Lee Chipman: I Can Do Anything

Lee Chipman is a busy mother of five girls. When she's not baking, cleaning or helping with homework, she enjoys decorating her home.

I don’t remember the “aha” moment when I decided to be a stay-at-home mom.  I do remember that my mom worked full-time when I was growing up. I never felt resentful of her job, but I loved cooking and shopping and concocting activities with her.  I wish we could have spent more time together. My mom was an infectious person. She made you want more—more of her and more of whatever she was involved in—because she turned even the most boring tasks into fun adventures. I knew at a young age that I wanted to give that “more” to my own kids. I’m 37, and a mom to five girls. I’m living my dream. It takes a lot of effort every day to make it work, but it’s what I like to do.

My desire to be a mom never conflicted with my educational goals. I have a bachelor's degree in child therapy. I had a hard time zeroing in on a major because there was so much to learn. Being a mother who gives more means a need to continually learn more. I’m interested in literature, how the human brain works, photography, food (I love to cook), design (decorating my home is a favorite hobby), teaching and educating.

The words “I CAN DO ANYTHING” are written in bold black letters along the risers of the main stairway in our home. This is a gentle reminder to me that I can in fact handle five children. But more importantly, the words are a formative thought for my kids. I want my daughters to believe that they can do and be whatever they put their minds to. And I want them to know I'll help them along the way. If they don't get it now, they will someday. This became clear when a neighborhood friend asked what the words on the stairs meant, and one of my girls answered, “It helps us remember that we are loved".

Last Sunday there was a moment of pure bliss at my house. The older girls were working on a pieced quilt for the dog joining our family next month. The little girls were playing a game. It wasn’t completely quiet (a sound I yearn for), but they were all happily involved in projects together. I listened to a discussion of color combinations and fabric swatches, and a negotiation of new game rules. (I even heard a new game being invented.) There was laughter and excitement about our puppy. For a brief moment I had a glimpse of all my hard work coming together. The girls were voicing their opinions, nicely. They were getting along and developing close relationships, which is what I’ve always wanted for them. The moment was brief, but it made me feel at peace, and gave me the sense that I’m on the right path. The floors weren't clean. The laundry wasn't folded. Emails were unanswered. But five girls were creating joyful and lasting relationships right before my eyes.

This dream job of mine will not last forever. That makes me sad, when I think about it. My kids will only need my constant care and attention for a very short time. Later, I’ll be in a different phase of life, with time to restructure my dreams and maybe even try out a new career. Once in a while I’ll take a new task, recipe or idea for a spin, because I think it's important for my girls to see that their mom is capable of learning and trying new things.

My mom died when she was only 63. Her death made me realize that life is short and nothing is certain. Right now I’m doing my best to live my own dream to the fullest, which means raising my children with all the love and attention I have to give. When the right time comes, I won’t be afraid to turn my talents to something new, because I believe, just like I’m trying to teach my girls, that I can do anything.

What words do you want your children to remember?

When was the last time you tried something that was new?

Can you remember a time of pure bliss with people you loved?

        

Comments

[Dscofield]

What a beautiful post. There are times I walk into the house, with all the mess...book bags, soccer bags, papers, sweatshirts all over the place and I could scream and the I remember in a few short years everything can be nice and tidy and I will sorely miss the chaos. Being a mom is the hardest job, the most rewarding and one of the least really appreciated in our society. There is nothing like the smell, touch, sound of your child...heaven on earth.

[Angela Dunn]

Thank you for sharing this lovely post. The best time in my life as well. I raised my son (now 21) with the idea that anything is possible, but even more importantly, to believe in himself and trust his own gut. I am now amazed at his ability to make his own decisions confidently, and bounce back from adversity as life deals him twists and turns. It is the most you can hope for as a mom.

You may enjoy this similar reflection on possibilities in my Mother's Day memory, "Strawberries on Toast" http://blogbrevity.posterous.com/strawberries-on-toast-mothers-day-memory

[Luisa Perkins]

Beautifully written. Thanks.

[Lori Wynne]

What an incredible, sweet and confident message. Thank you for sharing so eoquently.

[Rebecca]

Lee, you are an inspiration & your girls reflect the beautiful family and environment they are growing up in. I love your thoughts in this post. I feel the same way about treasuring this fleeting time raising my children. It's priceless.

[Rocio Alexander]

thanks for sharing, and Lee is a fantastic cook and so creative. She really CAN do ANYTHING!

[Michelle Anthony]

Thanks, Whitney and Lee, for helping me hear such an important message--set of messages. The power of a dream to adjust, the different lessons that words bring different people at different stages, and the importance of recognizing small moments of dream fruition.

[llanola stone]

I can vouch to the fact that Lee can do anything. I've seen her in action styling a photo shoot, parenting, contributing insightful ideas and just being Lee. Love ya sweetheart! ;)

[Margaret Busse]

Lee--I have to say that I laughed when I read this, given that you're giving birth in five more days! Wonderful post, my friend.

[Allison]

Beautiful. I could picture the moment in my mind and it made me more aware and appreciative of moments like that in my home. Thanks!

[Bonnie White]

Lee I knew your mom and agree that she made it all infectious and wonderful. She used to attend my institute class and made the best creme brulee. At her suggestion my second daughter looked into nursing for a career path. I feel this off connection with you as I have the Dunham cookbook and make many of the delicious contents that were in your mother's and your kitchen.

And I think it is pretty neat that you have embraced this time in your life without any regrets. It does go all too quickly and then you can do the next part.

Thanks for sharing Lee. Give Whitney a hug from me and we can prove yet again how small the world has become.