Treasures

Have you ever looked in a child's treasure chest? Noah has one and he is constantly sneaking off items to put in his treasure chest. Many interesting things have transpired in effort to help us through this economically difficult time. Rick put his cars up for sale and we have decided to rent out the basement. Someone did purchase the Land Rover and Rick was grateful he did not have to see it drive away. I think he treasured that vehicle. To me,  cars are still just machines that get you from Point A to Point B. To Rick it was an accomplishment and he kept it spotless.

We also have someone to live in our basement apartment. I needed to bring up a few things and also organize to accommodate our guest. While organizing the play room, I came across Noah's Treasure Chest. I took a peek inside, curious as to know what my Noah's great big heart values. All I could think was "Oh to see things through the eyes of a child."I don't think there was anything in there that was more than a few dollars at most. There were also a few "ah ha" and "so that is where that went" moments. Basically what it came down to is he is just plain grateful. No matter the price, be it a rubber toy from the dentist or his jeep from Santa Claus--it is the greatest and he is sure to express his appreciation enthusiastically.

It caused me to wonder--What do I cherish? What would I put in my treasure chest? Do I have an appreciation for the little things as well as the great things? Do I view all things in their own right as a treasure or do I take things forgranted. I remember when Noah was 18 months old, he would point out everything. He was discovering this bright and beautiful world. Noah pointed out things that had become mundane to me and yet when I stopped to look, I was in awe. Since that time, I have tried to slow down and live in the moment. In this face paced world, that is not always easy. Everyone seems to want me to keep up with them and I just want to smell the roses.

The other night, my wonderful parents were in town. They make such a big deal out of my small successes. I cherish that. I watch them with my Noah and that is a treasure among treasures. If you could see the eyes of Noah when he finds out his grandma and grandpa are coming, then you would understand the treasures that they are. How fun to be able to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Grandma took us to dinner and that was treasure.

I know there is a list of things that have yet to be accomplished, but I hope I will also take the time to recognize and store the treasures and then go through my treasures every so often.

Somewhere in the scriptures it says the Lord gave the beauties of the earth to gladden the heart and to please the eye. Wow! He did that for me. Next time I see a brilliant sunset, a glorious flower in bloom, the peaceful waters, have mom and dad come for a few hours and see the expressions of Noah's face, I will thank the Lord for giving me one more treasure.

Thank you for the beauties of the earth and sky...moments to treasure.

What I learned from Noah:  He is my treasure!

What I learned from Noah:  Treasures don't have to be costly, infact, the real treasures aren't and that everyone should have a treasure box. Having a treasure box is a reminder to be grateful and to remember--"I am so blessed...just look at my treasures."

Reprimand

My personality is animated, dramatic, and sometimes loud. I have seen mothers speak ever so softly with their children, even in matters of discipline. I envy those mothers that can calmly correct their child's behavior. Often, I try not to let the behavior bother me. Then, when I cannot tolerate the behavior any longer, I say loudly, "NOAH DAYNE GROENDYKE!!!" Noah knows he is in trouble when all three of his names are used.

Noah loves his dog, Da Vinci. He enjoys playing with his dog that weighs more than Noah. Once in a while Da Vinci will do something to upset Noah. This was the case the other day. I am not sure what Da Vinci had done because I was in the other room, but Noah was mad. Noah said sternly and rather loudly, "DA VINCI DAYNE GROENDYKE, YOU STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!!!"I couldn't help but laugh at what he had picked up from me. Gee whiz, I better be careful about how I use Noah's name so that he does not become a curse word.

What I learned from Noah:  He not only hears and repeats the words of his parents, but is a master at mimicking the tone and the volume. I need to be a better example.

"Mouth of Babes"

Noah is at an age where one does not always know what is going to come out of his mouth. For the most part, it is always good. Once in a while, we have to correct his vocabulary. There are some days, we are laughing hysterically because of his wit, his charm, his animated expressions and gestures.

One afternoon, Noah came into the room where I was working. He had been watching "Dexter's Laboratory."Every now and again a craft or treat will be modeled for the viewers. On this particular day it was "homemade popsicles."As Noah explained each step to me, I was amazed at not only his comprehension, but his ability to explain the instructions to me. We went into the kitchen. He had pulled out an ice cube tray and a small can of pop. Again, he told me step by step what needed to happen. Noah said we had to put the tray in the freezer and wait overnight.

