There is nothing.....

more inspiring to me than a mom that can identify with me about my struggles, make me laugh when life hurts and build me up so I can go on to becoming great. Some are placed in our lives as companions to walk with us and others are there to give us that little nudge to keep on going from day to day.

Several women that I have relationships with and have come to know through the world of blogging automatically came to my mind and I felt compelled to tell you about them so they could bless you with their stories and wisdom. One of many that came to mind was Cyndi of So Much More than a Mom. I think the title of her site says it all! I had the pleasure of interviewing her first to kick off my new segment on Awww Inspiring moms.

Here's our Interview:

Q. How has becoming a mom changed you for the better?

A. Becoming a mom has forced me to be at least somewhat pleasant in the morning. I used to insist that no one speak to me for at least 2 hours and was very difficult to deal with if that rule was broken.

Q. Did you struggle with your transition into "mom"? What (or whom) do you credit with helping you to overcome the transitioning process?

A. Strangely enough, no I didn't struggle one bit. I credit my oldest son for being born 6 weeks early and needing emergency surgery at 3 weeks old with making my transition process much different than I expected. My mommy instincts kicked into overdrive and I was just so grateful he was healthy that I never really struggled with anything else.

Q. What do you find to be wonderful about parenting? What do you find to be difficult? What tip would you give to help other moms remedy that issue?

A. Wonderful is seeing my little babies continue to grow into amazing little individuals. Difficult is figuring out how to deal with the ever-evolving problems that come with each new phase of their lives. Tip: pick your battles and listen, really listen, to your kids.

Q. Where & how do you find the time to take care of you amidst caring for a family?

A. I could go on and on about this. I make sure I get alone time, girlfriend time, reading time, massage time, etc. It's a priority for me and luckily for my husband. I did not do this for many years and suffered because of it. Now, I regularly take time for myself including everything from lurking around bookstores to taking vacations alone or with girlfriends to going back to college.

Q. What is the most inspiring advice you have received as a mom that you would like to extend to other moms reading?

A. I can't recall receiving much advice except....put the baby monitor on HIS side of the bed!! :)

Advice I would give is: 1. Enjoy your kids while you can. They grow up way too fast. 2. Take time for yourself. Don't give up who you are just because you've become a mom. 3. Take time to keep your relationship with your partner interesting. Once the kids are gone it will be just the 2 of you again and I've seen too many couples who have ignored their relationships during the child-rearing years only to realize that they no longer have any connection at all.

I couldn't have said it better myself! Definitely an awww...inspiring story. Cyndi you are wonderful and I wish you all the best in your endeavors to take care of you and your family. I hope you will continue to be as inspiring to others as you have been to me. Be sure to check out Cyndi's blog when you have the chance! And remember lovelies - to take some time today to take care of you!

- Just a thought.....

P.S. Mommies, if you know another mom that you look to for inspiration just send me a line with her name, a link to her blog and a short message about why you find her inspiring and she may be featured. Check it out next Tuesday for the next aww inspiring mom. Enjoy!