Good Morning Friends,
Ahhh...coffee. Some mornings there is just nothing like a warm cup of coffee with a few moments of stolen silence in my home. My precious angels sleep, my dear husband is off to work, and I sit quietly enjoying the peace of utter silence.

I am at a crossroads in my life. I am 46 years young and find myself with a housefull of young adults. In the past year, my husband and I have stumbled upon the unusual occasion that we are alone in our home. It happens more and more as our precious children are growing up. Becoming more and more independent and very busy socially. You suddenly find yourself in a very weird place...a strangely happy place, but, nonetheless weird. It can be lonely as you discover no one really needs you anymore for those silly little things like "hey, Mom, can you help me with this". You find that your children are not children anymore, they are half-grown and really dont want you doing much for them anymore. I remind myself that this is a testament to my good parenting skills as I have taught them well to be independent...did I mean to teach them so well?

I am truly blessed to have four beautiful, healthy children. They are each one different in their own way. Each one amazing in their perception of life. Each one amazing in their walk with Christ and each one amazing in the way they treat others. They are the strongest, most incredibly giving people that I know. I am in awe of them. I am honored to be their Mom and even more honored to know them as people. They are true leaders and role models for Christ. And...they give the most incredible hugs! Thank goodness this is something they continue to give even as they are growing up...I like to think they need them as much as I do!

When you begin to learn from your children, when they begin to teach you and give you new perspective on life...that is when you realize that you have done something right as a parent. When you hear the lessons you have taught coming back to you, you realize what leaders you have helped to mold. WOW...I am so honored to be their Mom and their friend.

I am also thankful for the utter silence in the wee hours of the morning with my coffee and for the ever increasing alone time with my wonderful husband. It is in these moments that I can appreciate who my children have become and dream of who they are aspiring to be. I am truly blessed.