The next morning, we were all in a rush to get Noah out the door for school. As much

as I tried to convince Noah to postpone the "taste test" until he returned, he knew he had a creation waiting in the freezer. It was no surprise to me, but I caved. He took one lick and looked me in the eye with his unbelievably large eyes and said, "Sweet Mamma this is good! You should try it mom." "Sweet Mamma," I thought.

For Rick's Birthday, Noah and I had tried to make it special by baking him a cake, taking him to dinner and waiting on him hand and foot. The other day, Rick asked Noah to do something for him. In a very frustrated voice Noah said, "Why do I have to do it all, Dad? It's not your birthday anymore!!!"

Last night we were with Grandma Garff. We look forward to our dinners with her. Afterwards we went into her lovely home. Noah was dumbfounded by all the precious possessions she owned, "Grandma, is this real gold? How did you staple grandpa's clock to the wall? That must have been hard. All the kids tell me there's a monster downstairs.You've got a big world(referring to her globe) and lots and lots of books. How do you get that yellow book down from the top shelf?" His little mind was going a million miles a minute. In fact, his mouth was running away with him as well. Every time Rick would ask Grandma a question, he would remark, "Dad, that is SO RUDE. You keep ixsturbing me!"(disturbing) While waiting for Rick to finish helping Grandma, Noah got real serious and asked, "Grandma, do you live alone here?" Grandma said, "Oh, yes, I live alone." Noah had a look of concern on his face. He leaned over to me and whispered, "You better tell her to watch out for the boogey man."

While at dinner, Grandma inquired about Flat Screen TVs. Rick everwilling to help her out, suggested that he take the TV Noah had received for Christmas and plug it in her wall at home. That way she could make an informed decision as to whether or not she wanted to purchase one. Noah was not happy with that suggestion at all. The evening was young and so we decided going over to "Circuit City" might be a better idea. Still not understanding, Noah said, "and if you like it you can have my DAD'S TV, his is really nice. I glanced over at him and he said very matter of fact, "Well, she's not getting mine."

Grandma looked over the many TV's available. She could not get over how clear the picture, the sound, etc. She decided right then and there that she would like to make a purchase on a new Flat Screen TV. Noah was walking by her side and he said, "Grandma, I am really happy for you." That really warmed my heart. He was genuinely happy for her that she would now have something that she could enjoy and we all felt that, but Noah was the only one that verbalized it.

Noah likes hamburgers, chocolate and chips and not much else. It is not an easy task to go get him to eat. There are times when a bribe is needed. Noah's dad had told him that he had to eat everything on his plate including the cole slaw. Cole slaw is an acquired taste. I told him to have one more bite and I would throw the rest away.(Not a good idea on my part. Noah needs to know his dad and I are on the same page, but I don't care for cole slaw either.) He did as I had asked. I threw it away and then he said, "Don't tell Dad we threw it away."I was thinking "good plan." Rick walked through the door and before the door was shut, Noah blurted out, "Dad, we threw my food in the garbage!" His poor little conscience was bothering him. Now Rick was looking at me. "What about our plan?" I thought. "What about honesty, Rebec?"

What I learned from Noah: Noah has a sense of HUMOR and knows how to use it appropriately. He taught me that HONESTY is always the best policy even in matters of cole slaw. I learned the joy of discovering as a result of being CURIOUS, and I also learned how much he loves the TV Santa gave him:)

Faith Enough to Ask

Last fall, Noah had his first two teeth that were loose. They were the bottom two in the front. Behind those two that were loose, two of his permanent teeth were growing. He thought he was like a shark with rows and rows of teeth. Finally and in the strangest of places those teeth fell out. I thought, "Cool! Tooth under his pillow, Tooth Fairy take the tooth, leave a coin or two and all is well."Noah left for a moment. When he returned, he had a piece of paper and a marker. He said, "Mom, will you help me write a letter to the Tooth Fairy?" We sat down and he dictated to me what he wanted to be written.  He had really hoped that he could keep his tooth without forgoing the coins. As a young child, I thought my teeth were pretty neat also, but it had never dawned on me to ask if I could keep the tooth.  That is what Noah did, he asked the Tooth Fairy if she would leave a penny by his tooth. (I was also impressed by the amount he was asking.) He set the note and the tooth by his bed. When he awoke, there was a dollar and his tooth. He was elated!!!!

