What does it mean to be a

Mom 4 Life?

October Giveaway Week 3 Entries*

"What does is mean to be a 'Mom 4 Life' ?

I think the first aspect of being a mom for life is accepting whole heartedly this difficult and rewarding role. I believe there are some women with kids who never embrace this role and thus lose all the life growth they and their kids could gain.

Being a mom for life means continuing to grow and adapt your perspective of discipline, advice, love and fun to your children's development and growth.

It means always believing that they will grow into wonderful adults. Cultivating their future in giving them enough freedom to learn to stand in confidence.

It means accepting your child's adulthood and being willing to let go and change your relationship with them.

I think it was good for me to reflect on this because I hated the title of mother for the first three years of my daughter's life. "Mother" had been synonymous with martyrdom and an inability to enjoy life. I went through a great program that opened up my eyes to the beauty of my new title and I can say now that I love my role (most days)."

-Sara Bolt

"I have pondered hard about the question that prompted this essay. What is a 'Mom 4 Life'? Perhaps the best way I can clarify my thoughts is to give examples of those I believe have lived up to this title. Two that immediately come to mind are my grandmother and my younger sister.

When my grandfather died after many years of poor health, my grandmother could have decided to throw in the towel and call her family responsibilities complete. She raised three children, all grown and out of the house with children of their own, and with the passing of her husband, her own home was empty. There was nothing left that she had to do, and could have claimed that. Instead, she was involved in family life more than ever. She moved closer to the rest of her family, helped clean their homes, assisted with great-grandchildren, offered encouragement, and above all, love. She is a "Mom 4 Life."

My younger sister is one of the strongest women I know. She has two children, a husband who is a police officer, and takes classes. The police officer bit alone would cause anyone a significant amount of worry. And yet, she never shirks from helping family. She takes care of ailing family members, finds time for friendly chat, is a great source of advice, and is a hub of information in times of family crisis. She is a "Mom 4 Life."

And me? I admit, there have been times when I have fallen asleep before doing the dishes, or realized my oldest son has run out of clean pants. Sometimes, I forget to return phone calls and have to be reminded of the birthdays of my extended family (a task my younger sister has taken on). But it's not totally about that. Instead, it is about the love and connection I make with my children and my other family members. I care for my family, and my family cares for me. May it always be so. I am a 'Mom 4 Life.'

But can a woman be a 'Mom 4 Life' without being a biological mother? I think so. Perhaps the best way to define such a person is this: Any woman who stops to offer encouragement, understanding, help, or even a sympathetic ear is a mom, if even for a moment. Anyone who makes a habit of it is a 'Mom 4 Life.'"

-Kristina Bjornbak

"What does being a 'Mom 4 life' mean to me? I honestly had never heard of 'mom 4 life' before last night. I was on a chat board and saw your web address and thought I would venture over to see what it was about. I am amazed. I am one of those who get so excited to find new things that could make my life a little easier as well as stuff my child will love. I have my first child on the way and I love all the products that were made by moms for moms and like they say, 'Mom knows best'. All the 'secrets' to making life a little easier is what I feel this website is all about. I was amazed how many of those 'easier' products were on your website. It is a one stop shop for the best of the best. I have bookmarked your website and I can't wait to order my first purchases b/c there are so many things I see already and that I love. Thank you again for making a soon-to-be moms life just that much easier."

Michelle Balachowski

"Being a Mom 4 Life means learning to love in ways you never thought possible."

-Melody Gross

"Wow, being a mommy has changed my life in so many amazing ways... I go to bed each night thanking God for all my precious gifts, and I wake up in thanks as I relish all the beauties the day will unfold! I'm a co-sleeper, for many reasons that I hold dear to my heart, but I can honestly say that waking up to that sweet smiling face every morning, is so refreshing and joyous! What does it mean to be a mom for life? For me, that answer is simple... it's looking forward to each new day... and remembering the past ones with that yummy cozy feeling. It's getting excited to make breakfast and do laundry and scrub the floors, because you know that being able to provide wonderful food to nourish the bodies of your loved ones, and giving them clean fresh clothes and towels, and socks that match, and clean spaces to play and learn and grow... makes them the amazing people they are and will one day become.... A mom for life can cure any sickness or booboo with a kiss... or a lil' nursing :O) and can snuggle away any bad dream or scary movie... A mom for life just knows... and understands... when no-one else does.

So thank you mom's (mine in particular) for being the moms that you are!

With Love and Admiration,"
-Kristin Gulbrandson

"A 'Mom 4 Life' means living on three hour stretches of sleep and being thrilled about it, getting excited about soiled diapers, crying from happiness and exhaustion all in the same moment, and anxiously awaiting the future while wishing the current moments would last forever."

-Heather Harbert

"I remember when I was pregnant with my first child, a friend of my mother's said to me, 'From now on, you will always be a Mom.'
 

I allowed that simple but profound truth to marinate in my mind and I imagined the birth of my child and all of the milestones of growth, happening quick as a flash in my baby's life. I imagined him growing up and leaving home, yet even without him being close to me physically, I knew that I would always think of him, and feel a deep responsibility and connection to my child.
 

MY CHILD! The words are almost sacred to a mother like myself, one whose arms ached to hold a baby of her own, even before a husband was on the horizon!
 

Now I have TWO children (!!). They are both young and my days are full and exhausting. Yet with all of the small battles and constant fatigue, I still find here and there little pockets of time when I look at my babies and am filled with awe. You are my child. I am your Mom. It began before you were born, and it will always be."

