Posts Tagged Monday’s with Mom

Monday, August 27, 2012

I am privileged to honor and introduce you to amazing mothers on a frequent basis. However, I am a little surprised I can feel equally as giddy about each one. But I do. Each one I hold in the highest esteem and am impressed with each unique trait. Despite their common thread of being passionate and dedicated mothers, each has her own quality that makes her unique and special.

Today’s mother is no different. She is just a down-to-earth and down-right precious woman. She is warm and funny and sincere, not to mention a true prayer warrior. Vicki Funk of Olathe, Kansas is this week’s mother of honor.

Vicki and her daughter Katie. Both beautiful.

Vicki and her husband, Russ, are the parents of Dillon, age 15, Katie, age 6, and Josh, age 3. Vicki is a stay-at-home mom who is busy serving in her kids’ school, church and community group. She teaches a Sunday school class at her church and is also a leader for a Mom’s in Prayer group. When she is not chauffeuring her kids amidst all of these commitments, Vicki likes to attend Bible studies, read and scrapbook.

I asked Vicki our Monday’s with Mom questions and I know you are going to love getting to know her. 

The Funk children; Katie, Dillon, and Joshua. Enjoying Easter and family fun.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I wish someone would have told me to relax. Our first born was an only child for 10 years.  During that time I was a stay-at-home mom and my husband worked from our house for a lot of those years. For the first several years of his life I hovered over our son, anticipating his every need. I think I would have enjoyed his first years more if I would have taken time to relax and just enjoy him more. 

What drives you crazy? Loud voices. Our house is all hardwood flooring on the first floor and it is very noisy. We, myself included, are working on using our indoor voices at all times.

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? I think it is important for my kids to know the world does not revolve around them. Of course, this is easier said than done. I think that it is important they see me making time for my relationship with Christ and my relationship with my husband, as well as for each of them. I think this is a continuous battle and I want them to have the selfless attitude our Savior had, instead of the selfish worldly attitude. Yes, I am still working on this myself.

How do you feel about your role as a mother? I feel my role as a mother is to love my children. Love them when they are loveable, love them when they fight, love them when they are sick, love them when they do something wrong, love…love…love…. Hopefully through loving them, they will learn to love others.

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? Pray! Pray for your children, pray with your children, pray for their schools, pray for their future spouses. Pray, pray, pray!

The Funks. A precious family prayed over by a dedicated mother.

Becoming a mother didn’t come without challenges for Vicki, but she has used the obstacles placed before her as a chance not only to grow her own faith, but to be used by God in many ways. She was generous enough to share more of her journey of motherhood.

“As I said, Dillon was an only child for 10 years. This was not our choice, but God’s. After two miscarriages, we decided to adopt. After two years of paperwork, waiting, and lots and lots of prayer, we adopted Katie from Russia in 2007 when she was 15 months old. 

Shortly after bringing her home we noticed she was not turning towards sounds like she should. After much testing and a trial period with hearing aids, we decided to try cochlear implants. Since our insurance would not cover the surgery, we decided we would have her bilaterally implanted at the same time. It took a while for her to get where she is today, but she is now in her neighborhood school in a normal classroom setting. I thank God for the way He orchestrated things with Katie. We are so very blessed to have her as a part of our family!

Shortly after Katie’s cochlear implant surgery, I found out I was pregnant with our third child. If you meet our third child, Joshua, you will agree with me that he is full of life! I firmly believe things happen in God’s time and not ours. Not a day goes by when I don’t thank God for our three children and how they have blessed our lives.”

Many of us have been guilty of saying we would pray for a loved one, but have not always followed through. Vicki is a prayer warrior not only for her family, but for everyone she knows. What a blessing that is to so many. And what an example for her children to follow. They will grow up realizing the power of prayer and I can think of no greater gift to give your children.

Thank you Vicki, for sharing your heart with us. And thank you for your obedience to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually. Your impact is greater than you know.

Monday, July 16, 2012

What a special treat to introduce you to this week’s Monday’s with Mom. If I can use the old saying, “The proof is in the pudding,” then I can tell you she is a mother definitely worthy of recognition. She has raised up two children into successful, giving adults. Not to mention mothering the countless other children who darkened her door during their rearing years. I did my own fair share of running through her house as a teenager.