I thought about my Heavenly Father, His Son and Their pure unconditional love for us. How many blessings have I passed by because I was unwilling to ask? The scriptures tell me in James 1:5, that if I will ask in FAITH, God will give liberally. We are His children and He desires to bless us.

What I learned from Noah:  It is okay to ask, in fact I should ask. Today, I will get on my knees and ask in faith for those blessings Heavenly Father is waiting to give to me...and when those blessings materialize according to His will, I must remember to be elated and receive with a grateful heart.

Spiritual Giants

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity of attending Enrichment. I rarely go and was not planning on attending, but the Relief Society President came to my door with an invitation and another member of the Presidency called and asked if she could give me a ride. I got the feeling I should go...and I am so grateful I did. Sister Beck, the General Relief Society President of the Church was the Guest Speaker. It was extremely uplifting and a positive way to begin 2009.

I was reminded of the importance of being a mother in the last days. I left wanting to be the best "Noah's Mom" ever. In the book of Job, there are promises for the children in latter days. It is my job to discipline myself to do what I need to do to help Noah become who he was meant to become. Just who am I raising--maybe a Spiritual Giant.

Which reminds me of the afternoon, Noah and I were doing errands. I was voicing out loud some of the frustrations I was experiencing at the time. Noah called from the backseat, "Mom, I know what you should do." I inquire, "What my dear?" He responds, "You should go to the temple and talk to Heavenly Father." There have been other dilemmas and he reminds me, "I know, you could pray about it." Once, when Noah was barely walking and speaking only a few words, we ventured to Temple Square. Noah glanced up and saw the Angel Moroni. His hands began waving frantically, "Roni, Roni, I'm coming!!!" His artwork reflects his love for his family, as well as his Heavenly Father and his Savior. As I mentioned before, I believe Noah came to help out his parents.

There were a couple of thoughts I liked for my personal reference--
*I am here on Earth having a mortal experience that is preparing me for the DREAM.

*Ask the Lord--what is my song?  What can I contribute? and thank Him for the privilege of knowing what I know.

Thank you Lord for my blessings and my trials. As I turn to you, my weaknesses will become strengths that will help me appreciate and celebrate the dream that awaits.

Now I must put my Spiritual Giant to bed. I do so with a grateful heart and a greater resolve to be a better mother, wife, and woman.

Happy Meal

Noah's favorite dinner choice is the "Happy Meal" at McDonalds. It would also be his favorite meal for breakfast and lunch if he were in charge. Noah orders a "hammerburger"as he calls them, at almost any restaurant. "Make sure I get a toy and tell them I'm a boy."For some reason, Happy Meals are not always happy meals. Does anyone else have tears with Happy Meals?--"Mom, I already have this one. Why did they give me this girly thing?" and "I want that one."Yet, when it is the right toy, I am the greatest mom ever and he is so grateful for something so plastic and so cheap. The dilemma is not knowing whether or not that paticular day is the happy "Happy Meal" or the teary "Happy Meal."I leave it to chance and Noah is getting quite a collection.

When I cook, it rarely is a happy meal.  Noah is very picky; he likes chocolate and chips. Rick wants me to cook, but when I do it is always missing a major ingredient or something. Then I feel hurt for putting forth the time and effort and for dinner satisfying only the garbage disposal.

Noah, or should I say Chef Noah, he can prepare a happy meal that will brighten anyone's day. He literally makes his meals happy. He also likes to experiment in the kitchen. He whips up some interesting concoctions out of any available ingredient (including the non-edible ones.)

What I learned from Noah:  Have fun when you cook and don't feel bad, not all food creations were meant to be eaten.

Party Please!

Halloween was awesome--two costumes, parades, carnivals, and trick or treating. Thanksgiving even better--cousins, Park City and Polar Express with the grandparents. Oh and then there is the excitement of Christmas--parties, shopping, programs, carols, more shopping, wrapping and last minute shopping. New Year's Eve gets you past the "after Christmas" blues. Then January comes--go back to school, it's cold and dark. All Noah can think about is "Mom, when is it my birthday?"It just can't come soon enough and his little friends across the street has moved to Texas.