-Candice Broom

"Mom4Life means to me...a cool website where I can browse for neat, unique maternity/baby/toddler stuff at great prices that I probably won't find in stores. It's a convenient way to shop for baby from the comfort of my own home."

-Paola Ramirez

"I am so glad that I somehow located your website and made my first purchase a couple of months ago. Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means many things to me. Since I am a single mother of two young boys, I am especially careful and motivated to raise my children with every bit of knowledge and skill that I am able to acquire. Since one of the best ways to obtain this type of information now days is through the internet, it has also made it considerably easier since it takes less time to find the information that I need. This in turn leaves more valuable minutes in my day to be a mom. I originally was looking for innovative baby products that were not available in stores near me and came across the Bebe au Lait nursing covers. I am completely dedicated to nursing my son for at least his first year and being an active mom as well, this product seemed like a must-have for me. I could hardly believe that such a product existed, but thanks to the "Mom 4 Life" designer of the Bebe au Lait nursing cover and your generous website, I ordered ( with free shipping) and am the proud owner of one. It has provided me with countless episodes of decreased anxiety knowing that I can feed my son just about anywhere that he might become hungry. As I read more of the stories of entrepreneurs like yourself on the Mom 4 Life website, it has also inspired me to begin looking into baby/children's clothing design, especially for boys since there seems to be far less selection in the boys department of most stores. Thank you for all that you do for us moms, making it easier to focus on our children since we have products that we can trust!
Sincerely,"
 

-Siri M. Hernandez

"Being A Mom 4 Life

This week I begin a journey. In 4 short days I'm going to join the ranks of mothers who have teenagers. Woah. Time sure flies when you're having fun, eh?! Thirteen years ago I had just finished up 11 weeks of strict hospitalized & at-home bed rest for pre-term labor, pre-term contractions, pre-term dilation.... which was only my first taste at the commitment and dedication that lied ahead of that new, bizarre and sometimes frightening thing called motherhood. I prayed a lot. I vowed to this child and to God, if he made it, I'd be the best dang mother I knew how. I was young, had a lot to learn but I knew one thing, I was in it for the long haul. We made it through and we're both healthy. Strong. And here. Alive.

Life. Mine's had really high ups and really low downs. Few things stay constant but the love of my child, and later three more children, never waivers. They say having children is like wearing your heart on your sleeve and boy, could that be more accurate? I think of my kids -- Brenden, 13 in a few days, Jackson now 6, Wilson, 4.5 (and don't you dare forget that half!!!) and our sweet baby girl Everly Fern, 16 months -- and my heart just swells with pride. There is no stronger thing in the world than the love between a mother and her children. I know if need be, I'd move mountains for these children. When they hurt, I hurt. When they cry, I often cry. When they learn, grow and accomplish... well sometimes, I just want to burst with pride. Am *I* helping to carve out their niche in the world?! Who am I to take on such responsibility?

Each child of mine has had its own set of "adventures". One had a hemagioma birthmark smack dab in the middle of his forehead. I found a world renown doctor to correct it while watching Discovery Health and drove 10 hours non-stop to New York City overnight to get us to a consultation and never thought twice about doing it. A mom never stops learning and growing for the sake of her children. Another child of ours has vision issues, yet another has digestive issues and lastly, one has hearing issues. Each child, so unique and so mine. I never lose interest in finding them all the best help possible. Some days I don't know how I do it. Some days I laugh and dance and know "This IS living!!". Some days I want to just rip my hair straight out of my head. But, in the still of the evening just like tonight, when they've all just settled in for the night and their breathing becomes slow and deep, I sit in awe and listen. I listen in awe of the silence (with 4 children ones home is rarely quiet), in awe of the wonder of motherhood, in awe that I could possibly be this blessed by something so much greater than myself.

My commitment to my children, to my family, to the betterment of their lives and the fact that I'll never stop giving, loving, caring, growing... it all makes me so grateful and proud to be able to proclaim that I am proudly a Mom 4 Life!"

-Marissa Colvin

"To me being a mom 4 life means doing everything possible in my children's  life to teach them and train them for the experiences they will have in  life. To give them the best I can so they will know what to do and how  to act in any situation. Being a mommy is one of the hardest and most  rewarding jobs. The rewards are a bit different than the rewards at an  out of the house job, but these rewards last forever, it may be my son  telling me he loves me or one of my daughters wanting me to just hold  them and snuggle."

-Amy Davenport- mommy to Colin age 4, Jocelyn age 2, Patience age 15 months and Tambre age 4 months

"Being a 'Mom 4 Life' has been my life's dream. I used to tell my mom all growing up that all I wanted to be in life was half the mom she was to me. It always made her smile and she would tell me that I will be even better than she was. Of course I don't think so, but she does. Because she has been the best mother in the world to me, she has grown a longing spirit in me to give back that same love and affection to my children. When people asked me growing up what I wanted to be some day, I would tell them, 'a mom'. These days that isn't always a popular answer, but it was what my heart longed for more than anything. After some rough trials in life, I finally married the most amazing man in 2005 and we were finally blessed with our first baby (girl) on Father's Day. How perfect! Even though I longed my entire life to be a mom, I never knew it could feel this good. I knew I would love, but never this much. The joy I am blessed with every single morning when I look at her for the first time and she beams her beautiful smile back at me, nothing in the world troubles me! And that joy is renewed every time she wakes up from her nap and many more times throughout the day. Sometimes I can hardly wait for her to wake up so I can run up and look into her eyes and welcome her back from her nap and see her beam back at me again. I could go on and on telling you how wonderful motherhood is, how much I love her and how much I love life with my husband and her. Whether I 'win' this week's contest or not, I have already won. Not everyone accomplishes their dreams in life, but I have accomplished mine. My dream to be a Mom in life, has come true and now I am a Mom for life!"

