149242_737997959422_2703159_n{My mom walking down the aisle at my wedding in 2010}

When you’re a sassy sixteen-year-old, you’re pretty positive you know absolutely everything there is.  That especially goes for parenting, when you’re 100% certain that your parents have completely screwed you up, and there’s no WAY you’re going to be the same way with your kids.  Oh my, to be able to go back in time and smack sixteen-year-old me across the head.

My mom and I always got along pretty well, save for my over-dramatic moments in high school when I absolutely needed something and she gave me that flat “no” that meant I had absolutely zero chance of winning her over, even if I called in the full-scale attack and asked Dad.  Still, I thought I had some pretty solid ideas about how I could be a better parent, and how I would choose to raise my own kids differently.  It wasn’t until I actually had my own kids, and in the preceding three years since, that I’ve come to realize some important lessons from my mom.

First of all, I totally get why she told me “no” so many times.  No, you can’t hang out with those random kids I’ve never heard of.  No, you can’t go buy ridiculously expensive shampoo for no reason.  No, you can’t shave your legs until you’re 12.  She was protecting me.  From bad friendships, from poor spending habits, from the agony of having to shave your legs every few days for the rest of your life.  It didn’t matter, big or small, she was there to keep me from myself or from others who didn’t have my best interest at heart.  I would move mountains if it meant I could keep my girls from experiencing pain or heartbreak, and I understand now why she felt the same way.

Secondly, I totally get why she pushed me so hard.  Get to bed early, do your homework, eat your vegetables.  I used to fight with my mom so much over having to be in bed by 8 pm every night.  And on the weekends when I wanted to go out with my friends, a good majority of the time she would say she’d prefer if I stayed home and spent time with the family.  Which, when you’re seventeen, is quite possibly the lamest idea ever.  But once again, she was secretly in my corner, even when I didn’t realize it.  Beyond the basic health benefits of a good night’s sleep that I now know are essential for my girls, I also just want to be together as a family when we can.  And I know it will only get so much worse when they have activities, and sleepovers, and so many things pulling them away from our core unit.  Therefore, if we have a chance to just be, just our family, I’m going to be exactly like my mom and make sure I fiercely protect that time.

Lastly, although I could keep going, I totally get why she loved me so much.  Juuuuuuuust kidding.  But I do understand that was at the root of everything she did.  Even when it was infuriating, even when I didn’t understand.  And I also realize that even though there were times I didn’t deserve her for a mother, she never gave up on me.  Her patience through my toddler tantrums, adolescent mischief, and teenage angst is exactly how I feel about my girls.  I don’t care if they make me out to be the bad guy sometimes, I’ll do it because I see the end game now.  Making a happy, healthy human being takes a strong woman, like my mom, and I’m doing my best to be just like her.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to make sure we honor everything our mom has done for us, and take a little time to be gentle with ourselves for the mother we’re becoming.  My friend Monica Casell has recently opened a brand new Health and Beauty Studio in Alamo Heights, and she’s graciously offered to treat one special mom with one of her amazing signature facials.   It will make the perfect gift if you don’t have yours picked out yet, or you can treat yourself if you need a little pampering too!

I’ve personally had two facials from Monica now, and both experiences were amazing.  She helped me relax in these crazy few months postpartum, and I know you’ll love it too.  For more information on her and her services, check out her website here.  Now enter the giveaway below and Happy Mother’s Day from Haute in Texas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XO,

A

P.S. I received complimentary services in exchange for this post.  Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own.