How to be an Amazing Mom

So, you want to be more than just a notable mom, more than just "good", you want to be great. You want to be AMAZING.  First of all, you have to be willing to play. You have to be willing to make messes, get dirty and say "yes". You have to say "yes" to yourself a lot. I recommend starting with a vision board and find a quote that says "you don't stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing".

This is my vision board for the summer. Vision boards are VERY prowerful. Try it.

Be willing to say "yes" even when you are tired and would rather go to bed. Memories are made by DOING stuff. Memories are never made by watching TV or going to bed early.

Have your camera ready for moments like this.

Be willing to be one of the kids.

Say yes to as many kids as you think you can handle. 

When your house is swarming with pre-teen boys, it's perfectly OK to be firm and tell them that they may absolutely NOT play hide in seek in your closet and step on your cocktail dresses that somebody else dropped on the floor. But, say "yes" to a good squirt gun fight.

Have a movie afternoon and take out all the sleeping bags to make a nest. listen to their banter. Be a part of their crowd.

Say yes.

to the mess.

play the game "what's your favorite bird" and tell them why you love quails so much.

let them spread their wings then file those pics away for their future birthday card.

go on the train at the zoo with them. Scream in the tunnel.

Take them to the beach to look for fossils.

Endure sea sickness to take them whale watching. You all may become part of the Elite- less than 1% of people on the planet- who have seen a blue whale.

take a confetti egg to the head with grace. 

appreciate their gifts, like Kieran

 who can make herself look like this american camel being stalked by the saber-toothed cat.

remember that this lifetime is but a BLINK in the scheme of evolution and geologic time. 

Make it precious.

have passions, like mine for the Space Shuttle. 

share your passions with your kids. Even if they aren't as passionate as you are. 

They will have their own passions.

capture cool moments.

do stuff like going paintballing. You are that kind of mom. You say "yes" to almost anything awesome! Oh, and do it with your best friend and her husband.

Never be afraid to get dirty or look bad.

feed their passions

play with your nieces and nephews too.

play with as many kids as you can.

remember that as the adult, you have the courage, freedom (and car) to make things happen. DO THEM.

notice when they are content.

take pictures that inspire a feeling that the world is a magical place.

feed their souls with spiritualism that supports THEM, not religion.

try new stuff. 

don't ever be afraid to look silly. PLAY with your kids, your spouse, your friends and remain young and amazing forever.