-Jenna Fisher

"Being a mom 4 life to me is the greatest gift in the world. It means giving myself to my children everyday. It means breaking up fights and giving time-outs. It means cleaning up toys & wiping crayon marks off of, well just about everything. It means taking temps & soothing sick babies. It means selling cookies & helping with homework. It also means seeing their sweet faces every morning when I wake them up. It means goodnight kisses and hugs and bedtime stories. It means kissing boo-boos & wiping away tears. It means loving someone (or actually 3 someone's) more than I ever thought possible. It means realizing my mom was right when she said I would understand when I had kids of my own. I saw something once that said being a mom is watching your heart walk around outside your body. I couldn’t have put into words any better than that. It is the greatest joy on earth."

-Kristi Thurman

"To me, 'Mom 4 Life' means so many things. I am a mommy of 3 beautiful children, 2 here on Earth: Noah-4 and Lillian-1 and I also have a little angel up above, Autumn Hope. With that being said, I am a mom to my children, forever, whether they are here with me now or an angel taken from us too soon.

'Mom 4 Life' means to be a nurturer, a helpful and loving guide for your child(ren) and for others. A 'Mom 4 Life' is forgiving and respectful. A 'Mom 4 Life' is love."

-Amy Magda

"What does mom 4 life mean to me? Simply this: No matter how many sleepless nights, poopy diapers, stomach viruses, or skinned knees, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I have been given the greatest blessing that I can ever imagine. I have three amazing children who have completely stolen my heart! Being a mom is not just a temporary identity, because the characteristics that are being developed in me through mothering will no doubt define the way that I approach the rest of my life. Besides all of that serious stuff, I can think of nothing more fun that watching my kids begin to have their own thoughts and become their own person. My son may not grow up and turn into a t-rex like he says he is going to, but with the amount of time he spends growling at his sister.... you never know...."

-Heather Russell

"A 'Mom4Life' is someone who knows that sometimes everyone needs their mom. Young, Old, Married, Single, sometimes you just wish your mom was around to make everything okay. Being a Mom4Life means being prepared to be there when times are hard, or the day hasn't gone as planned, or their heart is broken. It's working twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, with no vacation. It is terrifyingly hard, and wonderful all at the same time."

-Kimberlee Hunsicker

"Being a MOM 4 LIFE means to me having someone to depend on your and that you nurture and love unconditionally.

Being a first time MOM it is the BEST THING EVER! Always being a Fun, Loving Person I believe has made it even more special to being a MOM 4 LIFE to my son, Derich!"

-Erin Sillett

"Being a Mom4Life is a stressful, difficult, frustrating, and often thankless job, one for which you are on duty 24/7. Yet it is by far the most wonderful, lovely, and rewarding jobs you will ever have the privilege of doing. Nothing is more beautiful than bringing children into this world and putting all of yourself into raising them up into Godly individuals."

-Christine Davidson, mom4life of Micah, Cailin, and Brody

"I think that a mom for life means - That you are a person that will always be concerned for your person that God gave you to watch over for the rest of his / her life to make sure that they are compassionate and loving to others. It means that one is will to sacrifice their personal gains for the little people and above. Also it means the wondrous high that is also give with watching them learn to walk and to have them tell you that 'I love you.'"

-Sandra Man

 "Being a mom 4 life to me is super human powers!!! don't you think? I mean the birth alone is proof that we are all super human... and than there is breastfeeding and my all time favorite; The Kiss that makes everything better (till a certain age of course!) and many other aspects of motherhood; staying at home, working outside the home or at home joggling life and family, these are all wonderful to me because I am mom 4 life. I wished to be a mom all my life and my family is my dream come true, I consider myself a very fortunate person not everyone gets there dreams come true... "

-Golnar Ferguson

"Being a Mom 4 Life is incredibly special to me! After 2 years of trying to conceive and even attempting fertility treatments we were still not pregnant! Then out of the blue, with no treatments, I found out I was pregnant! It was one of the best moments of my whole life! I enjoyed every minute of my pregnancy and delivered a beautiful baby boy on December 11, 2005. When Brodrek was about 7 months old, I found out I was pregnant with baby #2! My little Wyatt was born on April 27, 2007. They are 16 ½ months apart and they are a joy everyday!

Being a Mom 4 Life was my dream and now I am living it! Praise the Lord!"

-Jessica Yourdon

"What being a "Mom 4 Life" means to me....
It means working hard everyday to be the best person I can be.
It means having my eyes and ears open to learn from my children everyday.
It means using the lessons from yesterday to make today a better day for my family.
It means being a nurturer, a caregiver, a nurse, a counselor, a therapist, a cheerleader, a manager, a coach, a teacher, and a student everyday.
It means being ready to give a hug, a kiss, a shoulder, and a smile whenever they are needed.
It means smiling everyday.
It means being patient, proud, excited, sad, worried, happy, and curious.
It means being thankful for the wonderful blessings and gifts God has given me in my two daughters who I call my two little miracles.
It means love everyday for the rest of my life."

-Dee Freitas

"What does it mean to be a 'Mom 4 Life'. Well the honest answer is... I don't really know yet. I'm starting my 4th month and I'm just now getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

I've always wanted to be a mom, I had the best mother in the world and had a zillion other great examples of what a mother can and should do for their children. I'm a novice looking in from the outside for the next several months.