This week’s mother of honor is Barbara Herd from Wynona, OK. Her and David have been married for 49 years and now spend most of their time in Branson, MO where their children now live.

I asked Barbara the normal Monday questions, but she sent me such a great story, I had to toss the questions. I have a hunch this will bless you even more than the normal format. Here is Barbara’s story in her own words.

 ”We have one son, Frank David who is 43 years old and a daughter, Donna Rae, who is 40. I have absolutely dedicated my life to these children. I had a miscarriage when I was four months along with my first baby. I tried so hard to keep it. When I got to have my son, I was extremely happy. Oh gosh, I couldn’t stop looking at him. 

He was a lot more fun than the puppies David’s coon hound had. My mom had told me whenever I had a baby, the puppies wouldn’t be so important and she was right. Three years later we were blessed with a daughter. She had dark hair and big brown eyes. Just like her brother, she was the best looking baby in the world. 

When Donna Rae was 20 months old, she became very ill. I won’t go into details, but the specialist told me a mother’s instinct was the strongest thing there was in rearing children. I believe this is good information for today’s mother as well.

I have worked at a few different jobs in my life. I have been a waitress, a convenience store clerk, a secretary in a high school and an oil company, and a private secretary to a hospital administrator. I have also worked as a lab technician assistant and managed a catering service.

One of the first jobs I had was a grocery store clerk in a small town in Kansas. My boss was going to leave the store and said a lady was coming in to purchase a chicken fryer and I would have to cut it up. Oh, I was hoping she wouldn’t come in and I told my boss I had never cut up a fryer. He assured me there was nothing to it. Unfortunately, the lady came in. I tried to cut it the way I had watched my boss do and ended up butchering the poor chicken. The lady refused to buy it, so I had to. 

For the last many years I have worked as a precinct official. I started working on the election board as a counter when we still counted ballots by “stringing” them. Presently, I am the inspector for our precinct. I have done volunteer jobs for forty years for my alumni association. Several of my friends, family and I have created a museum for our town’s history. 

The December before my son was to leave for college, I had purchased a poster with an eagle soaring on it. The poster read, “Two lasting gifts you can give your children – one is roots and the other is wings.” This poster remained on the upper wall of my bedroom until my daughter left for college. If I ever find the box I packed it in, I will see the two torn places at the top sides where I yanked it off the wall the day she left. The empty nest syndrome set in hard. 

Just about six weeks after Donna left for college, my dad passed away. My mom had already passed 6 years before and when he passed, I felt as though I had lost my best friend. God, family and church had been my whole life. 

Earlier I mentioned Donna becoming very ill. At that time was when I began a closer walk with God. Over the next few years I learned God wants to fellowship and have a relationship with me. One of my favorite songs is In the Garden. This song speaks of God walking with me and talking with me and telling me I am His own. This relationship is still very strong in my spirit today. 

Even though I had been in church all my life, I had never had a close relationship with God. Sure, I read the Bible and prayed. I had become a Christian at the age of sixteen. I am so thankful for all the scripture memorization during my younger life in Sunday school. 

In 1973 during Donna’s illness, I realized a personal relationship God wants with each of His children. I understood what Jesus meant when He said, “I have to go away but I will send you a comforter who will not only be with you but in you. He will bring all things back to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.”

When my kids were beginning their teen years, I found the scripture that says, “My children are wise and make my heart glad; they are taught of the Lord and great is the peace of my children.” I still pray this over them and now over all four of my grandchildren. I have taken my role as a mother very seriously. God is so gracious and merciful and I am so glad because I have made a lot of mistakes. 

Each generation comes with new challenges for rearing children, I believe we must adapt without losing our faith and relationship with our Father God. I believe it is vital that we as individuals read the Holy Bible to see what God is saying to us today and pray. We must pray for understanding and the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. My faith is that He will never leave us or forsake us.

There are many denominations in this country. My sister Beverly and I were raised in the same church until we were adults. I left this wonderful church for doctrinal reasons. She and I agreed to love each other regardless of our beliefs. I would only hope the Church can do this today. Years ago I heard a speaker say something that has stayed in my memory. She said, “The church is killing off its own wounded.” 

