...do you?

Seriously...they crack me up! Running around with Madelyn's headbands on their heads like Rambo (although they don't know who Rambo is!)...playing cars in dirt piles, trying stunts on bikes and scooters, singing at the top of their lungs while swinging on the swingset, swinging from tree branches, and even climbing in a
rhodadendron bush and pretending it's their car.....

...does any of this sound familiar? ;)

Like the old saying goes....
*Mothers work from son up til son down!*
I will be the first to admit that mothering is
not an easy job, there are times of tears (for me) while I question if I am a good mother or not. I am constantly seeking God's guidance through prayer and studying His Word.
I absolutely treasure the times that my boys (and Madelyn, as well) come running over saying, "Mama, I love you!" and plant a kiss on my cheek. They actually do this often...and I see it as a gift...from my Savior to me, a re-energizing and assurance that I may never be the *perfect* mother
I desire to be....but
that God knows my efforts to be the mother *He* wants me to be! :)
Here are some quotes that I have found encouraging as well as great reminders of what is really important as a parent!
Kids spell love T-I-M-E.
~John Crudele
Give me the life of the boy whose mother is nurse, seamstress, washerwoman, cook, teacher, angel, and saint, all in one, and whose father is guide, exemplar, and friend. No servants to come between. These are the boys who are born to the best fortune.
~Andrew Carnegie
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans,
from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"
You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once.
~Polish Proverb
There comes a time when a woman needs to stop thinking about her looks and focus her energies on raising her children. This time comes at the moment of conception. A child needs a role model, not a supermodel.
~Astrid Alauda,
on the "hot mom" trend
If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. ~Abigail Van Buren
Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.
~Charles R. Swindoll,
The Strong Family
If you are a mother of boys...you will definitely want to check out
THIS post! Erin, from
Home with The Boys, has started the Mothers Of Boys Society! :) She is a Christian mama of boys. In her post....she explains that "
it’s all about raising our sons to be godly men, men of character, men who seek the Lord with all their heart." It's a great place for us moms to relate. Like Erin, I grew up with only a sister. When I had my sons, I had no idea what to expect! It is a fantastic journey....and a fun one to share with other mamas!
I have a full and busy day ahead. I look forward to it! I hope you have a wonderful day as well! :)