Dear Mamas!

Dear “Younger-than-Me” or “Soon-to-be” Moms,

Tonight, I sat back here at my home, listening to my son Rory tell stories about his childhood, and some of the mischievous adventures he and his friends kept secret, until tonight.   He called his brother, Ian, his very best friend.

I heard my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Holly, tell intimate details of why she loves and chose each of her bridesmaids.

Everyone had something to share – A story, a memory, or what they meant to each other.

At the end of the evening, we made a short video to send to Rory’s 2nd and 3rd grade teacher – with 2 of the groomsmen, and Rory.

Time literally FLIES by.   It does.   And as my evening comes to an end, and all have left the house – I’m left to sit and reminisce of an evening that, quite possibly, may have been one of the most memorable in my life.  My boys have been as blessed with the best of friends, just like I have!    As a mom – That makes my heart swell……

Hearing the joyful laughter of these kids, knowing they have incredible friends with morals and integrity who genuinely care for them – Well, I just can’t sit here and not feel overwhelmingly blessed.   They are all good kids.

Take lots of pictures.  I sooo wish I would have taken more pictures!   And choose their friends wisely.   Meet their parents.  If something just doesn’t feel right – Trust your instincts.

Journal every funny memory of your child.  Save their school art work.   Keep a journal.  Write letters to them, even prayers. Some day, they’ll be glad you did that for them!

Don’t wish away the years, always anxious for the next stage, the next birthday, the next grade………..

Encourage them.    But don’t instill in them a sense of entitlement.   Make them do chores, and teach them to take pride in their hard work.  Insist when they start working (and still have no bills to pay), that they put 1/2 of their paycheck away in a savings account.

Teach your boys to pull chairs out and open doors for ladies.

Moms – Make sure your daughters are appropriately dressed (and covered up).

Psalm 127:3 says, ” Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”

Enjoy your kids.  They are a gift from God.  And they grow up all too stinkin’ fast!