My children used to whine when I tucked them in, 'I'm not tired!' I kindly but firmly say, 'This is not for your benefit, it's for mine. I'm tired. Now go to bed.

In bounced my youngest carrying a magic wand and a pair of wings. 'Do you like who I am today mom?' I kissed her and murmured how much into her ear and then covered her lips with lipstick.

I'm the mother of 5. When God said, 'Multiply and replenish the earth' I thought he meant me personally!

Look,' I reason, 'Mommy doesn't wear flowers with lines does she?' She just shrugs as if to say, 'If YOU'RE that controlled by societal opinion, that's you're problem.

You’re the prettiest mommy,” she said and I secretly felt grateful that she didn’t notice the gray and the extra pounds. In my heart I knew however, that if she had, she would have called them something wonderful.

Somehow our kids survive. And surprised as we are, we do have to concede that this is what parenting is about; raising them to be happy, healthy, productive members of society.