a mom. I went from, being the world's most exciting cousin and aunt, to being consumed by my motherhood journey. Indeed, my motherhood journey is why I have this blog and why I have had opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. So, in that regard just my daughter's very existence, has changed and enriched me in ways that I could never have contemplated.
Enjoying the beach at Hotel Breakers

However beyond what she's done for me, is what she has done for the world. She is lovely. And when I say that I'm not talking about her physical appearance. However, by all rights, she is beautiful. I am talking about her countenance I am talking about the grace and sweetness that she shares with others. I am talking about her heart. 

Now, she is a normal kid, meaning she fights with her brothers, she is sometimes defiant and doesn't always do what she's supposed to. While that can be frustrating, I recognize that those things are part of the maturation process. They go along with raising an actual human as opposed to a robot. 

Sunshine and good times at Preque Isle

Still, even though she is absolutely normal, she is also quite extraordinary. 

She is focused she is committed she is funny. I am pleased to say she is often complimented about her manners and her kindness. You know, I could go on and on all day bragging about her and I'm sure you would listen because you're my people. And you kind of get that moms need to do that every once in awhile. However what I will do instead of sharing more words, is to allow, some images to show you who she is. So, thank you for indulging me. 

Enjoy the photos!!!

Happy birthday babygirl, you're my favorite 12 year old.


Enjoying the good life at Half Moon
 

Comments

Tasha Grinnell said…
Happy birthday Neema! Also my favorite 12 year old.
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