When my oldest son was born, I panicked because once I held him in my arms, I knew that in 6 weeks, I would have to return to work and he would have a babysitter.  I cried and cried.  For the next year, it was rough.  Then, one day, through no fault of my own, I found myself unemployed.  I saw that as an opportunity to answer my heart’s cry.  So I began to babysit in MY home!  It was a win-win situation because not only could I give some mothers peace about where their babies were, I was able to rock my baby every day.

I cannot tell you how much fun it was to be able to see him play and talk to him as he grew!  I loved watching him learn and the amazement of little things for little boys. 

Two years later, I still had the same little boys in my home and I became pregnant for my second son.  What a thrill for me to be able to be mommy all day!  And after a year, I actually quit babysitting and just had my babies.  We had so much fun.  One of my favorite things to do was pack a picnic lunch and go to the park to play.  I would go back to a day like that in a heartbeat.

As they got older  I volunteered in their

school and was the homeroom mom. Then, I got a job there! Oh, and it was the best “mom job” ever! The boys went to work with me everyday – or I went to school with them. It was wonderful. I knew all their friends, and acquainted with all their teachers. When they were frustrated about a test, they would come to my office and we would pray. When they were feeling down, I was right around the corner. I am so grateful for that opportunity. Now that my boys are both grown and live away, it is difficult being apart. However, my husband and I know we are not to move in this season, that we are to stay here where they grew up. That was difficult to agree to at first, but, the Lord always takes care of you when you follow His plan.

I hear from my boys several times a week. We still laugh, and carry on and have a great relationship. We talk deep, we joke, and we still pray together. I am forever grateful for the time I spent with them and my only regret is that I mentally didn’t slow down and soak in it more. I hope all you young moms hear that……..The Bible says of a Proverbs 31 woman, that “her children will rise up and call her blessed”. I don’t claim to be perfect, by my boys have blessed me with so much love and appreciation. Here is an excerpt from the fb post of my youngest son on my recent birthday…..

Today is a bittersweet day for me. I am missing home a lot lately and today more specifically. I wish I were home today to give my mom a hug. Today is her birthday. So, in honor of her- here is a little bit about my mother: -She is the most selfless person I know. Ever since I was little she has given me everything I’ve needed, and a lot of what I’ve asked for. I am extremely thankful and humbled…by her generosity – I have never went without and I have her to thank. She is the most godly woman I know. It doesn’t matter the situation, she always turns to Jesus first. Always. She prays more than anyone I know. If I have a problem, she refers me to scripture always. I am so thankful for the Christian upbringing she gave me. It is a gift for which I am truly thankful. She gives great advice. This is also linked to being a godly woman, because it is a rare situation that my mother would give advice that wouldn’t be backed up by the word or can’t be found word for word in the Bible. I can call her day or night and ask for advice in any situation and she ALWAYS prays with me and turns to scripture first. For that, I am thankful. She is funny. She is always trying to make me laugh. Whether it’s sending me a funny video, or texting me a funny picture, or quoting old movie lines, she always knows how to cheer me up when I am down, or keep me laughing when I am already rolling. I can ALWAYS count on her. When I have no one else to talk to, when I have talked to everyone I can and still feel lost; when a problem arises and I am not sure what to do; when I feel lonely and out of place, when I feel great and am the happiest person in the world, when I feel like giving up, when I am mad and feel like putting my fist through a wall, I call my mom. She has always been there and she will always be there. These are just a handful of reasons I love my mom. I could go on and on….

My oldest son, does not have fb, but “tweeted a picture of me and him and made my day. He has said similar things and I treasure them all.

I have to tell you that it has been almost 4 months since I have seen my boys. This is the longest stretch I have had in the last 7 years of college life. It has been difficult. But because my heart is secure in the relationships we have, I miss them, but I never worry about them not loving me.

In three weeks, I go to Nashville to see Brent graduate! So proud of the man he has become. He has a heart of gold and seeks the Lord and for that, I am truly grateful. Because they live 2 blocks from each other I will see Eric too! And what a wonderful man he is as well. I am daily blessed by his caring for others, especially the underdogs. He, too, seeks Jesus and what more could a momma ask for.

Young mommas – TREASURE your time with your children. I know they will get rowdy and they will get on your nerves, but this time will pass you by, and you will miss them so. Remember, you are nurturing a young and tender plant from the Lord. Give them all the nutrients, fertilizer, PRUNING (yes, I spanked my boys – ask them about THUMPER LOL), sunshine and rain. Train them up in the way they should go and when they are old, they will NOT depart! Proverbs 22:6.

My heart is full. Thank You Father, for the privilege of being a mom to my boys.