I have to admit I'm a little scared, but I'm also amazingly overjoyed and expectant of the wonderful days to come.

So I will have to check back in 6 months to let you know what being a 'mom 4 life' means, but for now, I'm just relishing my new start and the fun and challenging days to come."

-Mary Michael Gulden

"Being a mom for life is the greatest gift I could ever ever wish for. My two beautiful girls, ages 6 years and 4 months, provide me with infinite love and smiles daily. Aside from my precious husband, they are the last thing I want to see and kiss at night, and the first thing that makes me smile in the morning. Their soft skin and sweet smells warm my heart. My six year old keeps me cracking up all day long, and my four month old makes me melt. I cherish these girls and look forward to a long life with two wonderful best girl friends."

-Britt Berg

"Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means that my kids are my first priority but I have realized that being the best Mom I can means also taking care of myself, my relationship with God and my relationship with my husband and girlfriends.

Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means that whatever needy kids I come into contact with will be met with love and open arms and have a place in my heart forever.

Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means that any foster children or adopted children that I accept will be MINE, FOR KEEPS - I will continue to love and pray for them even if they return to their biological families. Children I adopt are mine for as long as we both live - the same as if they were born to me.

Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means that I support other Moms to be the best that they can - especially single Moms who are doing this job alone!

I thought it was a given that being a Mom meant that I support life (Mom4Life) but I have recently learned that it is not. Some mothers, who have felt their own children grow within their bodies, continue to support abortion through which other children like their own are killed - there is no gentle way to say this. As a Mom 4 Life I support the continuation of our generation. I not only do this verbally but I offer encouragement, support and other assistance to Moms who make the challenging decision to continue with an unplanned pregnancy. Offering a child for adoption is a difficult thing but it is noble. Dealing with becoming a parent before you are ready is very admirable and deserves recognition.

I am a Mom for the rest of my life and there is nothing else I would rather be…"

-Valerie Ralph

"To me being a Mom 4 Life means that this role should take precedence over others. It means that I must learn to love (I am a new mom...still learning) sacrifice. I must learn values of charity, caring and patience like I have never had to before. And you know what? I think being a Mom 4 Life is coming naturally to me. When my baby needs me, I happily drop what I'm doing and run to be at his side. I'm finding that being a Mom 4 Life is synonymous with JOY. And I love it."

-Stacey Hoopes

"When I was pregnant with my first child, I was worried that I might not bond with her immediately or have much maternal instinct at all. I was not the kind of little girl who played with dolls and never had much interest in babies or babysitting. I was surprised to discover how quickly I fell in love with her, and with being a mom. I loved being pregnant, I had a relatively easy natural birth, she nursed like a champ straight off and kept going past her second birthday. With my second child, I was concerned I would not have enough love for him, since I give so much to my daughter. Well, obviously, that was a ridiculous fear! I'm a Mom 4 Life because my mommyness has become the most prevalent part of my personality."

-Naomi Shapiro

"To me, being a 'Mom 4 Life' means never getting to go to the bathroom by yourself again! *HAHA* No, seriously....the other day I was entering contests online and my mom walked into the room. On her back (in a carrier) was my 1 1/2 year-old, Noah, and in her arms was my 3-month-old, Jack. My mom has had six children, I am the oldest. My boys are her first grandchildren. She carries them around, changes their diapers, takes them places and gets just as excited as I do when they smile or learn a new word, That is what being a 'Mom 4 Life' is all about, raising your kids and helping to raise your kids' kids and watching them raise their children....being a part of each generation."

-Alexia

"Being a 'Mom 4 Life' ---------is not showering until 4 pm each day and being okay with that. I got a call from someone yesterday inviting me over for dinner at 5 pm and I still had my robe on! But- honestly as hard as it is sometimes, I love every minute with my 2 girls - age 2 and age 3 months! They are the best - thanks for Mom 4 Life!"

-Carrie A. Dilgard

To me being a "MOM LIFE" is just as it says. You care for and nourish your children for life, Be they 2 months,20 years or 60. You even care for your Grandchildren, nephew, nieces, neighbors and all the other children and people that you meet in everyday life.

I was a nurse for more than 45 years and still reach out to help and assist whenever I see someone needing help. I guess that is part of 'A MOM 4 LIFE'."

-Nyla Thompson

"Being a Mom 4 Life is the greatest opportunity that God gives us as women. The blessing of a child is a unique and enlightening experience. I will struggle, I will make mistakes, I will want to pull out every hair on my head, but I will survive with God’s help. My children are my legacy."

-Naomi Davis

"If you're asking about what being a mom for life means to me, I am seven months pregnant and I can't wait to start the journey to discover what it means. So far, I can't believe how deeply I can feel for someone and what I'm willing to do for my baby's health and safety. To be able to love this much is truly a blessing for me as a parent."