My sister Beverly went to heaven in 2001 after battling cancer. Immediately after her memorial service, my kids and David packed me and took me to Branson. I spent my time downstairs at Dave’s house mourning and crying as only you can imagine. Bev and I were so close, even in our thought pattern.  When I returned to Wynona I opened my emails and read the condolences. Wow. I was just overcome with emotion. 

At that moment, I began to pray for God to help me accept Beverly’s passing. I had made myself literally sick when my mom passed. Sitting in that moment with my head in my hands by the computer, I heard my sister’s voice say, “Barb, you’d just love it here”. A peace that surpasses all understanding enveloped me and I have been okay ever since. This is my relationship with my Father God. Even though I don’t know about tomorrow, I know Who holds my hand.”

Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your story and your wisdom with us. What a privilege for me to honor you today. You bring to mind Matthew 25:21, ”…Well done, good and faithful servant!…”

Monday, July 9, 2012

Sometimes when I sit down to work on the mom of honor I don’t even know where to start. Not because I don’t know what to say about her, but because there are so many things I could say. And all the every-day adjectives in the world just won’t do her justice.

That is where I am with today’s Monday’s with Mom, Susie Benda of Edmond, Oklahoma. She faces challenges head on and perseveres every time. She is the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, friend or stranger. She loves her family with a dedication so fierce that everyone around her takes note. And she never stops learning and growing to be a better mother and woman. Her little size 7 shoes are pretty big ones to fill.

Susie and her husband, Jeff, have two boys. Jacob is 16 years old and Alex is 8 years old. Susie works as a preschool teacher at an Early Childhood Program and is a student at OCCC College in Oklahoma City. She also assists her husband with his company as a general contractor. Susie says her life is crazy but she would not change it for the world. Did I mention she is a grateful person too? One of my favorite qualities in a person.

Susie and husband Jeff at a family outing to watch a ball game. Her family is very active in traveling and attending fun events as a family.

This is what Susie had to say in response to the Monday questions.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I wish someone would have told me all babies don’t sleep through the night. When I was 20 years old, I kept my 2 week old nephew over night and he slept all through the night. I know this may sound a bit naïve, but after that wonderful experience with my sweet nephew, I thought all babies slept through the night. LOL! Both of my boys were colic, so I learned very quickly this was not true.

What drives you crazy? At the moment…the thought of my 16 year old driving! 

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? Pray without ceasing! We must continually pray over our children. Not just for their health and safety now, but for their future as well.  We must pray God will guide them daily in their decisions when we are not with them as much as when they are younger (especially once they become teenagers). 

How do you feel about your role as a mother? There are times I feel guilty that I have let my children down between the busyness of working, going to school and my husband having a home office. I have learned I must schedule our “family time” and put it on my calendar, because sometimes that’s the only way I can assure we spend our quality family time together.

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? You only have 18 summers with that sweet, precious gift…so enjoy them all!  Motherhood is never an easy job, but the rewards outweigh the challenges by far. My mom cross-stitched this saying for me when I was pregnant with my first child (16 years ago) so here is some advice for any new mother:

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow,

But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

  ~ Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Susie’s pride and joys, her boys and the Oklahoma City Thunder! Here they go to cheer their team on to an extraordinary season!

When I am struggling with one of my children, Susie is the first person I call for advice or to talk the situation through. She is a terrific listener and wise in her offerings of advice and encouragement. I know those same traits bless her children daily. Communication with her children is a top priority with her, and she is supportive and fun and strong with them at all the right times. They are blessed young men for sure. And I am blessed to call her my friend.

Thank you, Susie, for sharing your answers and allowing me to recognize your efforts as a mother. You deserve great honor.

Monday, July 2, 2012

It has been a while since I have featured a Monday’s with Mom, and I can’t think of a better person to kick off some great moms coming up in the future weeks. This week’s mother worthy of honor is energetic, sweet and a phenomenal – and I do mean PHENOMENAL – teacher. Meet Jennifer Kellogg of Olathe, KS.

