It’s Oct. 1 and already I have elaborate plans for homemade costumes for all three kids. I know what candy I’ll give out for Halloween, and I’m planning the annual goodie bags the boys and I make for their friends every year.
The church where my daughter attends preschool is having its annual Oktoberfest celebration this weekend an I’m making cupcakes for the bake sale (funds support the preschool). Today, I bought a dozen individual cupcake boxes and mentally designed the tags I plan to attach to each.
I’ve finally settled on a date for my daughter’s birthday party so now I can take the pictures and create her custom birthday party invitations. We’re scaling down a bit this year, but there are still gift bags to make for her guests. And since there are so few, I’m thinking of making them little purses and embroidering their names on them.
Yes, I am “that mom.”
I did not realize this until someone else — a total stranger — pointed it out to me. I was picking up my oldest from a Sweet Sixteen party last year and the guest of honor’s mother brought up the wrapped candy bars I’d made for the previous Halloween. “You just do everything, don’t you?” she commented. And I immediately felt like the most over-the-top, overachieving wannabe on the planet.
I’m crafty; I like making things. But I sometimes worry that my addiction to paper, fabric and glitter makes it seem like some kind of competition for craftiest mom. Or is that Craftiest Mom? It’s so not the point, yet I don’t know how to make it clear that it’s just fun for me. I get the same kind of endorphin release from crafting that I used to from running, back before my knee mutinied.
I think I need a T-shirt: “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Crafty.” I’ll make it, of course.
1 October, 11:45 pm
I think I need a T-shirt: “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Crafty.” I’ll make it, of course.
LOL! I soooo WISH I was “that Mom”! I don’t have the patience…that’s my problem!
And yes, it would be soo great to have our curly blondies together to model your awesome goods! They would be darling together!
Taras last blog post..{baby ashton}
2 October, 12:21 am
i want that shirt! LOL
2 October, 12:26 am
I’m That Mom too in my group of friends. Although, I don’t feel it’s over the top at all. I just like to do it! It’s for me more than for anyone else. I don’t feel like I’m showing off. A friend just offered me a store-bought costume on loan. And I kind of cringed at the idea of not making it myself. I think I’m going to accept it, just in case.
Lilias last blog post..The girl turns 4.
2 October, 12:53 am
“I’ll make it, of course.” Ha ha ha!
I wish I knew more crafty people in my day to day non internet life. I’m definitely not one of those moms. I’m just a grand planner but have trouble finishing things. But when I do finish stuff it feels so lonely being the only one creating, glad to have my creative online friends!
2 October, 6:17 am
Mary, All of my friends call me “Martha” because they think I am just like Martha Stewart…Well, I am very creative and yes, I can see why they tease me about it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I too am a over-achiever in that way. What most people don’t understand I find is, that I am not doing this to “show-off” but because I truly love doing all those extra special little things that make all the difference. The things my kids will remember. The other day Oliver(9), my oldest saw me crocheting a hat for Abby and was awe struck…”Mom, you can knit too!?” I explained that it wasn’t knitting but something similar and he was just blown away! his comment was “Mom, is there anything you can’t do?” I was tickled! So, I am thrilled to bits that I am a Super crafty, Over-achieving, creative mama. I wouldn’t want it any other way! Plus, it’s too much fun!!! But I agree, I need one of those T-shirts too!!!
Dawns last blog post..Our First Big Homeschooling Project
2 October, 6:38 am
ROTFL! I love you anyway, even if you are ‘that Mom’.
dangitAnges last blog post..Little People
2 October, 10:49 am
But you know what? You really aren’t *that* mom. *That* mom does the things you do and makes sure people notice. Get the difference? You inspire rather than intimidate. That’s a wonderful thing!
2 October, 2:18 pm
LOL! I’m that mom too! I’m addicted to making things! Maybe we need to start a club.
Delilahs last blog post..Oct 2, Changing Table Pad and Cover
2 October, 3:09 pm
giggle *snort*
2 October, 7:53 pm
I love your blog! I’m adding you to my sidebar. This post is a hoot. People call me “Betty Crocker” as if I should feel bad about it. I can’t help it if I love to make my pie crust from scratch. LOL
~Angel
2 October, 10:56 pm
Ok, I’m probably not ‘that mom’ but I would say I border on it. For me it depends on what it is. I love doing all the things too but I do get people that give me looks and I cringe when I get some kind of praise for it all. I’m not looking for a pat on the back. I just like making people feel special or putting that special touch to someone. I felt bad when I only made mini muffins for K’s teacher and then threw them in a noodle box that was NOT decorated lol. I felt ashamed lol. And many still talk about K’s 5th fairy birthday. I always have the best intentions of doing more but I generally fall short
Also if you made that tee, doesn’t it kinda sound like bragging lol? Almost like the ones ‘don’t hate me because I’m beautiful’ lol.
3 October, 8:49 pm
First of all, I vote for the “that Mom” club! And it’s nice to see others nicknamed Martha, although I have always griped a bit about that…I mean Martha has a staff, which makes her only half the woman I am…HA HA!!
I think it is interesting that a stranger pointed it out, to no one’s surprise. Because all of us “that Mom’s” know that your friends love that about you…probably because they get to cash in on like mine!!
4 October, 6:07 am
I get “That Mom”, too, and it baffles me, cause it’s nothing special..just what I love to do!
muralimanohars last blog post..No particular reason…
4 October, 12:39 pm
Hey sweetie,
If it makes you feel any better I am making Molly a card costume today for Lily and Iris’s Alice and Wonderland first Birthday. There there sweet friend, you are definitely not alone!
Are ou going to be in Houston this year? I think everyone will be there but me! Maybe one of these days I will be able to make it there.
xoxo,
Samantha
Samanthas last blog post..Houston Quilt Market Part Two
4 October, 9:30 pm
Hey, I’m jealous! I’d love to be “that mom”!
Devilish Southern Belles last blog post..Pssst…..
4 October, 9:36 pm
I share your feelings. I’ve also been called a “freak of nature” because I like to sew, craft, cook and love to learn everything. Plus I am an electrical engineer. You do not meet that many crafty electrical engineers out there.
5 October, 9:21 pm
“That Mom”, said with disgust, from the moms that WANNABE “that mom!”. You go “That Mom!”
Where would our classrooms be without “That Mom”?
People wouldn’t even know you CAN make things without “That Mom”.
Kids get extra brownie points for having “That Mom”.
“That Mom” Rules.
Wish I was more of one!!!!
5 October, 9:51 pm
I think it’s good to be “that Mom” because really, I think you are being “perfectly yourself” which is always the most inspiring thing in the end…
sadiras last blog post..The Perfect Day for Sailing…
6 October, 12:35 pm
If cars have descriptions and prefixes like “sport” I would consider you a “Turbo Mom”.
InstantAmbers last blog post..Are Child Tracking GPS Systems Worth It?
11 October, 12:05 pm
I’d buy a shirt!
emilys last blog post..Throwin’ out candy that looks like money: An early [kidstuff] Sunday gift guide.