It’s okay to admit when you know you do something well, right? I mean, is it really arrogant? Prideful? Perhaps those are simply results of the delivery of such knowledge.
Hmmm…
At any rate – this afternoon I hung out with my kids. Uninterrupted, just the three of us. We ate together. We drove around together. We ran errands together. We watched TV together.
We were together.
And in our time together we had some deep conversation and not so deep chat. And, of course, we laughed. A lot. It seems it’s what we Hodge’s do best.
It was today that I decided I would confess what I’ve known in my heart for quite some time…
I’m a pretty darn good mom.
There. I said it.
I know, I know. Let others tell you you’re good at something. And they have. But I’ve never admitted it.
Think me arrogant or conceited but the proof is in the kiddos goshdarnit 
I mean, seriously I am so proud of Kass and Kota. I love that I enjoy being with them and they enjoy being with me.
And believe me when I say this – While I was still grieving and beating myself up after my abortions I didn’t think I’d ever be a mom. I wanted to but figured I would be punished for my choices and not be able to have children. And if being a mom actually was going to be in my future I knew for certain I would be terrible at it. These thoughts were driven by guilt and fear, of course.
But I’ve been a mom now for almost 18 years. And today I decided I would admit that I have done a good job.
Perfect? Not a chance. The best I know how? Absolutely.
I’m a good mom. And it feels good to say it out loud. No shame.
It feels good to know you do something well. And it’s okay to admit it. Flaunt it? Nope. Share it? Yes!
I have a few other strengths but this strength I am genuinely happy about. And I want to share it. I want to be here for advice, or a sounding board, for other parents.
Personally, I love learning from other peoples strengths. It inspires me and encourages me to grow and take risks.
Being a good mom is something, I believe, I do well. So, yay. And, yes, they have a pretty awesome dad, too.
Would you find it difficult to confess, in writing here, something you know you do well? Can you do it without feeling weird or fearful of what other people may think of your declaration?
Would you be willing to share it?
I won’t judge you and either will anyone else here. So, knock yourself out and reveal something that maybe another may need to see or know about you and learn from.
Go ahead!
You are a great mom, and Brent is a great dad!!!! As an outsider that has never officially met your family, I see how your kids are. How much the love Jesus. At a time (teenage years) when they could have thrown a fit about you guys bringing a "random" person into your home they've treated her like a member of the family that has always been there since day one. The same could be said with your move. You've instilled in them a lot. And your mom-greatness shows.
I was thinking as to myself that I'm pretty darn good at my job. Like you said, not perfect, but I do my best.
thank you, prudence! means a lot.
so i wanta know…what makes you good at your job??
In no particular order…
> Creative ideator
> Photographer
> Father
> Friend
> Writer
> Coffee knowledge/brewer
> Micro-brew appreciator
> Music lover
> Hustler.
hustler??
do tell!
You are an AMAZING mom. I'm thankful for the example you've been to me…
thank you, sis. and you've seen the good and the ugly =D
I've met half of your kids – you ARE a wonderful mom!
I think I'm a good mom, too. I wouldn't have said that when my kids were your kids age, but they've all turned out unique and awesome in their own way and I'd like to think I played a part in that. Three kids – one of each. Absolutely couldn't live without them.
Also? Mother-in-law. But it helps to have the best DIL and SIL in the world – they make me look good.
I won't bore you with being THAT grandma. But still…..
three kids – one of each??
There's something quite rebellious about that third one – survival? Never played by the rules. If he'd been first, he'd have probably been an only child. He's caused a lot of painful tears, but redeemed them with many joyful ones. Banned from the church nursery at age two, but couldn't imagine my life without him!
I witnessed it, you are an amazing mom. But anyone who encounters one of your brilliant & loving children knows that you are an amazing mom.
You are an amazing mom!
amazing woman of God also!!!
amazing soul!
I am good at drawing the hearts out of souls by listening and discerning!
I'm a little belated to this rodeo because my Google Reader is out of control
I've never met you or kids, only know you through Twitter & kind of vicariously through Alece, but I have NO trouble believing that you are an excellent mother. Perhaps imperfect as you say, but from what I can gather through the laptop screen, you seem to have a lot of strength. Looking at my own mom who had her own battles but was oh so strong, I know your teens will only appreciate that even more once they're all grown up!
I don't know if it's a "thing I'm good at" but I'm smart. Really smart. I always downplay it like it isn't that big a deal, anybody could do it, but I finished law school with honors and passed the country's hardest bar exam on the first try. These days, I'm trying to own my intelligence without seeming arrogant. Does that make sense?