Let me start by saying, I love my mother to pieces! She has long been the rock holding the family together and I turn to her often for advice, friendship, support, and unconditional love. With that said, I can vividly recall making a strong mental note to NOT follow her lead when it came to repeating some of the most loathed and annoying sayings from my childhood. Though there are some old favorites which will remain solely hers ("Tough toenails", "Don't make me get the wooden spoon", and "Good golly, Miss Molly," to name a few), I have caught myself using several others which are either identical to or closely related to my mom's.
As you peruse the list, please envision the tone and accompanying red face or eye roll where appropriate:)
- Good grief!
- Oh, no you didn't!
- Get your tail back in here!
- Get used to being embarrassed by your parents--it's our job and we take it VERY seriously!
- You can't possibly be hungry again already!
- I told you to ________(clean your room, do your chores, brush your teeth) to my standards...do it again!
- Next time, light a candle or at least warn me!
- This house isn't big enough for the two of us!
- Life isn't fair. Get over it.
- Enough, already!
- No one promised this life would be easy.
- This hurts me more than it hurts you.
- Go ask your Dad.
- How many different ways do I have to say, "NO"?!
- I'm your mom, not your servant.
- If you are going to act like a two-year old, I'll treat you like a two-year old!
- Keep it up and I'll knock you into next week!
- GO TO YOUR ROOM!!
- Stop the dramatics!
- What is wrong with you??!!
- I'm not asking you, I'm telling you.
- This is not up for debate. My house. My rules.
- I don't care what your friend's parents said. I said, "no".
- Lying will not be tolerated or accepted. Own up and take responsibility.
- And the all-time go-to favorite: Because I said so. That's why!
- I love you.
- Your opinion is important.
- How are you feeling?
- It's okay to be ______(scared, lonely, confused, angry).
- I'm sorry.
- Even when I'm no longer here, I will ALWAYS be in your heart.
- There is no problem too big for us to handle together.
- I don't always like the decisions you make, but I always love you.
- I am here.
- Let's talk.
- Let's cuddle.
- Give me hugs. You know you want to:)
- Let's pray.
- Good night. Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite.
- Make it an AWESOME day!
- Find your smile and share it!
- Don't compare yourself to others. Just be the best ______(name) you can be!
- It's all about the effort. Know in your heart, you gave it your all!
Thanks for all the ammunition, Mom! (The boys thank you, too:))