Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Mom

If you know me well, you have undoubtedly been exposed to my TOP 10 list creations. As a way to honor David Letterman, a high school friend Scott Wible, and to interject humor (albeit in an organized fashion!) into life, I create these usually silly lists. This one has been marinating in my brain juice for about a week.

10. Before I became a mom, I became a wife. Getting married to Bud had added such joy, richness, and blessing to my life...and dare I say his?! :) He and I are life-long parenting partners. Life would be boring without him as my steady confidante and encourager.

9. Changing diapers. Yes, honestly, I do like to change diapers. (Although that doesn't mean that I'll never hand off the activity to someone else.) It offers uninterrupted fun time to give tickles, zerberts, and rubs to those sweetly soft baby parts. And no, I don't like what fills the diapers. It's all about the process.

8. Getting referred to by my children and their friends as MOMMY, MAMA, or whatever they can yell with great enthusiasm to get my attention.

7. Surprising them with "special treats." When I give them something (tangible or intangible) they weren't expecting or do something that knocks their socks off, they give me a look of total glee.

6. Watching them tackle new feats. From writing their name to hopping on one foot to singing a song, every day is full of wonder and awe as they take on challenges and keep trying. I get to be their biggest fan and cheerleader. (Heinz Kohut principle here, all you psychologists!)

5. Seeing them soar to new heights with the Lord. I am thrilled to be one of the first to hear about their dreams, how they see angels, speak in tongues, or hear what Jesus told them in time out! I have the huge, joyful job of cultivating an atmosphere of love and worship in our home.

4. Tucking them in at night. Yes, it does (usually, although not always) signal the final time I'll see their peepers until morning. The rituals (baths, brushing teeth, songs, books, prayers, choosing stuffed animals, hugs and kisses) are comforting and familiar. Plus, they are usually starting to gloss over and will lay still enough for me to get close to them for some snuggling.

3. That leads in beautifully to my next addition- SNUGGLING or SCHOODLING! How great is it when my precious ones bury their heads in my chest or shoulder and just lay there quietly. I get to rub their back, play with their hair, stroke their cheek, smell their unique scent, and feel their heart beat. We are warm and safe together.

2. Playing. I love to play with my kids...doing art, reading, picking berries, cooking, getting checked out with the doctor's kit, dancing, rolling down hills, building, climbing, splashing, or whatever. As long as I have the energy, my heart is with them.

1. The BEST thing about being a Mom is hearing their laughter. From giggles to deep belly laughs, it is my honor to know exactly what makes each of my children belt out squeals of delight. I will NEVER, EVER tire of hearing them laugh!