-Jeanah Cho

"In the countryside, there was a long dirt road...on the driest days of the summer, you could become lost in the dust cloud that rose from its gravel covered earthiness. If a traveler, in their curiosity, happened to traverse its many winding curves, they would find a small, unassuming home at the end. This house, though humble from its exterior, was rich and warm within. As the day passed, our traveler took in the rich grounds that surrounded the small home...the brightest of flowers and the hardy aroma of pine and oak scented the breeze. Here life was good but somehow, the smallness of the house seemed inadequate for the landscape. As the traveler knocked upon the door, a soft spoken woman answered. He inquired as to why she and her beloved had chose to build such a small house in such a vast and beautiful surrounding. She responded, "You have not seen the plans that are in place." And with that, she closed the door and our traveler departed.
Many years later, the traveler found himself again in the same countryside, riding down that same long, dirt road. This time however, in the place of the small, humble home stood a much larger house, artfully nestled within the flowing grounds. The house, still very much recognizable as its former, found an addition added to its east wing as well as its west. Astonished at the change, the traveler felt compelled to again knock upon that same door he had knocked upon so long ago. Our soft spoken heroine opened the door. "You want to know what has happened here," she said, even before the traveler uttered a word. "We were faithful to follow the plans that God laid before us, and he's abundantly expanded our home, in his time." The traveler stepped back from the door and again looked at the home- indeed it was stately and there was no question that its foundation's were firm. He marveled at how God provided all for expanding and blessing the life of the soft spoken woman.

For over 5 years, my husband and I tried to have a family without any success. All the tests proved normal and as our families communally scratched their heads as to why we were still without children, I held steadfast to my faith and knew in time, God would provide. During those years, my husband and I built a strong foundation to our marriage, learning to love in the deepest manner, to trust beyond trusting. When, at the end of that very long road, we truly knew that we could be the parents God intended us to be, he beautifully expanded our love by blessing us with a little boy of our very own. Now, our home has expanded and we truly count our blessings everyday. Having our son now, has enriched our lives beyond what I knew possible. Now I see that being a mother is based upon faithfully following the plans God lays before you and truly enjoying the many ways he expands our lives through our children."

-Angela Wilson

"I am sure that my 80 year old mom has a much clearer view of what being a 'Mom-4-Life' means, however, when I began this journey 33 years ago with the birth of our first child, I experienced a far different love than all the other loves I had ever experienced in my life. As I am sure you know, it was an overwhelming, all consuming, sacrificial love that is still on-going. I know it is God given, since that is the way He loves me. Maybe that is what has carried me through the highs and lows of parenting; the fevers, the visits to the ER, the surgeries, as well as the home runs, the dance recitals, boy scouts pinewood derby races, homecoming events, dance team try-outs and graduation tears.

When my first born turned nine, I cried because I felt like he had lived half of his life at home with us. I was not ready for parenting to be half over! Little did I know at that point that all children don't "go away" to college. He is very much a devoted family man and was at that young age too. He decided to attend a university in our home town and live at home to save money since his desire to attend seminary after college would cost a pretty penny. I laugh at that now because he lived at home for college and grad school and boy , what a pleasure and joy that turned out to be for us. We had the rare opportunity to see him mature and grow as an adult.

Another dear memory I still hold in my heart are the tears my husband and I shared as we left our daughter at Texas Tech University her first year. As we walked downstairs avoiding those anticipated tears we felt good that we had held it together '"for her", but as we walked to the parking lot and the empty car, that feeling of loss overwhelmed us. We looked up to the fifth floor window where she should be and we could see this one 'little' girl waving her hand with all her might as if to say "I love you and I am a little bit afraid too". Well, her Dad lost it and of course so did I. The five hour drive home is what it took to cry, laugh and realize we were now in the category of the much anticipated as well as the much dreaded 'empty-nester' category.

The joys and heartaches of parenting our children still exist today as we learn to integrate 'in-law' families and learn to love them with their different lifestyles and backgrounds. So now, I get to adapt my role again into one of parental-advisor, when needed, as well as substitute parent, when needed. Today, another joy of our lives is our four grandchildren. I can honestly say I really did not understand what was so wonderful about 'grand-parenting' until I saw and held our first sweet granddaughter. Of course, I fell completely in love with her and knew then that sacrificial love had not ended with my own children. I have a quote that hangs in our grand-children's bedroom. It states what I feel being a 'Grandmom-4-Life' means to me:

'I love you today, where you are and as you are. You do not have to be anything but what you are for me to love you. I love you now; not sometime when you are worthy, but today when you may need love most.

I will not withhold my love or withdraw it. There are no strings on my love, no price. I will not force it upon you when you are not ready. It is just there, freely offered with both hands.

Take what you want today. The more you take, the more there is. It is good if you can return love; but if you cannot today, that is all right too. Love is its own joy. Bless me by letting me love you today.'

-author unknown

And last, I must add one more thing that being a 'Mom-4-Life' means that goes far beyond my family. Though raising my own children has been incredible, I have also been given endless opportunities to pour into my children's friends; other young moms who are starting out in marriage and parenting Some of those need encouragement to hang in there through tough times, some need to be encouraged to love their husbands, some to love their kids when they are not very lovable and to remember that it is a process that does have an end. Some simply need to know that staying home with their children and living on less is OK because the end result is priceless. I have been blessed with the opportunity to mentor young women through issues I never faced with my own. I have inherited daughters, sons and grandchildren that live all across the United States. So, in conclusion, being a "Mom-4-Life" isn't just about what happens in the here and now. When I mother and love with sacrifice, I have a chance to impact lives for eternity. Long after my Mother quits mothering me or I quit mothering my children and grandchildren, hopefully what I have poured into my own flesh and blood and the flesh and blood of those whom I have adopted will have lasting impact into many future generations I personally can think of no greater blessing. hugs, Virginia, gini, gin-gin, Mammie, and Grancie Craven (all of my original and adoptive names)"

-Virginia Craven

"WOW!! Waiting until later in life to have children is an interesting perspective. I was 39 when my first was born and 41 when my second was born this past June. I thought I was doing all of the adventurous things I wanted to do in life first, but motherhood has opened up a whole new type of adventure that will continue for (hopefully) more than another 40 years. I did not comprehend until having my 2 wonderful babies how much love my heart could hold. They are such a blessing. As my husband says to our 2 children all of the time 'You are the best present anyone has ever given me.'”