"I know, we can have a party with my Teddy Bears and Stuffed Animals," Noah exclaims. I think that there is an awful lot to do around the house and in getting organized for the 2009. "Maybe," I say. Maybe became a party, but it would have to wait until the weekend. Noah made the invitations and sealed them tightly in an envelope. Then Noah delivered the invitations to his animals. He was so excited that he wanted the party that instant. Naturally, I said no because it was a school night. He cried and cried and I felt awful, but I had to stick to my word. We did not have it on that school night, but we did put up the tent. We gathered all the animals invited to attend. Noah lined them up just so. I listened as Noah told his furry friends about the events that would take place the next day."We'll play games, and make cookies..." As I observed his facial expressions, I realized, "Wow, this is a big deal for him.  What can I do to make it special for Noah seeing how I had put him off all week."

Noah was at school and the thought came--go get some balloons. Something so simple as putting balloons in his room and I became a full fledged party goer. I was excited for Noah to come home so we could party with stuffed animals. Crazy!!

Noah walked in his room after homework and you could hear pure pleasure in his voice."Whoa!!!

Mom did you do this? How did you make these balloons?" We crawled under the tent and ate oatmeal cookies. I felt like a child again. We laughed over "Crazy Eights," "Go Fish," "Chutes and Ladders,"and coloring. Noah snuck out from under the tent and jumped on his bed while punching balloons. "This is a really fun party isn't it mom?" I could answer with a resounding "yes."

What I learned from Noah:  Any day can be a celebration and a reason to party. If there isn't a holiday in the near future--create one. Thanks for a super idea which became a great time and will be an awesome future memory. Oh, and thanks for inviting your mom.

S.O.S.

My profile states that cooking and cleaning are not my favorite things to do, though I want my family to be well fed and I do crave a clean and orderly home. When Rick found this home, I thought, "This home is too big for just the three of us." That statement was the cover up for "Oh, my that is an awful lot of house to clean." I dread it. By the time I get around to each of the rooms, the first room has become cluttered again.

Help! Help is what I need. I ask Noah and his dad if they are up for assisting me in some housework today. Rick said, "Yes, if your willing to put the pedal to the medal." In other words, no distractions and lollygagging. Noah was not thrilled at all. He had an appointment with "Spongebob" that would have to be postponed.

I felt charged and ready to get my rear in gear. Rick stops me. "We can't do anything until WE find where I misplaced that ABBA CD." I am thinking, "this is a distraction." Finally after retracing his steps, the CD is found. He puts it into the CD player and blasts it for us to hear from any room. He starts dancing and singing while he's cleaning. Noah gets off the couch to join his father. My guys look like they are having a good time. I love ABBA. I begin to feel the music in me. Soon I am smiling, singing, and enjoying the scene of my family all working together."Darling can you hear me....S.O.S" and "Take a chance on me..."

What I learned from Noah and his dad: If you want to have fun cleaning (and even feel a little giddy while you clean) crank the tunes and get their help.Thanks for hearing my S.O.S.

*The CD starts to screech. Noah is plugging his ears. I come out of the bathroom that I am cleaning and I see smoke coming out from one of the speakers!!! It is a slight distraction. Rick comes to the rescue and tools around with his sound system. All cleaning comes to a halt as Rick mourns the loss of his "tweeters" in his speakers.

Just a Minute

It was Noah's first basketball game of the year. I was especially curious to see how he'd perform following the basketball camp that Santa had arranged for him. The game was not until 11:00 a.m. Yeah!! I have time to exercise and organize a few things. It appeared I was missing my scissors. I hopped off the bike and went on a quick search. I found Noah's pj's on the ground, but I couldn't see him anywhere. I thought just maybe he would be lying on the couch with his dad. I checked--no Noah. I called for him again and walked back towards his room. All of the sudden he popped up from the side of his bed with a grin a mile wide. I could hardly contain my joy. Noah being so excited, dressed (without being asked) in his basketball uniform. I was surprised he didn't have to be reminded.  He usually comes into the exercise room and says, "morning mom," but not today. Today was game day.

Dad was in charge of breakfast. Noah decided to help. It wasn't long before Noah came up and asked me where his white lycra undershirt was. I replied "just a minute." I convinced him to eat in his plain white t- shirt so his lycra shirt wouldn't get dirty.

Noah called me down to join them for breakfast; "just a minute."The minutes passed and it wasn't long before my boy came with a plate of scrambled eggs in hand. "For you mom." I ate while I biked.

