Because Someone Calls Us Mama

Does someone call you Mama? How about Mom, Mommy, Ma, Mother, Mum? Any name that represent that you are someone’s mother is an honor. Being a Mama, whether you have littles, biggers, (or maybe you now have some grand-littles), is a difficult job! In fact, the ones who make it look super simple- please let us in on your secrets!
Some days may feel like Armageddon, while others are a stroll through wildflowers on the top of a bright, green mountain, as the cool air swirls around you while you dance and twirl with your kids. (Cue Julie Andrews!)

At least, that’s how our household is. Our oldest, the independent, quiet, yet not so quiet when it comes to fighting and arguing (mostly with her brother), is incredible smart and creative. Being the oldest gives her a sense of having to be in control of the others, and she HAS to be right. Rightly so, she knows the ropes. And who’s kidding, she usually is right about a lot of things. She’s a very matter of fact, to the point and serious young lady, so when her spunky brother antagonizes (which, let’s be honest, is ALL the time), she has a hard time letting go of a situation or argument. Who are we kidding, she will usually start the argument. She needs to take advice from Elsa! Even still, she has a tender heart and strong disposition that lends to her leadership qualities.

Then, there’s our one and only son. Stuck in the middle of two sisters, four years apart from his older, and three and a half years older than the baby; he’s got his work cut out for him. Good thing God made him a very diligent and persistent (a little too persistent). He doesn’t back down from a fight, either. He always has to be right (wonder who he emulates??) and always wants to be in control. Of everyone and everything! This at least is attributed to his behavioral traits. ADHD/ADD and sensory disorders, among just the few and this little guy is a tornado of craziness. He constantly feels out of control, so, he needs to be in control of others. Despite it all, he is sweet, compassionate and silly. When he uses his strengths for the good, he’s a very helpful and considerate little man.

Last, is our little lady. At 2 years old, she is sweet and obedient (no joke!). She’s the “class-clown” of the family, always making us laugh at her cute, little antics, and silly fun. Hang on tight when she’s not getting her way, however! From the time she found her voice, she has always yelled and screamed to get something. Mostly do someone would pay attention and pick her up. Not in a fit throwing way (not always, at least), but in a “I’m here, too, and there’s something I need”. Is she demanding? 100%!! She’s our sweet, cuddly, attached to Mama constantly little girl, though. Out of the three, she has the most empathy! Used wisely, this will lead her down a great path in helping others.

Is our house chaotic? Absolutely! Would I have it any other way? To be honest, yes, there are things I would change. I would change how I raised them when they were little. I know a lot of the attitude they have was obtained through me (learned behavior- inter palm to face emoji). There’s still the opportunity to curve that attitude to best suite them, in the long run. Let’s face it, in this crazy world, they’ll need it. It’ll make them strong. As long as they remember to still be humble and have respect, to which we also teach them are great aspects to have in life.
The arguing? I’d totally kick that in the booty- strike it out, next step, move on. The back-talk? 1000%! – but then, they wouldn’t be kids and we wouldn’t have an opportunity to teach them how to correctly respond; to be decent and morally responsible human beings. There are a few things I’d change, even more that wouldn’t even creep toward touching. My kids are mine! They’re unique and great little sinners (as we all are!) all the same, and the light of my world! I wouldn’t give it a second thought if God gave me a chance to be their Mama again. Let’s do this!

I’m just thankful they are mine, and I am theirs. As difficult as some days, and nights, circling back to another day and night are, I know God has a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 has always been one of my life verses and definitely rings true with the trials we’ve been through as parents. Raising kids is difficult. Teaching them how to eventually be successful adults is difficult. Raising Godly kiddos in a world that tries to tell them He’s not real, or isn’t important is difficult. It’s all difficult, Mama, but you got this. More importantly, God’s got this! He’s had them and you in His capable hands from the start. Through the times you broke down from a seemingly war-torn day with your children. To the busy schedules and just wanting five minutes to yourself. To the struggles your kids face in school. To the tears and sweat and heartache of raising kids with a disability. To the moments you wonder how you’ll put food on the table, or maybe how you’ll all endure a major loss in your family. Maybe, you’re a parent of biggers, and they’re getting ready to graduate and move on to college. You’re faced with letting them go so they can fully manage their lives on their own.

When I was younger, I used to want four kids. Three boys, one girl. Maybe a set of twins in there. Close enough, He gave us three. Now, however, I know why God only gave me one boy. I’m not built to be a boy mom, despite my juvenile dreams. And that’s okay! Some Mama’s are meant to have girls, some boys. Some a mix! Whatever He gives, that’s his plan. And to be honest, I DO have multiple boys. At least, it seems that way! With the energy our son has, we might as well have two or three more in the mix! So, eh, I guess I did have my prayers answered after all!

You’re still a Mama- THEIR Mama! God made you such for a reason, at the time He did. He has trust in you to raise these beautiful beings, otherwise, you wouldn’t have someone who calls you Mama!

Trust in God! He will see you through!