-Jodi Gibeault

"Mom4life means that no matter how old your child gets, your job is never done. There are always dirty laundry to be done, food that needs to be cooked, boo boos to kiss, prayers prayed for their broken little hearts, and the ones I enjoy the most is the hugs and kisses needed when they get up in the morning and the ones needed before they go to bed. Mom4life is a wonderful gift from God. He entrusted us these precious little gifts called children. I am at awe of the love that God himself put in me for my six children, for I was starved child in need of affection. My father abandoned my sister and me and my mother was a single parent struggling to pay the bills and to put food on the table. But God is so good because I did not become a product of environment. I could be bitter but I choose to forgive for my sake and for my children. I choose to love my children and be their mother till God takes me to be with him. It is exciting to see of what my children will become will when they grow up. It is a great gift to be a mom4life. No one cannot strip you from that title."

-Connie Hampton

"What a 'mom 4 life' means to me, it's the countless dress up days in silly clothes, playing Thomas the Train so much that I dream of 'James going BUZZ BUZZ', chasing our 10 month old across the hardwood floor just to hear his silly laugh... OUCH... it's the sleepless nights because we're teething, running fevers or had a bad dream and still trying to put on a happy face the next morning, it's the I Love you mom for no reason, or waking up not only next to you husband, but your 4 year old son because he 'wanted to be your alarm clock'. It's learning to be a child again and forgetting all your adult 'responsibilities.' It's your 6 year old telling you what a weird mom you are for the things we say or do on their behalf... and being okay with that. Being a mom has changed me forever, becoming a 'mom 4 life' was the best decision my husband and I ever made, it is the one decision in our journey of life that we haven't been burned, regretted or stressed over. I cannot remember what I did before I had our first child, and each after has brought even more joy to our lives. To my children, I will always be their Mom 4 Life."

-Chrissy Wilmes

"Being a Mom 4 Life doesn't mean that as soon as your child turns 18 you are no longer a parent. No you are a parent forever, whether your child is 2, 10, 20, 40, 60. Your parenting skills change with the ages but your status does not."

-Laura Williams

"I truly thought I knew what being a 'Mom 4 Life' meant when I became pregnant. I so desperately wanted this baby. My husband and I had been married for 13 years when I became pregnant and I was so overwhelmed with joy when I found out that we were going to have our baby and immediately fell in love with this little being inside my body....the one that was making me suffer with "morning sickness" in the morning, noon and night time...the one that made me drive to Subway to eat their veggie sandwiches every single day for months...that little being that was so wanted...we were finally blessed. I was never happier to feel so miserable. This is what I thought being a Mom 4 Life meant.

Within a few months we learned that our sweet baby girl....yes...we found out our little angel was a girl may have Down Syndrome and we were asked what were we going to do? What kind of question is this? I am in love - I am her Mom...Her Mom 4 Life! We cherished each day knowing that each day would bring us closer to our sweet baby and then it came. December 5, 2006 our sweet little girl was born. Savannah arrived into this world and blessed me with the privilege of being her mom...her Mami. She was born without Down Syndrome. How blessed were we?! I held this little girl and I could not believe it. I am her Mami. What have I done? Am I ready? What kind of a mom will I be? She now depends on me...24/7....

We came home and two weeks after coming home I rushed her to the pediatrician because I found blood in her stool. What was wrong with my baby? I was told that she had a milk allergy....what good news. I truly thought something was terribly wrong with my baby. I knew the moment I saw the blood in her stools that this was it...this is what it meant to be a mom. To love and protect ... this is what I needed to do. I had a glimpse of what it meant to be a Mom 4 Life but still did not truly understand...

After many doctors visits when my sweet Savannah turned 4 months I learned that she had a rare liver disease named Biliary Atresia. My baby had cirrhosis of the liver and was dying. Without a liver transplant my baby will not make it to see age 2. That is when I learned...I learned what it really means to be a "Mom 4 Life"...to hold your sweet baby and pray to God that your breath be taken as to spare hers. To have your heart stop beating and to know it can only start again when your baby wins her battle. To understand that nothing in life matters but the love that surrounds us. The love that this sweet little princess has brought into our lives. Our sweet Savannah is our Warrior Princess. She is strong and has many battles in front of her. I am strong as well for I am blessed that I as a mother can carry this burden for my baby girl. She will one day soon receive her liver transplant. I have faith. Then she will grow up without memories of these days...I gladly take this burden from my child. What does it mean to be a Mom 4 Life...it means loving more then you have ever loved before. It means learning more from your child then you have ever learned before. It means having faith and strength in the knowledge that you are a good mom...that your love is never ending and in the battle that your child faces you will stand strong next to them."

-Ana Anselmo

"Mom4Life to me it means that even thou you might go through many life changing events in your life you will always be MOM. That this little people you bring into the world will forever be connected to you. But at the end you need them as much as they need you. Your kids show you a new way to love, unconditionally, a love so much greater than you could have ever imagined! Its definitely not easy being a parent me being a first time parent myself. Being a parent expects a lot from anybody but being a great, loving, caring parent just about sucks you dry!!! Doing the best we can is really all we can do and pray for the best."

