What do you want to be when you grow up?

I asked Aleah, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" After telling her that she probably doesn't really want to be a football player like her friend Trey, she decided that she wants to be a mom. Good thing she decided this so early.

I remember when I realized that I wanted to be a mom too, and sad to say that it wasn't until I already was.

You know when you're growing up, people are always asking you, "what do you want to be when you grow up?". I never really enjoyed the question because I never really knew or had a strong desire to be any one thing. When I was in 4th or 5th grade I wanted to be a chiropractor because one of my friends' dad was and he came and gave a presentation on what he does...so influential at that age. I also remember thinking that I was going to be the first woman in the NBA, well now they have the WNBA, and I honestly have no desire to be a part of that or the NBA for that matter. I can also remember wanting to be a Psychotherapist and a teacher and a clown, okay just kidding about the clown, but it would be fun, maybe.

Anyway, I always felt that I had to do something and be something that people would think was useful and worthy and respected. When people asked, I just said something that I thought they'd want to hear.

Well, years later, here I am doing what I always wanted to, but never knew it. A couple months after I had my first daughter, I had a profound moment and I finally realized that a mom is what I'm meant to be. I do admit, however, there are so many moments that I want to do other things, like go back to school and learn anything and everything, be a photographer, own a business, play the violin, get back into basketball and any other sport, read, read and read, write, play with photoshop, be a chef....seriously the list could go on forever. But when it comes down to it, I know I won't be happy if I didn't give my children everything. Each day I learn more and more of what it takes to be a mom and what sacrifice means. Sacrifice means, giving something up for the better of more. I give up my wants and desires because I know that it's for the better of my children. I know there is a time and a season for all things and that I will be given many opportunities to accomplish all that I want, but right now is the season to be the best mother I can to my children. (Don't get me wrong, I know that we should seek learning and develop our talents, which I do, I just know that the number one priority is to teach and play with my children.)

I can't thank the Lord enough for the family He has blessed me with, the one I come from and the one I've started. I am very happy with my proclaimed profession of being a mother and I really feel that there is no higher calling and that there's nothing better I could be doing right now. It's hard work, according to some, I asked Aleah what mommies do and she said, "put lips(lipstick) on". I'll assure some of you that I try to do more than put my lipstick on.