Not me!, Monday

Yesterday, one of my friends from college (a sweet sorority sister who I've reconnected with in the blogosphere) commented on my blog that she liked how "real" I was.  I guess I've gotten more open and honest here on the blog as time has gone by.  I have a really long way to go in the "real" department, but I'm going to get there! Basically, I've grown to realize how very important it is to be authentic.  That is what I want to work towards more and more in 2009, and authenticity is what my New Years Resolution for 2009 will be.  I want to be a more authentic mother, daughter, sister, friend, wife, nurse, niece, granddaughter, cousin, small group leader, sister-in-law, blogger, church member, neighbor, room mother, aunt, daughter-in-law, teacher, child of God, and follower of Jesus Christ (and I'm sure I left out a few other "roles" I hold).  I've really been in prayer about this New Years Resolution theme, and plan to post more in the coming weeks about what it really means to me (probably a series of "Authentic" posts...mostly to keep me accountable).  Until then....... 

I don't think there could be a more perfect way to kick off that resolution of authenticity than with a little "Not Me, Monday" fun!!!  MckMama started this little weekly event back in the fall, and most weeks I try to join in.  There is nothing more authentic than admitting to your not so perfect experiences right here for all the world to see.  MckMama...Thanks for your inspiration in 2008, and for inspiring me to find my authentic self in 2009!!!

Here are a few of my not so shining ones from the past couple of weeks.  

I did NOT let my children go without brushing their teeth for several days in a row during the two week break from school.  It was NOT because we stayed in our pajamas till noon, ate breakfast for dinner, fell asleep watching movies on the couch, or were just plain lazy for over 2 weeks.  I did NOT decide that in 2009 I will be better at keeping up with the cleanliness of my children's teeth and make it more of a priority (and I did not think to myself how pathetic it was that I would have to make that a New Years Resolution)!!!  I am NOT blessed beyond measure that good genes are on our side, and my kids do NOT get a good report every time we go to see the dentist....WHEW!!!

I did NOT almost deliver a baby on Saturday (on a toilet no less), and it did NOT make me reflect on all the babies I have delivered over my 11 years as a Labor and Delivery nurse (when the doctor couldn't quite make it).  I do NOT sometimes take for granted the AWESOME responsibility and privilege I have as a nurse working in the business of miracles.  It has NOT influenced the way I view life and motherhood and miracles, and I do NOT still cry almost EVERY time I attend the birth of a baby.  

I did NOT talk in my sleep on Friday night and my husband (and mother) did NOT hijack my blog  on Saturday with a post about it while I was working.  Nope, I am NOT still trying to figure out how I'm gonna get them back....that would be really mean (NOT really).

I do NOT have a child old enough to be losing teeth, and I did NOT cry tears of joy when I saw how happy he was to get a dollar under his pillow from the tooth fairy.  

I did NOT have a few proud parenting moments where I didn't raise my voice a little higher than I should have. I did NOT lose my temper a few times when the kids had had a little too much "together time" and were having their sixth fight before breakfast.  

I am NOT sad that the past year has flown by so quickly and that on Saturday, my sweet baby G will be turning 1.  She has NOT rocked our world this year with her delicious little self, and we are NOT blessed beyond measure for the light she has brought to our little family.  

I am NOT sad that school starts back tomorrow and that my kids (and I) will have to get back in the swing of reality.  I do NOT have a million things to clean and organize around here, but would NOT rather be lazing around our house for another 2 weeks.  Nope....NOT ME!!!

On second thought, I am NOT excited about some alone time with sweet G and Reeves' new DS.  I am NOT addicted to Super Mario, and I do NOT plan to spend naptime tomorrow trying to get to the next level!!!  

I did NOT run my air-conditioning all night long (because it is NOT humid and foggy and dreary here in Alabama).  I did NOT just turn the air-conditioning off and light the fire for a few minutes just to get the den feeling cozy.  That would NOT be crazy-nuts!!!  I do NOT hope and pray for at least a few cold days and nights before Spring, and at least 1 good snowfall would NOT be the icing on the cake!!!

Jump on in....what have YOU not done this week???  Head over to MckMama's blog to read more.  I plan to!