-"Mommy"

"A mother is probably the most cherished person in a child's lifetime. I am thankful for the role model, friend, confidant, and mom my mother is to me. I feel that a Mom4Life is someone that fills many hats, not only for her children, but for the adults that those children will become. Parents are so key and influential in a child's life and his/her future. A mom for life expresses her love, care, and devotion in whatever way she can and lives her life as a sacrifice for her little ones. I am proud to be a mom for life."

-Grace Kang

"Being a 'Mom 4 Life' means being there for everything my little one needs. When she's 9 months old, when she's 1 year old, when she's 40years old, I will be there for her and support her and encourage her to reach for her dreams. From the smallest of problems to the largest disasters, my little one can turn to me and know that I will be by her side always."

-Robyn

"As I was wearing Noah Joy down tonight (haha, literally, since I put her to sleep in my baby wrap), I was thinking about how much my life has changed since she was born and how much I wanted to eat my home-made vanilla pomegranate ice cream. :) As I pushed on, swaying and rocking with her for that extra hour, I pondered my mental state of conflict.

There's a scripture that talks about the subject of your life not being your own. I haven't been able to truly grasp it until this very moment - my life is not my own. Motherhood is a lovely and sometimes painful (death is rarely pain-free after all) parable of the ultimate love - to lay one's life down for another. I love my daughter and daily surrender myself in the act of love... I may not feel it, or I may be the one in need of that nap :) Whatever it is, we, as mothers, experience countless moments in each day that give us the liberating opportunity to choose to rise above our needs and find that there is a higher and more glorious beauty - an all surrendered love. A love that says, 'Not my ways, but Your ways.' A love that acknowledges the discomfort and thinly veiled fear as a vessel of soft clay in the Potter's hand. Somehow we find the courage to be stretched that extra inch and the results are nothing less than miraculous.

Though Noah continues to grow and change faster than I can lose all the pieces to a game of tiddly winks, this love will not change through the years. I'll become more experienced with more practice at this art of surrender... but never perfect.

I am grateful I do have a perfect example to aspire to. After all, Jesus laid his life down for both Noah and me. My mind spins to think He did it for every mother and daughter, son and father. This love... it's a beautiful thing."

Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share why I'm a Mom4Life. :)"

-Dia Becchio

"Being a mom 4 life is the greatest blessing! It is butterfly kisses that make your heart sing. It's seeing your babies first smile, hearing their first coo. It's the patter of feet running to the potty and doing a dance when the underwear is dry. It's being a provider of love and boundaries and lessons. It's praying you'll see them grow and enjoying every minute that God gives you.

Being a mom 4 life is a gift!"

-Lindsay DeBord

"Mom 4 Life...oh how I have pondered this and have pretty much written my own book in the last week on what this is. to do it in a couple simple paragraphs is near impossible so I will write what it means to me on this particular day beginning with the moment I finally got to lay down my head on that pillow last night...

"As I was just falling asleep, a crying head pops up from her bed next to me and so it begins. another tooth, I assume. we nurse, we cuddle, we do whatever we can to soothe and then she's out. aahhh! my pillow. hahaha- my 4 yr. old awakes crying from a dream and we talk, we cuddle, and then she moves over into daddy's arms and it's pillow time for mommy. I just fall asleep and what's that, "good morning mommy!". waking up and wanting to cry because I am so tired from the night we just had but I can't help but smile when I see who is awaiting me. two smiling little girls with the look of 'how will mommy entertain us today'. and so my venture continues. breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack one, snack two, snack three, hugs, kisses, teaching, learning, more hugs and kisses, nononono's, 'what is this mess?', nap time (I write that with a big smile), more hugs and kisses, princesses, little ponies, dress-up, tea party time, coloring, puzzles, "one more game please", surprises for mommy, and the list keeps going. this is just them, there is still bible time, daddy, laundry, cooking, cleaning, errands, and then if I find time, me. and then, of course, bed time...I couldn't forget that for I do love my pillow:). this is a 24/7 blessing with overtime, I think to myself, and I was chosen by God to do it with these 2 girls. I would have it no other way and for that matter, could not imagine it any other way. it is the most amazing, wonderful, special... mixed with scary, challenging, and overwhelming thing. my Ella Gracie and Abby Ann are truly the greatest gifts (besides our salvation) to their dad 4 life (cuz I couldn't do it without him) and their mom 4 life."

-Misty Funnell

"How can one put into words what it actually means to be a mom4life? Coming out as a gay woman at the age of 15, I automatically thought that I would never have children. And oh, how I longed to have children. After having met my soul mate and realizing that I could indeed have children if I wanted to, I began what became my long journey to being a mom4life. I am a mom4life to 3 children. 2 of them living, one deceased. My first child was born healthy after a very difficult pregnancy. My third child was conceived after many years of failed attempts. She was born healthy also. My second child died. It is one of the most heartbreaking experiences that I have ever gone through. Seeing his beating heart in my fallopian tube and knowing that I would never give birth to that child. It just about drove me insane. He lives forever in my heart because I will always be his mom4life."

-Wendy Knafelc Schmidt

"Being a Mom for Life for me means that motherhood starts with mothering through breastfeeding (I am also a La Leche League Leader). It also means being in tune to the needs of both of my children as well as to the needs of my husband and adjusting my plans (if any!) to meet those needs. It means taking as many opportunities and turning them into learning experiences. And finally, it means teaching by 'doing' rather than 'saying.'"

