Life + Insanity + "Yes" = Joy

“Mothers are all slightly insane.” 
― J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

I really love this quote.  I think a bit of insanity does everyone a great deal of good.  It allows us to laugh, look forward and let go.  Do not misunderstand, I don't think that people who want to be mothers are insane, or that if you want more than 3 children you're insane, or if you choose to be great at motherhood instead of choosing the career path you're insane.  In fact I strongly disagree with all of those statements.  The world has a new found love of focusing on the hardships of motherhood and venting those negative aspects in an "it's ok if you hate this because everyone does." sort of attitude.  I think it's ok to have bad days as a mother, but I also believe that, like many and most things in life, the amount of joy you take out is equally proportionate to what you put in.  The parable of the sower, if you will.  This quote speaks to the JOY in chaos found within each woman who cares for children.  Lately, my desire to enjoy motherhood more has been at the forefront of my thoughts, prayers and conversations.  I don't just want to like being a mother, I want JOY in my mothering efforts, and a burning LOVE for what I do.  I believe deeply and dearly that THAT is how motherhood is designed to be, not a loathsome survival experience that we all just hope ends soon.  That is a sad attitude that many these days yell from the rooftops- It's Ok to be miserable in motherhood.  Well, I suppose it's "ok" if that's what you want, but is it?  Does it give some deep sense of validation to hate your life's work?  Maybe it does and I'm not judging I'm simply saying that, personally, I want to be happy as a mother and find lots of enjoyment along the way. I believe this to be 100% possible.  The following quote is the inspiration for the rest of this post:

"In regards to your young children, say "yes" as much as possible.  They are small for such a short time."  
-(while attributed to Sister Marjorie Hinckley, I cannot find a source for this quote anywhere)

This was a lightning bolt for me, and I decided to experiment with this idea.  Over the last 2 weeks I have become a YES MOM, if it's not dangerous or completely disastrous then it  gets a YES from this mama.  Here are a few of our adventures-


You want to blow the bubbles yourself, and be hilarious?  YES!  (After all it's just soap and water, and it makes for a good laugh)

You want to play with chalk?  YES! (The dust is easily washed and the plant will live, I think.)

You want to play with your toys in the water?  YES! (Shoes will always dry in the sun)

You want to help me bake?  YES! (I can always sweep the mess into the garbage, and it will take an extra 15 minutes to make the cookies, I think we can handle 15 minutes)

You want to take the garage broom and go on a sweeping spree of the neighborhood?  YES!

You want to take the pictures with mommy's phone?  YES!  (What good is paying for the insurance if you don't risk once in a while).

You want a shake with your lunch?  And you want a straw to drink it through?  YES! (I can always hose you off)

A whole can of shaving cream?  YES!  (It rinses off right?)

You want to run free in the dirt field behind our house and accidentally crash hard into a giant mud puddle?  YES!  (Because there is always the bathtub)

You want to eat popcorn on the couch?  YES! (It takes all of 10 minutes to vacuum the mess)

You want to sit REALLY close to baby brother?  YES!  (I can sit here with my 2 favorite boys)

You want chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast?  YES!  (It's ok to eat a fun breakfast once in awhile right? And again with the hose)

Oh and Deric mostly did this all week

Quick conclusion:  This was one of the most enjoyable couple weeks I've ever had as a mother and it didn't take much extra time to say YES a little more often.  Cheers to being a joyful mama!!

I will leave you with a few more quotes.

Many people have said to me 'What a pity you had such a big family to raise. Think of the novels and the short stories and the poems you never had time to write because of that. And 

I looked at my children and I said, 'These are my poems. These are my stories.' 

-Olga Masters

Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salary jobs in my field since the payment is pure love.

-Mildred B Vermont