Motherhood

      Being a mother is the best thing in the world.  It is also the hardest.  I cannot think of another job that will make you cry and laugh all at the same time.  

     It is a full time 24/7 job.  I thought it would be so easy after I had my oldest.  It gets harder with each kid you add.  The sibling rivalry kicks in the moment they find out you are pregnant.  It also adds more love and laughter and wisdom.

     I thought I knew it all by the time I got pregnant with the youngest and the only girl.  Boy was I wrong.  I can not believe how little I know about raising girls even though I am a girl!  She is 5 but has so much attitude in that little body.  I am not her friend at least twice a week because I make her clean her room, do her chores, or if I do not let her do something she wants to.  Being a mother does not mean I am going to be best friend all of the time.  I love my children dearly and love to have fun and hang out, but I will also discipline when necessary.

     Now that they are older I find my self busy all over again.  There seemed to be a time when only the oldest was interested in sports and extra stuff after school.  Now that all three are school age, it seems like I barely have enough time to shower.  Between all of them being in some form of scouting, work, school, and church I can't believe I have time to sleep!  

    There are times that I think they can't grow up faster.  My sisters and I tortured each other, and now that we are grown we are great friends.   Other times they grow up way to fast.  I used to bring Grace into my bed when I went up.  With Dean working nights it was easy for me to do.  Last night she woke up a little after I made noise getting my shower.  I asked if she wanted to go to my bed, and she didn't.  This morning I asked her where she liked sleeping, in my bed or hers.  She said she liked sleeping in her bed the best.  I didn't think this day would come until she was like 10, but she is five and doesn't want to snuggle with mommy any more.  

         Being a mother is also incredibly rewarding.  The first time they walk, say mama to the first time they walk on the bus and learn to read.  When they ask you do something and then tell you that only you can do it right.  The sleepy smiles the first thing in the morning as they wake up and watching them sleep.  Seeing Zach grow up from a boy to a young man has been amazing.  

     Even when the days are long I am so blessed to be a mother.  Its the best thing in the world.