-Cherie Wright

"Being a Mom 4 Life means celebrating little things all day long. The discovery of a bug or the greatest rock your child has ever seen. Naps in the afternoon, sticky kisses. Singing songs about going poop and then having a parade around the house. All of these and many more are reasons to celebrate being a Mom 4 Life."

-Lacey Kelley

"I became a mom 4 life six months ago to my baby boy, Tyler.
To me, a mom for life means many things:
A lifetime of love and care. Watching my baby grow each and every day and cherishing those moments. A lifetime of growing, through diaper changes, spit-ups, bottles, 'special' milestones. Watching my child go through school and turn into a young man. A mom 4 life never gives up on her child, loves him no matter what, and guides him throughout his life."

-Kerry East

"Being a 'Mom4Life' is something I didn't think about enough before we had children. We were preoccupied with things that seem utterly silly now - labor, nursery colors, diaper bag styles... But I'll never forget the morning I realized I would be a 'mom4life.' I was walking around the parking lot of our apartment building with my then week old baby who was shrieking her lungs out. I was very depressed. Looking back I was probably also very hormonal, but the reality of being a mother was settling in and I was terrified. A friend came over to me and said, 'You must be so happy. You have a great husband and how a beautiful daughter.' I burst into tears.

Reality was settling in and it was overwhelming... This little baby would need me every day and every night. I was responsible for answering her every cry. I could only see the next few months stretching out before me and I wanted to quit already.

Thankfully, after a few more walks in the parking lot, a few more nights of sleep, and after getting to know our little bundle, the days, weeks, and years that stretched out before me became filled with hope. I began to look forward to the stages and the relationship that would tie us together for the rest of our lives.

Now, 5 years later, I'm trying hard to slow down the hands of time. Each day is so precious and I hope to enjoy as many of them with our children as I possibly can. I love being connected to these children for the rest of my life. It's no longer an overwhelming responsibility (well, some days it is) but more often it's a huge privilege and joy."

-Jessica Dager

"An experienced mom once told me that your children are a mirror into your own heart. After 7 weeks of sleepless nights, I can tell you that that mirror doesn't always show the good parts of myself. I am at all times extremely scared, exhausted, amazed, and in a constant state of wonderment. My baby girl brings out the frustration of the 3 am feeding and the joy of the very first smile.

I don't know a lot about being a Mom at 7 weeks, but what I do know is that the mirror into my heart--that squishy-wiggly-8 pounds of pure love and trust--takes me for who I am, good days or bad. She doesn't ask me to be someone else, or hold a grudge when I've hurt her feelings. She just is.

What is a 'Mom 4 Life'? Someone who holds that mirror up and sees the best parts of herself. Someone who recognizes that that mirror is a gift from God. Someone who knows that at the end of a long, hard day, she's done good. And looking into that mirror's pudgy little face.....this Mom 4 Life is brought to her knees. And she is forever changed."

-Amanda Bischoff

Being a mom 4 life for me.. means every morning I wake up and look down at my little man and am totally overwhelmed about how much I love him. I'd truly walk through fire if it would only make him smile."

-Angela Willis

"I AM a mom 4 life. What is that exactly? Well, This is what I think a Mom 4 life is...A mom 4 life changes those dirrrty cloth diapers without the blink of an eye; reads the same book 25 times in 1 day; giggles with their children; cries with their children; pushes and pulls their kids around for rides in a laundry basket, dump truck or box; feeds their children veggies (hee hee); takes a million and one pictures and videos to capture every split second; always has time for their children and their family; loves and takes care of her husband; teaches good values and beliefs; is a good example; encourages; disciplines; has tickle fights; dances with their kids to Old MacDonald Had a Farm; lets their kid get dirty outside (or inside) sometimes; baby wears (a personal fav!!); and most of all loves unconditionally!!!"

-Andrea Y.

(Sung to the tune of Bingo...)

There is a Mom that has 2 girls
And Mommy is her name-o
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
M-O-M-M-Y
and Mommy is her name-o

(My girls will probably never know the "real" words to a lot of songs
because we have such fun making up our own.)
-Monique Daley

"Being a Mom 4 Life to 2 almost 3 (next one due in December) beautiful  girls means so much more than just being mom. You get to be their  nurturer, their confidant with their secrets, their band-aid when  they get hurt and everything in between. At times it is very trying  being a Mom but you know that you will always be their mother no  matter what they do or what they say and that they will always come back to you in the end above anyone else. Being a Mom 4 Life is a  gift and one that is so many times easily squandered when we are tired or irritated but we should always remember that unconditional love that our children give to us."

-Katie Gosney

"What does it mean personally for me to be a mom 4 life?

There was a time in my life when I didn't believe I'd ever have the chance to be a mother. I had experienced 4 horrible miscarriages, and it just didn't seem to be in the cards for me, despite desiring it more than anything else in this world.

I finally came to a place where I embraced my life with or without children, and I told the Lord that my life was in His hands. I wanted to live my life according to His will and plan, regardless. About 2 weeks later I found out that I was pregnant with my son, and it's been rejoicing ever since!

It means more to me than words can ever express to be a mom 4 life. It means days filled joy, laughter, love, life, and learning. It means knowing how good it feels to have my children's arms wrapped around my neck and saying, "Mama I love you!". It means experiencing the joy of nursing my babies, knowing that I'm giving them the best start possible in their lives. And it means knowing that God loves me enough to grant me the desires of my heart by breathing life and creating my gifts from heaven.

I will never stop praising the Lord's name for granting me the joy of my desire, and for making me 'a mom 4 life'!"

-Kelly Hill

 Click here to view the rest of Week 2 entries!