Breakfast was over and Noah had done what he was asked--to wait and eat breakfast first and then he could put on his schmanzy white shirt. "Mom, I checked in the dryer and it is not there." I suggested a few other places. He started to whine and I began getting irritated. "JUST A MINUTE NOAH!"  Huff, huff, I got off the bike to help him look. I had 20 minutes clocked on the bike and the time was ticking.  "How will I exercise, shower and be on time for the game if I have to stop and look for a shirt?  It could be anywhere. I have found shirts underneath the pillows in the living room, socks behind the TV, church clothes in the coat closet and underwear stuffed in his backpack." Noah's dad added an extra set of eyes and joined the search. He felt the anxiety that comes with missing a shirt on game day, but more importantly he was frustrated with me."When did you know Noah had a game?" In other words, I am his mom and finding his shirts and having them ready for his game is my job and should be my priority.

For the last few minutes on the bike, I had time to think about the exchange. My most important job--that of being Noah's Mom. It is the job I cherish and I treasure. I decided to get off the bike early so I could be on time for Noah's game. "Just a minute" is a phrase that is overused in our household.

What I learned from Noah and his dad: Being Noah's Mom means loving to do the things that Noah needs and often making a sacrifice or two. Next time he is missing his shirt, Noah's Mom will reply, "I'll be right there."

I Have Waited My Whole Life

Finally after 4 days of printing, copying, cutting, and pasting--my planner is complete. I think to myself next year I will pass on the "custom made" planner. Though it has everything I need, it has cost me time, money, and printer ink. (Franklin Covey is not looking so expensive right now.)

While waiting for the pages to print out, I thought that I would update all my address and contact information. Again, another timely project. All the while, Rick still wondered about dinner and Noah wanted to know what I was hiding below that mountain of laundry.Tomorrow, laundry will be the top of my priority list, ah that is after the invitations. Noah would like to have a party for his Teddy Bears and other Stuffed Animals. He had it planned down to the last detail. He wanted to build a fort or tent out of blankets. For nibbling, pizza and cookies were placed on the menu. I am game. Actually it would be a nice retreat for Noah's Mom. I wondered if he would care if I hired out for someone to give me a pedicure while the rest of the gang colors and plays.

The last planner page had just been printed. I decided it would be nice to have a paper copy of the addresses to put in with my planner. I hit the "PRINT" button. Out came one nice color copy of "Go Diego, Go."That is odd. I remembered Noah had been on my computer. After the seventh copy, I checked the status of print jobs--82!!!! Oh I must have a talk with Noah. One by one I canceed his print jobs. I'm sure there is a way to "DELETE" them all at once, I just haven't figured that out yet. Deleting--also a timely project...and Rick wonders where I spend all my time.

Noah came in with a stack of sealed envelopes. I guess he grew impatient. He has done the invitations himself and is waiting for me to deliver them. Thank goodness he didn't find the stamps. He uses stamps like stickers.Yes, even the mail we send out can become very costly.

Noah cried because the party wasn't tonight--a school night. I told him he could have the party on Friday or Saturday. Tearfully he responded,"wha wha we wha ee ah teahh." I told him that I couldn't  understand him when he was crying.  He replied, "you heard me!....I have been waiting all my life for this!"

What's a mother to do? I put up the tent at least!

What I have learned from Noah: Noah knows how to use a copier, he is an expert at party planning and even Noah, in his young age...waits his whole life for things.

Where are Your Manners?

A welcomed visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hart meant the piles of laundry are no longer on the bed and the Christmas tree has found it's resting place and Noah gets to play "Hide and Seek" with Grandpa. Grandma and Grandpa have a motto, "Leave a place better than you found it,"and they always do. They surprised us all for Rick's birthday, although it should not have been a surprise since they are always surprising us. Noah loves his grandparents and shares a special bond with them.

This particular visit Noah had a list of DVD's for us all to watch. After "I Robot" he put in "Mamma Mia."Rick having seen it recently departed to his office. It wasn't long before Noah approached his dad, "Dad are you going to come in and watch 'Mamma Mia' with us?" "No son, I saw it a couple of days ago." "Not with grandma and grandpa though and that is rude and you are not being very entertaining."

Following "Mamma Mia,"Noah put in one of his favorites "Sahara."I took one look at the clock and said "Absolutely not! You have school tomorrow."After much persuasion, Noah agreed to go to bed, but he was concerned that grandma would have to suffer because of his bedtime. "Grandma, I put 'Sahara' in for you. Just put it in the case when you are done."

