Oh Mama!

"If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go that a prayer has not already been."~Robert Brault

I can't remember exactly what I believed motherhood would be like before I actually had children. I am certain that I pictured the good and happy things and pushed aside anything that may have scared me.

And now...I am thirteen and a half years into being a mom...it has far exceeded any dream or idea I could have ever had...

It is every cliche' you every hear. It is glimpsing both heaven and hell. It first smiles and laughs and words and steps. First days of school, first school programs and play dates. It is also middle of the night fevers and cleaning up throw up and sick and sleepless nights. And everything in between...

I have watched three children come into the world. Sweet angels, soft and innocent and pure. And the days have flown by so very quickly.

Nicholas, my sweet towheaded and beautiful eyes, arriving in time for Christmas on a 55 degree night. It was just yesterday he was tiny babe...then walking at 9 months and talking. He loved music and anything cars. And now...he is a teenager in the middle of middle school. He is smart and funny, he loves sports and is dabbling in theater as well and he still loves music.

Nathaniel arrived in the heat of August, all dark hair and personality. He was our snuggler and a love, he remains both. Boundless energy and boundless kindness. He loves basketball and music and theater too. He is both bright and the funniest kid, he makes me laugh all the time. He works hard at the things that he does from school to the court.

Emma Grace was a surprise from the moment I discovered I was pregnant. She was a beauty from the moment she entered the world. She has always had a sense of strong independence from infancy on. She is smart as a whip, sings beautifully all the time, she is as athletic as her brothers and is a social butterfly.

I am not sure what I did for God to have given me these children. I am in awe of them alot I know that when I see their report cards  or speak to their teachers, I have to remind myself, these are my kids and I am so proud.  When I watch them play sports, I am their biggest fan and loudest supporter, it is hard to believe that they have any coordination at all! When they sing or stand in front of an audience have a natural sense of grace, I am taken back by their beautiful sense of self confidence.

I am humbled by the wonderful people they are and continue to become. I just pray God is with them always and with me as I try not to mess things up too badly as they become adults and I always give them all the love they deserve.