Jenni grew up in Erie, KS but now makes her home in Olathe, with her husband Matt and their three children. They are blessed with Gauge, 9 years old, Aspen, 5 years old, and Greyson, 4 years old. Jenni teaches kindergarten in the Olathe School District and is working on her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Emporia State University. She is a Kansas University alumni and a die-hard basketball fan. (As she screams ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!). Besides her love for basketball, she has a passion for reading and gardening and LOVES to travel to far away places.

Matt and Jenni with Gauge, Aspen and Greyson. A beautiful family.

I asked Jenni the Monday’s with Moms questions and I know you will be not only touched by her answers, but amazed at her strength.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I wish someone had told me not to read the expectant mother books and expect my child to be exactly like the children in the books. I drove myself crazy the first year of my son’s life. Looking back, I realize now that my son is unique and will develop in his own way on his own schedule.

What drives you crazy? Mom’s who are not open-minded. I have faced tons of criticism for working full-time and not staying at home with my son during the first few years of his life. I work full-time as a teacher and love my job and I am still a wonderful mother!  I hope my son will see the passion I have for teaching and also choose a career he loves.

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? I am passionate about making sure my son Greyson grows up in a safe, loving home. Greyson’s father passed away when he was 6 weeks old from ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a neuromuscular disease that affects over 30,000 people worldwide. The last year of Greyson’s dad’s life was rough for me as a caregiver. I worried my anxiety and grief would affect Greyson’s social-emotional development. From the time my son was born until he was 3 years old I raised him as a single mother.  My biggest fear for my son was that he might miss out on something in his childhood because of my choices. Over the past 4 years I have worked extra hard to be his mom and his dad. This has been a huge challenge for me.  Thankfully I met my husband Matt in 2009 and he has taken on the challenge of helping me raise Greyson with open arms. I thank God every day for bringing Matt and his two children into my life.  Instead of being a mother of one, I now get to be a mother of three.

How do you feel about your role as a mother? My role as a mother is to create a safe, loving, family-centered environment for my children to grow up in. I feel like it is important as a mother for me to model for my children how to be a balanced adult. Balance for me means being healthy mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I try to stay balanced by exercising regularly, eating healthy, spending quality time with family and friends, and maintaining a close relationship with Christ.

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? Trust your instincts. You know what is best for your child. Don’t let other’s views on child rearing influence your decisions on how to raise your child.   

 Jenni also was generous enough to share more about her journey and what she has learned.

“I thank the Lord every day for the opportunities He has presented to me, even though some of them have been tough. The struggles I have faced in my short life have taught me that part of believing in Christ is trusting Him even when things are not going the way we had planned. I believe one of the most beneficial ways to cope with grief is to talk about it. Therefore, I hope to be able to guide others in dealing with the loss of a loved one by sharing my own experience with loss and being a caregiver with others in my position.

I lost my husband at the age of 26 and struggled to find a grief group for individuals in their 20’s and 30’s I could relate too. In the future, I would like to be able to support young men and women like myself with their journey through grief by sharing my story and listening to their struggles. I would not be the mother and woman I am today without the support of my parents and grandparents.  I am forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made for my son and myself in the past 5 years.”

Jenni is a living testament that God will bring beauty from ashes. She endured a season of devastation and loss and allowed God to carry her through the storm. She isn’t bitter, but wise and compassionate. She is not only a wonderful mother to now three children, but she is setting the foundation for a love of learning for many children.

Jenni is definitely a mother worthy of recognition and I am thankful for her influence on our youngest generation. It has been my privilege to introduce her to you. Thank you Jenni, for sharing your wisdom and heart with us. You are such a blessing.

Monday, March 12, 2012

From the first time I met this week’s mom, I was enveloped in friendship. She was warm and genuine and made me feel like we had been friends for years. I have a feeling that everyone who crosses her path says the same thing.

It is my privilege to honor this week’s mother, Shanna Groves of Olathe, Kansas. She is a fellow Kansan now, like I am. But maybe we are such kindred spirits because we are both Oklahoma girls, and will always be Okie’s at heart. Shanna and her husband, Scott are the proud parents to three children ages 4 to 11.

Here is a picture from a couple of years ago of Shanna and her beautiful family.

Shanna is a full-time wife and mother, and she is also a published author, speaker, and blogger. Her first book, a novel titled Lip Reader, was published in 2009. Her second book, a memoir, will be published later this year. She speaks and writes about hearing loss awareness and she blogs about her adventures as a hard of hearing mom at LipreadingMom.com.

