I consider myself wildly lucky to be a mom of four. It remains, without question, the best part of my life. And because this is a special issue (July, 2026 issue featuring TOP 10 LISTS for Families) — our first time ever stepping away from our usual format (don’t worry, what you love will be back next month!) — I found myself thinking about the things that have made being a mom such a rich experience for me. So I made a list. And I encourage you to make one, too. It’s a surprisingly joyful exercise and a reminder of all the little things that matter most:
1) Knowing I Matter
In a world that can feel noisy and overwhelming, motherhood has a way of bringing everything back into focus. My four kids have shown their love in countless ways. Those moments remind me of something simple but profound: I matter. I’m needed. That means everything.
2) Sharing Our Stories
Every day brings new stories to tell. Around the dinner table, in the car, before bed — we discuss, analyze, laugh about, celebrate, and sometimes cry about the events of our days. There’s something deeply connecting about sharing life together, one story at a time.
3) Seeing the Familiar Through New Eyes
Kids have a remarkable enthusiasm for the world. They notice details we’ve stopped seeing and find wonder in places we’ve long overlooked. Even on the most exhausting days, they have a way of making ordinary things feel new again.
4) Watching Them Be Kind to One Another
Like most parents, I spent plenty of time encouraging kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love between siblings. That’s why those moments when they naturally care for one another feel so rewarding.
5) Snuggles
Whether it was climbing into my lap for a book, cuddling under a blanket during a movie, or simply leaning against one another at the end of the day, those moments of closeness are some of my favorites. The best.
6) Celebrating Successes
When your children succeed, you feel their joy right along with them. Their victories become your victories. Of course, their disappointments are yours too, that’s part of the package — and honestly, it’s all good.
7) Hugs Just Because
Affection comforts us, sustains us, and reminds us we’re loved. Few things compare to a spontaneous hug from a child.
8) Campouts in the Playroom
Some of our happiest memories happened right at home. We’d spread out blow-up mattresses and sleeping bags in the playroom, make popcorn, put on a movie, and settle in for the night. Those Friday fun nights often felt downright magical.
9) Getting Away Together
Whether we were driving to Atlanta to see family or packing up for a week at the beach, excitement filled the air to be together and away from the usual routine.
10) Bedtime
You work so hard to get them to bed! Then you stand there in the doorway watching them sleep because you love so much. Go figure!
