Children

When I was very young, my biggest dream was to find a Prince, and marry him. I never really thought that I'd have children though. I was so worried that I'd never be a good Mother. Later on in life, I knew that I wanted to have kids, and I was determined to do the best job at raising them, that I could.

After having my oldest daughter, when I was 22 years old, it was a little scary when the time came to bring her home. But quickly, that passed. My instincts took over, and I realized that it's really not that hard. The bond between a Mother and a child is more than I ever could imagine. Not only are you a provider but a protector. Not anything or anyone will hurt my children, without having to deal with me. It's like those shows I seen when I was a kid where the lioness would protect her cubs. It's real!

Very shortly after my first born, I learnt that I was pregnant with baby #2. The excitement was overwhelming. When she was born, it seemed that even though her and her older sister were only 13 months apart, that it was even easier having another one around. A few years passed, and baby girl #3 was born. At this time, as much as I wanted to have a 4th baby, which I knew would be my last, it just wasn't going to work out, as there were now too many problems with the marriage and I wasn't about to bring another one into the world. I couldn't have been happier having the privilege of having these 3 beautiful daughters to Love and care for, for the rest of my life. Yes, I mean it's a privilege having children, not a right, in my opinion. When I chose to have my children, I knew it would be my responsibility to raise them in a loving and safe environment. My children would be number 1 and I would make every effort to do what I thought was best for them while allowing them to have the space to grow. Ah, that fine line!

I had many endless trips to the hospital at all hours of the night with the kids from ear infections. I spent hours planning birthday parties or sleepovers. Always had to drive them around to dance classes, tae-kwon-do classes or to friends houses. Spent time helping them with french homework when they were little or going to all the concerts and talent shows at the school. As well, spent lots of time listening to music and dancing in the living room and playing "Guitar Hero". Sometimes life seemed really hectic, but it was so worth every minute of it, seeing them grow up.

One thing I Love the most about being a Mom, is the respect my children have for me.  I've allowed my girls all the space they needed to grow and mature, but at the same time, I've given them guidance and discipline along the way, therefore, we've found a happy balance where it's allowed us to have alot of respect for one another. Some people may think the girls get away with more than they should, but they know their boundaries and if crossed, we deal with the situation immediately to make sure it doesn't happen again. But, at the same time, yes, I do allow them more freedom than other parents allow their kids. If you never allow them to do anything or allow them to make mistakes once in awhile, how will they ever learn. Not only that, trust me from experience, they will find ways of doing things behind your back if you never allow them the chance to do anything.

One thing I've never done, and can't stand when other parents do it, is spoil my kids rotten with gifts and material things. No, they don't have the latest in electronics and they don't have fancy cars or designer clothes, but what they do have is Love. Love will go much further than all those other things. I don't believe in buying my kids happiness.

The girls treat me, as I treat them, like a friend. Yes, I'm their Mother, and there's a time to be a Mother, but sometimes they just need a friend. They know they can talk to me anytime, about anything. The wonderful thing is, I can go to them anytime I need someone to talk to as well. We've laughed together and cried together. We've listened and given advice to one another. We've been through alot of hard times, but we've had alot of good times.

I have never been so proud of anyone, as I am of the girls. I am so grateful to have had the privilege of raising them. I have taught them, and guided them. I taught them how to treat others, how to not take things for granted, how to work hard for what they want and how to always be the best that they can be.

My children have taught me patience and understanding. They've taught me how to forgive. Most importantly, they've taught me the power of unconditional love. This amazing, life-changing experience, has made me a better person all around. I could not have imagined getting through everything I've been through, without them.

I Love you girls. I can't thank you enough for making life worth living.

Love, Mom
xoxo