Here is what Shanna had to say in answer to the Monday questions.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? Children come with their own set of rules that take parents a lifetime to understand. I wish someone had told me how important saving money was, because you need a lot of it to take care of kids. (smile) Seriously, I think the best advice I never received was to pray for my children every day with them and apart from them.

What drives you crazy? Not being able to hear my kids all the time, due to me having progressive hearing loss, is a unique challenge. Unique in that I can’t always understand their sweet voices; unique in that I can’t hear them throwing tantrums in their rooms. (smile)

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? I love to pray with my kids. I see prayer as putting an extra blanket on my kids at night, giving them a goodnight kiss, and telling them I love them all at the same time. Prayer is asking God to take care of my kids when I can’t be there.

How do you feel about your role as a mother? It is the most rewarding and humbling job imaginable. It is a life calling. Not everyone is called to be a mom. Those who are can rest assured that their efforts, though largely unseen when their kids are small, will make an eternal difference. As a mom, I am involved in guiding my children to have Christ-like values, inspiring them to seek God, and nurturing them to love others.

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? You are a good mom! Don’t listen to all the voices telling you that you can do a better job. God picked you to mother your child, and He will equip you in that role. 

Mothering can take on challenges of its own. Each challenge is unique and one that we, as mothers, have to work with. Shanna generously shared more of her own story. “I was diagnosed with progressive hearing loss after the birth of my first child. I was 27 years old. Because of the nature of my loss (it is genetic,) I continue to lose more hearing which, interestingly, seems to be affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Living with this health issue has helped me be more compassionate to others. I also am passionate about helping the hearing loss community receive opportunities it needs to thrive in this world. Two of my greatest causes are petitioning for captioning of all TV, Internet, movies, and live events; and reminding people to protect their hearing from harmful noise exposure.”

One of my favorite pics of Shanna and her daughter. Genuine joy captured in the moment between a mom and her daughter. Precious moments.

Shanna truly is the picture of a woman who is beautiful both inside and out. Her children are blessed because they have a wonderful example of warmth, authenticity and kindness to follow as they grow into Godly adults.

I admire not only those qualities in Shanna, but I most respect her passion for making a difference in the hearing loss community. And make a difference she is. Shanna’s first mission field is her home, and then she is reaching out into her community allowing God’s light to shine through her. May we all be the hands and feet of God, as we strive to make an impact for His children.

Thank you, Shanna, for being such a lovely model for us all to follow. You are a blessing to more people than you know, and are most worthy of being honored.

*Be sure to visit Shanna’s website and blog: http://www.shannagroves.com and http://lipreadingmom.com.

Monday, February 13, 2012

I don’t even know where to begin in introducing you to today’s Mom of honor. She is so many things and definitely worthy of being recognized. It is my privilege to highlight today’s mother, Tammy Collett, from Dickson, Tennessee. To say that we have a history together would be an understatement. We have done real life together. And there have been some really high highs, and some really low lows. There is no doubt in my mind, I would not be the person I am today if God had not put her in my life some 17 years ago. She is the first person I call, behind my husband, anytime there is something of magnitude happening in my life. And I can count on one finger the number of people that truly know me better than Tammy does.

Meet Tammy and her daughter Mckenzie, who my husband has affectionately called McKrazy for the past 12 years.

One of the things that make Tammy’s story unique to my past mothers is that she is a widow. For the last 9 years, Tammy has played the role of both mother and father, never faltering to rise to the task. When Tammy is not chauffering her busy tween to cheerleading and other activities, she is a sales consultant for Clayton Homes.

I have sought Tammy for advice more times than imaginable over the past years, so I am excited to share her answers with you for our weekly questions. I have learned from both my Grandma and from Tammy, that sometimes the wisest answers are the most simple. Heaven knows motherhood is complicated enough, and simple answers are exactly what we need at times.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I wish someone had told me that motherhood means you’re a best friend and a worst enemy. I guess I should of recalled that from my own childhood. My mom was my best friend and worst enemy. Some days my heart swells with pride and gratitude. Some days my heart breaks. 

