Motherhood: The Best Job I've Ever Had

Pssst! Don't tell my boss, but the best job I've ever had is motherhood.

While it doesn't always pay well and it has its frustrations, being called "Mommy" is the sweetest sound in the world.

My real boss is a 6-year-old named Steven and he's all boy!

He pays me in hugs and kisses, draws me pretty pictures and forces me to watch "Dino Dan."

My retirement benefits include: the hours of quiet after he goes to bed that I can work peacefully or watch something other than Disney or Nick Jr.; the few hours of sleep before he crawls into my bed; and all the rocks, leaves, dandelions and other treasures bestowed upon moms.

As far as 401K, that's probably a low-ball figure of the amount of money I'll spend on him until he graduates from college. But he's worth every penny!

Around Thanksgiving, Steven's kindergarten teacher asked each of us to write letters to our children to tell them why we are thankful for them.

So I'll share with you the letter I wrote to Steven and the many reasons I love my job.

Dear Steven,

The best gift I ever received for Christmas arrived five days late. It came in a 9 pound, 2 ounce package with a head full of dark hair and big brown eyes.

It has been almost six years since I held you in my arms for the very first time. My heart and soul were wrapped up in a baby blue blanket.

I am thankful to be your mother, your teacher and your friend. You are the love of my life and the reason I get out of bed each morning.

You are the first person I want to start my day with and the one I want to hug before bed each night.

I am thankful for your hugs, your kisses and your love. I am thankful for your smiles that brighten my day and your laughter that fills my life.

I am thankful for our silly songs, our funny pictures and our crazy dance sessions.

I am thankful for our "Kissing Hands," and the plea for one more hug before you push me out the door.

I am thankful for our time together at football games, at the zoo or curled up reading in our favorite chair.

I am thankful to be the person who can kiss a boo-boo better and wipe away your tears.

I am thankful at night when I hear your little feet hit the floor and start running to my room.

I am thankful for my greatest gift from the Lord above. I am thankful for you, Steven, the person who taught me what it truly means to love.

I love you more every day my little pumpkin pie, but thankfully I'll love you twice as much tomorrow and always!

I love you, Mommy