The things no one tells us about raising kids

No one tells you that you're going to hate being a mom at times. I know, I know, but before you go judging me, think about it, the definition of hate is to "feel intense or passionate dislike for someone (or something)". Now if you haven't (at times) felt this about motherhood, kudos, but I sure as heck have! Many times!!

No one tells you that your social life is going to suffer. Finding friends whose kids get along with yours, and you can put up with each other's children enough to spend time together, is like finding a comfortable pair of sexy heels. Not easily done!

No one tells you that you're going to want to run away. Like. . . permanently. Now very few moms do this, but you will want to, I repeat, you will want to! You'll think of your life BC (before children) and you'll look at your life today -- fighting, whining, shouting, demanding, diapers, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and did I mention cleaning? All without a single thank you or acknowledgment. Believe me, you'll want to run as far away as you possibly can and make your living as a ballerina' b/c it's what you've always wanted to be. Sure you're not coordinated, and you don't look good in tights, not to mention your hair is too short to put it up in that cute ballerina bun, but it's a thousand times better than what you've got goin' on at the moment.

They also never tell you, you'll never want to sleep with your husband again. Maybe in dreams you do, but the instant you wake up and remember the loooong list of all you have to do, there's no time, desire, or energy for that beautiful thing that got you into this mess in the first place.

But they also never tell you that you are going to think each and every one of your children is a 1000 x better than any other child on the planet. You really will! You'll think things they do that are only "meh" on the awesome scale, are the best things ever...like when Levi, oh wait, you won't think it's cool. But I do, and that's what they don't tell you. Believe me, this average, everyday person you are raising will be the most extraordinary human being to ever walk the earth in your eyes (like they are in God's eyes). And if you have more than one, it extends to them which is so crazy!

They never tell you that you join a club when you become a parent. It's the Parent Club, and only parents can join. Don't feel bad if you aren't a parent, b/c if you don't have kids, you won't want to join it anyhow! It's a club where all you do is talk about diapers, and schedules, and discipline techniques. Like I said, you non parents will want no part in it. But if you are a parent, it will be beyond fascinating.

They also never say how proud you will feel in public with your little crew...well...unless they are having a meltdown. But when they're on good behavior, walking around with your kids feels like walking around displaying the coolest art project you've ever done for the whole world to see. You made these people! And they are awesome! Now behold!!

Maybe all of the things on this list don't apply to you, maybe they do. But I sure feel like there's this taboo thing where we don't talk about the really ugly, or the really beautiful part of being a parent. Maybe we're scared no one else will understand, maybe we are trying to fit a mold that, to us, is the perfect parent, but I'm here to tell you, being a parent is waaay more horrible and amazing than most people will let you know.