What drives you crazy? The words ”politically correct” drive me crazy. Our society is so busy trying not to offend anyone. Let’s just realize that God made us all different. Embrace those differences and move on!

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? I’m most passionate about raising my daughter to be a responsible and independent female. I try to teach her that we make choices everyday. With those choices come the consequences – either good or bad. As a woman, I want her to always be able to take care of herself financially, spiritually and emotionally.

How do you feel about your role as a mother?  How do I feel about my role as a mother? Well, that’s a loaded question! Some days I feel like I’m doing a fantastic job. My daughter is smart, pretty, well-rounded, good manners, funny and her spirit is sweet. When I see those qualities, I think to myself “good job!” On the days when things aren’t so great I think I’m failing. When Mckenzie is having a hard time at school, or she’s not coping, or her grades aren’t up to par I don’t feel like I’m doing my mother-job very well. Motherhood is most definitely the hardest job in the world. But Motherhood is also the most rewarding job in the world!

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? The one thing I would tell a new mother is that time really does go by quickly. Cherish the time you have with your child. On those days that you say, “I can’t wait for her to be out of diapers, or I can’t wait for her to walk or I can’t wait for her to drive” stop yourself and cherish the moment. Time really is fleeting. Your child just wants your time. The laundry can wait. The house cleaning can wait. The yard work can wait. The extra activities can wait. I promise it will all be there later. Take time to spend with your child. Talk to them everyday about their life. Talk to them about what is important to them. Start talking at an early age. If you don’t have a relationship with them while they are little, you can rest assured you won’t have a relationship with them as they grow. Love and encourage them. If you have daughters, tell them how pretty they are. Tell them how smart they are. Tell them that God created someone very special and He never gets things wrong! 

Tammy is a great mother because she lives her life according to what she is teaching Mckenzie. Wise mothers know more is "caught than taught" in parenting.

There isn’t enough white on paper to express my love and respect for Tammy, not only as a mother but as a woman. A married mother has no idea the burdens a widowed mother carries, as she tries to fill the gaping hole left behind by a father waiting in heaven. I don’t fix broken things around the house, because I don’t have to. And I have the luxury of saying, “Wait till your father gets home” when I am at my wits end and want an easy out. I may wear many hats, but there are definitely those wearing more. Tammy included.

I have stood in amazement, along with many others, as we watched Tammy handle things we felt were impossible. When asked how she was able to do what she has, Tammy’s simple answer was, “God’s grace is sufficient.” Even in the midst of losing her husband and moving 10 hours closer to her family, we questioned how she was able to function. Her reply was, “All I can say is I know God is giving me the strength.” That kind of quiet faith speaks volumes louder than the most polished sermon.

She continues to live her faith with the same strength and courage that give all of us who know her an example to follow. I have no doubt that as Mckenzie follows in her mothers footsteps, she is going to grow into a beautiful woman with a promising future. What more could a mother ask for?

Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your thoughts with us. I love you, my friend. You’re an amazing mother and woman.

Monday, January 23, 2012

I always get excited about sharing a mother with you. This week is certainly no different. However, there is an emotional factor that goes along with this one. Because not only is she a dear friend, she is a mentor to me. Everytime I talk to her I learn something new. I am certain that I am not the only woman that can say this about her. I suspect there is a whole flock of us that she has taken under her wing and speaks wisdom and encouragement into.

This week’s mother of honor is Norma Hull, from Oklahoma City, OK. Norma’s hometown is Jeannette, PA, but Oklahoma City has been home for many, many years now. Norma and her husband Herb, have raised 3 boys into men, and are now blessed with 7 grandchildren. Norma and Herb were married 54 years before he went home to be with the Lord on November 16, 2011. In addition to raising three boys, Norma was a Pastor’s Wife throughout their marriage.

Norma and Herb, celebrating 50 years of marriage in this picture.

I asked Norma the usual questions, and what was great for me to see, is that her answers were simple. Coming from someone who has raised three Godly men, it teaches me that we don’t have to get lost in the gray areas. It reinforces the quote by Dr. Suess, “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? What a great gift God gave me to mold three busy, healthy, and active boys into productive God-fearing men.

What drives you crazy? Disobedient children. The key to obedient children is consistency. It is harder on the parents than it is the child.

