Mom-spirations- Mercy

Mercy G. - My Mom

For my last Mom-spiration interview I am so excited to share my Mom, Mercy. My Mother is one amazing woman. She is the definition of motherhood wrapped in a beautiful package. My Mom is kind, sweet, generous, loving and fun to be around. She is funny and loud. To know her is to love her. Before we start let me answer some questions that I know you will have....

• No my Mom was not 10 years old when she had me. 
• Yes we do get mistaken for sister. 
• Yes I know my Mom is gorgeous.  

I love this interview. I hope you do too.

What is the most surprising this about parenthood?
The most surprising thing about parenthood is how natural it comes to you when you first become a mother. You go through so much doubt and turmoil during your pregnancy, but once the baby's born, it all comes so naturally.


Where the teenage years as hard as I imagine they will be?
Yes the teenage years are one of the toughest things for a parent to go through. The child is trying to cut the apron strings while the Mother is trying to keep her child safe and within her arms reach.


Is your partner the type of parent you imagined they would be?
You really don't know what kind of parent your partner will be until he becomes a parent. I thought Dad would be super strict when it came to boyfriends, but he was pretty laid back.


Where did your kids nicknames come from?
Dad loved to watch cartoons. He still does. All your nicknames come from him. They are all cartoon characters. (Magilla Gorilla, Baba Louie, Tweeters)


Did you enjoy pregnancy?
I enjoyed my pregnancies, especially my first one (YES! I win!) To me it was a time where I could eat whatever I wanted. Of course now things are different. Everyone is more health conscious.


What is the best parenting advice you have ever received?
The best parenting advice I ever received is that your can't spoil your kids by loving them too much, and don't yell at your kids.


What is your parenting philosophy?
My parenting philosophy is, teach your kids right from wrong and then let them learn through their own life's experiences.




When you were 16 did you imagine your life would end up where it is now?
When I was 16, I imagined going to college and meeting the man of my dreams and having a beautiful family and living happily ever after. I was able to accomplish everything except a college education.


What is the ideal Mother's Day gift?
Flowers and a card is a great Mother's Day gift, but all I really want is for my kids to call me to wish me a happy Mother's day.


How did all your kids leaving the house change your marriage/relationship?
Once the kids were on their own, Dad and I rediscovered each other. We were like newlyweds all over again. We didn't have to worry about making too much noise (TMI?). Also your relationship with your children becomes stronger when they are on their own.


What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Of course my favorite thing to do with my kids is vacation at Bass Lake, such good memories! I also love when everyone is at our house and we're all just sitting around the table eating and talking. (The simple things).


What was your favorite book from your childhood?
I don't recall having a favorite childhood book. We didn't get bedtime stories at night. There were too many of us (9!). The only books we had at home when I was a child were my Mom's "True Story" magazines and my Dad's Spanish cowboy paperbacks. I discovered my love for reading later in life. My favorite book is "Rain of Gold".


How did you deal with discipline in your house?
Discipline- it only took one spanking. I didn't spank as a form of discipline. The one time I did, it came as a shock to you and to me and you didn't misbehave after that. Of course, I cried more than you after I spanked you. You got a "talking to" if you needed discipline.


What is your favorite meal to make for your kids?
Back in the day, my favorite meal to make was cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. (easy & quick) Now it's enchiladas with rich and homemade beans, but I know that you also love my chicken spaghetti.

Where do you go to first when you need parenting advice?
I am very close to my sisters. They are my best friends. They are who I go to for advice, but when it comes to my kids, it's your Dad who I go to first. I trust his judgment 100%.


Were you more relaxed with your second/third child?
You definitely get more relaxed with your third child. Apparently Elaine had no curfew.

How is being a Nana different than being a parent? How is it the same?
Being a Nana is the best job in the world. The job of parenting a child in no longer in your hands. You just get to enjoy and love and spoil your Grandkids. It's the BEST job in the world. It doesn't matter  if you're the parent or the Nana. We both have the same objective, to keep the child safe and loved so they grow up to be a good person.


Who is your Mom-spiration? 
When I was little I always wondered how the mom on "Leave it to Beaver" or the Mom on "Brady Bunch", or the Mom on "The Partridge Family" (you get my drift), was always nicely dressed-up, in heels and make-up and the house looking immaculant. How did they do it? I now realize that my Mom was the best example of what a truly remarkable Mother should be. She loved us unconditionally and did everything in her power, with what she had, to see that we had a safe and loving childhood. She still does that. Sometimes you don't realize what a great Mother you had until you're on your own with your own family.

I asked my sister Cari to give me a few words about Mom,
"My Mom is the best Mom out there in every way. She has always been patient, loving, generous, and a great teacher. What I admire about her is her consistency of the person she is. You can always count on her to be herself. I think me and my sister are the Moms we are because of our mother. I remember her reading stories to us, taking us to the library, and going on family trips to the beach or Solvang. I know if I can be half of what my Mom was to me for my kids, then they will turn out great people. Our Mom is the rock of our family that keeps us as close as we are. I love you Mom and appreciate everything you do for us!"

I asked our youngest sister Elaine (the one who didn't have a curfew) to share her thoughts on Mom:
"My Mom is always there. Her cooking is simple, but nothing makes me happier than when I can replicate a meal. She is hilarious, always has a good comeback when my Pops is trying to be funny." 


My Mom's oldest grand-daughter Maria said...
"My Nana is the most generous person I know. The only time I have ever seen her mad is when she yells at Flip to stay away from the coyotes. She tries to give everyone everything they want. Her family sees her as a goddess and treats her like one too. She very much deserves it." 



Happy Mother's Day Mom. There is not a day that goes by where I don't catch myself saying something, or doing something just like you do. I know that everything I have learned about being a Mom to The Phi and Lou has come from growing up with you as my Mom. They way I can love them and have fun with them and even disciple them comes straight from you. And when I look at my girls I get it now. Every fight we had, every time I thought you were being mean and unfair, I totally get it now. You love me just like I love The Phi and Lou and that is so overwhelming. Knowing that you love me and Cari and Elaine that much is mind-blowing. Not only did you raise us with all the love and support in the world, you also taught us how to be good Mom's and now your grand-kids are reaping the benefits. You know you are the world's best Nana, they way The Phi completely adores you, follows you, and always wants to be with you should show you that. I am so happy to be able to spend this Mother's Day with you and with our family.

 I love you Mom, so very much.