What kind of food blogger takes store bought cookies to a PTA luncheon?
A really crappy one, that’s what kind.
These are the thoughts that are going through my mind as I volunteer. These are the thoughts that are going through my mind as I frantically bake approximately 8,000 perfect chocolate chip cookies before carpool. These are the thoughts that I blame on the momentary lapse of reason that got me into this mess in the first place.
I’m just going to chalk this one up to my newbie stay at home mom status. I’m not really sure where I fit in in this world yet. I was in the working mom club, which I loved, but now I’m not. So what am I now? I look around at all the moms I know and gaze in wonder at how God, in all of His infinite wisdom, made you all so unique. I truly love and admire each of you.
Hipster moms, I love you. You’re so fashionable and minimalist. You have cute houses and husbands with great goatees. Your kids wear awesome clothes with nary a Disney princess shirt in sight. I applaud you. I aspire to be you.
Workout moms, you are awesome. Your dedication is inspiring. I long to have sculpted arms like yours and wish I had the willpower to get me there. I love your workout posts and motivational quotes. I feel you. I really do.
PTA moms, the school world runs on your power. Do you know how amazing you are? You’re so awesome that if the PTA were a corporation, it would have a 1 billion dollar valuation on SharkTank–all because of you. Your organization, diplomatic skills and downright selflessness to work a full-time job without getting paid astounds me.
Crunchy granola moms, we thank you. Seriously. I love your dedication, your ideals, and your passion for something greater than yourself. The fire you have to raise your families in a way that honors the earth and pay it forward is astounding. Hats off to you!
Pinterest Perfect moms, damn….How are you always so together? I’m in awe of you. Even at the gym, you glisten rather than sweat. And from top to bottom you and your house look amazing. Keep slaying. Just keep slaying.
But as I sit back and ponder this all, I really do wonder where on earth I fit. I mean, really, where do any of us fit? And why do we, as moms, divide ourselves out like this? Can’t I just do me and you do you?
Can’t I be a hipster mom in that I really like to wear athleisure ironically? In that Pumas are my jam? Can’t I hang with the workout moms on the one day a week I go to yoga? Or the other 4 that I wear athletic clothes anyway? Can’t I volunteer at the bookfair and bring in cookies like the PTA moms? But pass on being room mom because it would cause World War 3 in my household? Can I recycle sometimes like the hippie moms? (sorry, still not gonna recycle that peanut butter jar. Ain’t nobody got time for that). Pinterest moms, can I join your ranks the one day a month I get myself together? Please. I’m sort of begging here. I really want to be you.
And when I look at the moms closer to me, when I zoom in on the ones whose hearts I know, I see the complexities of us all. None of us, not a one, falls solely into one category. Most of us are just moms trying our hardest to be the best moms that we know how to be. Just women loving, learning and growing with each day. Why do we have to be anything other than that? Who made up these stupid categories anyway? 
On ground level, there is no “Mommy War.” I’ve been on both sides of the fence, as a working mom and now as one that stays home. And even then, when I worked, I didn’t find that I fit solely into that category. What if I wanted to be a working mom/PTA mom/workout mom? Why do people make us think that that’s impossible?
So moms of the world, this is my love letter to you. Today–just do you. Stop striving to define yourself. Stop trying to be anything other than who God made you to be. It’s a tough and powerful thing to be shaping children with love. Focus on that and rest in the fact that God loves you just as you are. Messy bun, un-recycled peanut butter jars and all.
And because I love you, I’m giving you this most amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe. I got this from my college roommate, who comes from a long line of serious Betty Crockers (she’s also responsible for my favorite kid treat–Gus Muffins). I remember the first time she brought them back to our little apartment in Towson, Maryland. I couldn’t believe how good they were. After much begging and cajoling, I managed to get the recipe out of her and have been making them as a treat ever since. They’re rich and lovely and there’s so much butter in them that somewhere in the deep South Paula Dean is blessing my soul without even knowing why. You’re welcome, Paula. You’re welcome.
Peace, love and Butter,
Meg
Best EVER Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 pound butter, softened
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla
- 3 eggs
- 6 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 cups chocolate chips
Directions
- Step 1 Preheat oven to 350
- Step 2 In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and sugars and mix until creamy.
- Step 3 Beat in vanilla and eggs.
- Step 4 Mix in dry ingredients.
- Step 5 Stir in chocolate chips.
- Step 6 Drop by small ice cream scoop (or tablespoon) onto parchment lined cookie sheets.
- Step 7 Bake for 8-10 minutes (DO NOT OVERBAKE)
- Step 8 Allow to cool before serving.
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.
Meaghan, I absolutely love your writing style. I’m not any kind of mom, I wasn’t blessed that way, but I was thoroughly entertained. And I wholeheartedly agree with you. Mommyhood is hard enough with out the extra expectations. Good for you! And those cookies look amazing!
Thank you so much, Tanya! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, it was about motherhood, but it can very easily transcend to all of womanhood–moms or not. We’re all just women trying to learn, grow and love, aren’t we? Love you blog as well!