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? They that have and practice strong Christian and moral values.

How do you feel about your role as a mother? With the help of the Lord, we did a good job.

What is the one thing that you would tell a new mother? Spend most of your reading time in the Word for instruction. Be careful on choosing additional writings, not everything is scripturally correct, even when published by a Christian author. Love the Lord with all your heart. Love and respect their father. Keep asking God to help you each day.

Herb and Norma, with their 3 boys...men. David, Don and Dale.

Sometimes when we are knee deep in the trenches and we live in our cars shuffling children here and there, it is hard to imagine the future. I hold onto Norma’s example because it shows me a success story. It proves to me, that with God’s help and guidance, I can raise Godly children, serving Him with all their hearts. It gives me hope on the rough days.

I’m grateful for Norma in my life because she is an endless source of answers for me. Believe me, I have a lot of questions. She is generous to give me her thoughts, but in the end, reminds me that the Bible really contains all the anwers I need. We all need people in our lives to speak truth into us, not sugar-coat a version of it to make it more palatable. The latter will stunt our growth as a woman, a mother, and a Christian.

As they (whoever they are…) say, “the proof is in the pudding” and Norma has certainly proven that she is a wonderful mother and worthy of recognition. Of course, she will say that it was all through God’s help. I don’t disagree, but I still think she is a mom of honor. Thank you Norma for your impact that reaches further than you know. Because of your influence on your children, they are in-turn influencing thousands for God’s glory, too. That’s quite a reach you have, my friend.

Monday, January 9, 2012

I wanted to take an opportunity to recognize all the mothers that were honored in 2011, and whom were so generous with their time and wisdom. I know that I learned from these ladies, enjoyed the conversations with them, and consider them a wonderful part of my blogging experience. Simply put, they truly blessed me.

Special thank you to Mommies:

Jennifer Dame
Kimberley Shelton
Dawn Briggs
Angel Hirsch
Debby Stringfellow
Darlene Wooldridge
Connell Branan
Lori Davis
Becca Lay
Kellie Thomas
Cheryl Todd
Jaime Dadd
Shawna Salkil
Candy Krausman
and in memory of my Grandma, May Belle Ikenberry Patterson

I look forward to bringing you more remarkable mothers in 2012. There are so many to choose from, because every mother is remarkable in one way or another. And every mother can teach us something valuable.

It is my prayer and plan that I can consistently share Monday’s with Mom every week. But I am just  going to be open and honest now, I can’t promise there will be one every single week for the entire year. If I tell you that now, I may feel less guilty when something  happens that a week is missed. Still guilty, just less-guilty.

Thanks for following. I appreciate you reading. A lot.

Monday, December 26, 2011

A year and a half ago, I was sitting in Portland, OR at a convention for American Mothers, Inc. I went to represent Nevada as the state’s Young Mother for 2009, and the first day found myself sitting next to North Dakota’s representative. Within mere seconds we were chatting and giggling like friends. She is one of those people you just want to hang out with, and you know it the minute you meet her. I made sure to sit with her the rest of the convention. This week’s mother of honor is Jennifer Dame from Grand Forks, ND. Authentic, warm, funny and humble, she is one cool mommy.

The fun and beautiful Jennifer Dame. Tell me you don't want to hang out with this chic? She is just cool!

Jennifer and her husband, Patrick, have three girls, Madison age 8, Nicolette age 6, and Delanee age 19 months. When you ask Jennifer what she does alongside the full time job of mothering, she will tell you she volunteers on the PTO at school, develops their yearbook and works one day a week at a restaurant in the airport. She is too humble to throw in that she is a former reporter and weekend anchor for the news or that she is the author of a children’s book. I wonder how many other accomplishments she is hiding.

Here is what Jennifer shared in the Monday questions.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? How tired I would be every night? How I would love the silence in my house after 8:00? LOL! No, honestly, I wish someone would have told me (not that I would have listened) that it’s okay to not be “perfect.” I spent so much time early on worrying that people would think I wasn’t a perfect parent. It is a waste of time. The only people whose opinion matter are my kids.

What drives you crazy? One-uppers. Someone who always has a better story, situation, scenario, kids, etc. It drives me nuts!

