Most Proud Moment as a Mom

Parenting and motherhood, though challenging, are filled with moments when our children pleasantly surprise us. I know my daughter is only four, but she has already provided me with some of my proudest moments as a mom. One of those moments occurred in May 2008, at the end of the year event and awards ceremony at the International School in Tucson.

At the end of each year, students at the school perform skits for the parents and friends. As most parents of small children know, public performances can be good or interesting, depending on children's mood at the time. Well, that day, my daughter's Spanish class did a rendition of the Mariachi. The little boys wore sombreros and gauchos. The little girls wore white shirts with flared skirts.

My daughter enjoys dancing and people looking at her anyway, so she was ready to show off her dance for everyone. There were only three girls in their class. One of the little girls was not having any part of the routine, and the other little girl half-heartedly did her part. My child took this opportunity to show off. As soon as the music started, she shook her shirt, imitating her teacher. Like always, she had that determined look on her face. When the tempo of the music quickened, she shook her little hips and moved her little body. I was having a bad day that day, but she put a smile on my face.

Motherhood and parenting are filled with surprises. Even when she's having one of her little moments, she seems to make it up by doing something to make me proud.