Noah and I went up to his room. He could hear the music from the movie playing over and over again. Grandma did not know how to get the DVD to play. He said, "Mom..." and I knew he was going to pull "a get out of going to bed"move saying he had to press the play button for Grandma. I told him I would take care of it and he needed to hop into bed. Over my request and in a louder voice he said, "MOM, MOM, let me be a gentleman. I want to be a gentleman for my Grandma."With that said, my heart melted all over the floor. I could not resist his offer--he wants to be a gentleman.


What I learned from Noah: We need to honor our parents and that though he is five, his insight goes beyond his years. Every mom hopes their son will be a gentleman and I didn't even have to ask.

Who is Going to Get the Door Then?

Rick and I are not the best at answering the phone or the door. Rick says that if you answer, most likely you will have an extra job to do.:) Thank goodness for caller I.D. We are pretty much home bodies now after decades of living the swinging singles and fancy free scene.

Not Noah though. He is a shaker and a mover "what can I do now" kind of guy. He loves people and everbody is his friend. Not too long ago, Noah went to get the door upon hearing the bell. His father pulled him aside and rather sternly told him he was not to ever answer the door. "It could be a stranger..." and yatta yatta yatta. Noah got the message, but it wasn't long until he forgot. "Ding dong!" His little feet went running to welcome the visitor. Again, Noah's father reminded him and this time I think he will remember.  Noah had lots of time to think about it while in "Time Out."

Later in the week the door bell began to ring. Rick was not dressed and I was going to the bathroom. The bell kept ringing and I could hear those same little feet running around. "Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding, dong" continued the annoying doorbell. It must have been driving Noah crazy. He finally came marching up the stairs and found me. In a very frustrated voice he said, "Will you get the damn door already." I was shocked! I didn't know he knew that word, let alone how to use it in proper context.

What I learned from Noah that day:  If Noah is not allowed to answer the door, than his parents better be ready for the task and that there are lots of things I haven't learned about what Noah knows--like his vocabulary.

Why "Noah's Mom?"

It is my chance for a fresh start--divine in 2009. That is how it is posted around our little South Jordan community. Maybe there is too much pressure in starting the New Year out perfectly. There are four piles of laundry on the bed, three waiting to be washed, a dry Christmas tree pleading to be retired, new planner pages needing to be put in a binder and information updated, a huge great dane that hovers in my personal space (I really don't mind, other than I am constantly tripping, no, getting knocked over by him) and one overwhelmed mom. I came down the stairs pondering my plight.  Noah saw me and said, "Mom, I love you." Still in my thoughts, I heard it, but didn't acknowledge.  I heard in a rather disgusted tone, "Mom when someone says 'I love you,' you say 'I love you' back."  Oh the wise words of Noah, of course you say "I love you!" back.

We decided against purchasing a game boy, but somehow Noah's brilliant mind and fidgeting fingers found the "Nick Jr." games on my computer. "Mom, mom, you are supposed to be cheering for me. I can't win if you don't cheer for me," and then in a very sing songy voice, "Mom, did you forget, your are not cheering again." What I am trying to say here, is that he is my step by step instruction guide on how to be a good "Noah's Mom."

I really believe that Noah is not only my greatest miracle, but my greatest teacher. He is going to lead me to be a master of my most favored title "Noah's Mom." There is no deed or accomplishment that compares to being his mother. It also means no matter how hard I try to be the very best mom to someone so deserving, I will come up short. The beautiful thing is, that when I make mistakes, Noah still loves me and thinks I am the best. He is patient and loving and keeps me smiling with his animated facial expressions.

For my first mother's day, Noah's dad wrote a story and titled it "Noah's Mom." The words were clever and written from Noah's perspective, accompanied by some darling pictures. Now he is 5 years old and I am a mother that gets to go on fieldtrips. While waiting in the library last month, one of his classmates tugged me on my shirt and said, "Hi, Noah's Mom." It was then and there that I discovered what it was that I really wanted to be when I grew up--Noah's Mom. I am Noah's Mom and that makes me blessed beyond words. Because I am Noah's Mom, he needs me...he needs me right now, "Mom, I need you to find the red marker." So, why Noah's Mom? See for yourself.

What I learned from Noah:  Being Noah's Mom is everything, I have ever hoped to become.