It’s not a job I take lightly.

Kaitlyn– I’ve never parented an adult before and while I desperately try to forget that you have come of age, you persistently remind me that you are, indeed, eighteen years old. While I know that you find it possible to admit, you do still need me in your life…if only to have someone to disagree with. I will patiently wait for the day when you say “Gosh, Mom…you were right!” even if it’s only about over plucking eyebrows. You are my firstborn and you reaped the rewards of a mother who was enthusiastic about every benchmark in your life. You also bore the burden of my mistakes along the way. All in all I would say that you are a well rounded, well adjusted beautiful person who I am proud to present to the world. I have no doubt you will leave it a better place.

Kevin– You have had the unfortunate privilege of growing up with two mothers: Kaitlyn and me. I know this meant that you were not allowed to get by with much when it came to being naughty. This is why I sometimes allow you to get by with not making your bed before school. Just know that as my guilt of sMOTHERING you subsides, I will be checking under the bed, too.

One of the reasons you are so dear to me is because we have the same sense of humor. Being antiqued with flour still cracks you up. Even when I get it in your eyes. By the way, you ARE turtle-y enough for me.

Daniel– You came into this world six weeks early which is why I think you take your time doing anything, including turning in your homework and finishing your chores. You are the first to hug me in the morning and the last to hug me before bed. I love being your mom because you make it so easy to feel good about the job I do. It makes me wonder if you remember that I never put you down until you were like fourteen months old and I could no longer carry you in the baby sling without developing hemorrhoids and scoliosis. Thank you for making sure there were no legos to step on today.

Logan–I don’t know how it happened that you, of all my children, understand the value of money and taking care of your possessions but I am so thankful. You are my goto guy every time I’ve misplaced my keys or hairbrush. It’s like you have an internal radar for all lost things. I love that you are almost as tall as me at age eleven. I love that you set your clothes out the night before school. I love that you crave responsibility and always end up going above and beyond. You are going to be so successful in life!

Isaiah–I have to admit that I have not always known how best to mother you since your testosterone level is so far off the charts that you basically sneeze bullets and can bench press my purse which weighs more than you. I have always stood back, amazed, at not only your strength, but your compassion for the helpless. There’s not an injured animal which wouldn’t love to be in your care. There’s not a man on a battle field who wouldn’t want someone like you behind him. You are fiercely loyal and kind. It’s a rare combination which makes me want to both prepare you for the real world yet shelter you from it at the same time. My solution is to both wrestle with and hug you, sometimes at the same time. My only beef with you is that you can’t seem to control your desire to share every embarrassing family moment with Mr. E….your second grade teacher.

Elly–Only you, child, can spend a day working with me at the salon and get more tips than I’ve EVER received. You are the most girly girl I have ever known so forgive me if I’m not sure which barrette goes with which ankle socks. Sometimes my only goal is clean clothes and not so much the correct and proper matching. I wonder if you’ll ever comprehend how many hours I have spent watching you sing, dance, do gymnastics, look at yourself in the mirror, fix your hair, apply makeup, read, write… the list is exhausting. However, because of all the times I have watched you preform, I can tell you with certainty, that I am your biggest fan. I don’t know what life has for you but I am certain that you will face it head on with proper posture and a grace that I can’t explain.

Nathanael–Yesterday you told me that you were never going to move out and I’m holding you to that. If it wasn’t for your need to spend time on my lap, my lap would be empty. Everyone else is always doing stuff! You, on the other hand, still love story time and will patiently listen to what I say without saying “Oh yeah? How do you know?” Your hatred for injustice makes me wonder how that will benefit both you and others. By the way, I’m totally aware of your belief that the look you get on your face when you want something will always get you what you want from me. I’m onto you, son. I keep telling myself that this is the last time I give in to “the look” but keep finding myself caving. I think my love of justice needs to become stronger for your sake.

This is, for sure, a happy mother’s day.