Being a Mother

My baby boy, who's stunts will give me a coronary one day, is going to be 18 next month and so I've been thinking a lot about the years I've been a mother. My oldest child, a beautiful woman with a "hippie" name, (though I've never been a hippie, I'm much too young) is 22. My oldest son, who thankfully is no longer Goth, has recently turned 21. When adding it all up, I have over 60 combined years of mothering experience. Which, when I'm trying to give advice to young mothers, means a lot. When trying to put it into practical use, like getting my youngest to get his hair cut, has absolutely no meaning what-so-ever. But, I take it all in stride because it's what being a mother is about. I choose my battles knowing; In the end I will have won the war!!

Top 5 reasons I Love being a mother:

1. Babies are the most beautiful of all God's creations! Their wide-eyed expressions, toothless grins, bubbly laughter, sloppy kisses, chubby-armed hugs, wobbly walk, silky hair, sleepless nights, sweet innocence, and saying Mama.

2. Young children are dirt on their face, gum in their hair, rocks in their pockets, running barefoot, playing hide-n-seek, telling stories, collecting bugs, ticklish giggles, tight squeezes, tantrums, good-night kisses, chicken pox, and saying I love you Mommy.

3. Tweens are looks of annoyance, unwanted haircuts, climbing trees, telling fibs, sibling rivalry, corny jokes, watching movies, doing it on their own, hospital trips, homework, arguments, and saying I love you Mom.

4. Teenagers are looks of defiance, wild hairdos, slamming doors, loud music, laughing at you, know-it-all, strange friends, dating, worried nights, parties, high school, cars, piercings & tattoos, independent, and saying I love ya Ma.

5. Young adults are looks of understanding, laughing with you, favorite movies, shared music, unexpected visits, phone calls, childhood memories, appreciation, friendship, sharing, caring, and saying I Love You So Much, You're the Greatest Mother Ever!

I found it too hard to pick just 5 when writing this and since the bad goes along with the good, I thought I'd just break it down into the stages of their lives.