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? Making sure that I am setting a good example for my children. It is so important to me, that as a mother of three girls I am teaching them to be secure in who they are, confident of what they do, have a passion for life, and most of all, to really love who they are. I want them to see those qualities in me and carry it through to who they are.

How do you feel about your role as a mother? Some days overwhelmed. Some days as though I’m not qualified, and as though I could do a way better job. But overall, I feel great about it when I hear people talk about my children in a positive manner. I love nothing more than being my daughters’ mom. I have given up a career to focus more on spending time with my kids and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The fact that I am there for them at all times, when they do and do not need me, is a feeling I can’t really express in words. It just warms my heart. Sometimes I want to hug them harder and harder because I just love them that much and love that I am able to be their mom.

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? Don’t treat it like a job. Just relax, take the time to enjoy your little one(s) and know that they will be okay.

Jennifer and Patrick with their girls. The are a beautiful family, and I know they have a home filled with love and laughter.

Jennifer is an amazing mother for many reasons, but my favorite reason is that she is leading by example. She knows the importance of being a woman confident in whom God created her to be, loving herself and being passionate about the life God has blessed her with. Three little girls are going to grow into confident women, beautiful inside and out, because they have a mother who walked the walk. All parents know, some things are taught; some things are caught when raising our children. And the caught is much more powerful, and that is what is happening with three precious little girls. They have a beautiful role model.

Thank you Jennifer for being a mother that all of us can learn from, and for sharing your words of wisdom. You are an incredible mother and woman, and I am honored to recognize you as this week’s Monday Mother. You rock, girl!

Monday, December 19, 2011

I tried to think of one word to describe this week’s mother of honor, but I just could not commit to one word. Smart was the first thing that came to mind. But then sharp. Then savvy. I have to just use all three. Regardless, she is a mom you want to know. Her name is Kimberley Shelton and she now lives in Newmarket, New Hampshire.

Her father worked for IBM when she was growing up, and by the time she reached the age of 12, she had lived in 6 different states. Since marrying her husband, Tyrone, in 1994, she has lived in Virginia, South Caroline, Maryland and New Hampshire. Let’s just say she is well-versed in the art of packing, and she is great at making new friends. But now they call Newmarket their home where they raise their two children, Ty, who is 11 years old, and Ashley is 5.

When Kimberley’s son was born, she left her job as a successful Human Resources Manager to become a stay-at-home-mom. Now that both of her children are in school she spends her time volunteering extensively for her church, community and at her children’s school. She also operates her own business, Vacations from Start to Finish, where she provides a concierge style service as a Travel Planner. This is an ideal business for her as she can work around her family obligations. I asked Kimberley the Monday questions, and this was what she shared from her heart.

What do you wish someone had told you before you had children? I wish someone had told me about the transition I would go through after our son was born and I gave up my career to became a stay at home mom. Although I felt it was the best choice for our family, it was rough for me to determine who I was as a woman. One day, I was the Human Resources Manager who knowledgeably handled the questions and concerns of 900 employees and managed a staff of seven and the next, I was at home trying to figure out why my infant son was crying. This was a major transition for me and it took some time to determine how I was to navigate my new role. Thankfully, God placed two seasoned moms in my life that helped me through this transition and have been my closest friends for the past eleven years. I am grateful for those years of sisterhood and friendship.

What drives you crazy? When women suffer through low self-esteem.

What are you most passionate about concerning being a mother? My children, and their father, have been some of the greatest blessings in my life. Since giving up my career for full-on motherhood, my strongest passion as a mother is to raise loving, rational, moral, self confident, God-fearing citizens of the world. For me, the most important part is the section about being God-fearing. It is my hope that both of my children have a personal relationship with God that helps them in all other areas. I feel that is my role as their mother: to help them understand who they are and how to navigate the world in every possible situation. 

How do you feel about your role as a mother? My role as a mother is the most important one that I have ever held. There is so much at stake for my family and future generations as I raise my children. For me, that level of importance requires work through Bible Study and other education, and active study. 

What is the one thing you would tell a new mother? Make sure that you have a proper balance of life. Children can easily become the focus of families. You need to make sure that you work to maintain your relationship with your husband and to take care of yourself as a woman through stress releases, study and fellowship with other woman and moms.