What do you want to be when you grow up?

I had just spent the day in Joseph's 2nd grade class helping to sort through hand drawn self portraits of "What they Want to be When they Grow Up." They were adorable. As I flipped through each one I couldn't help but smile at the diversity in each child's dream. I've known many of these kids for years and so it was fun to see them imagining themselves in future careers that seemed incredibly fitting, even at this young age.

Another observation I noted was that none of the little girls had said that they wanted to be a mother. I found this very interesting and frankly a little sad. It made me reflect upon our modern world, realizing that being a mother and homemaker is truly becoming a lost art. Many people today don't view motherhood as an acceptable occupation simply because there is no monetary gain.

That same day Lauren walked into the room with her toy phone wanting to have a pretend conversation.

"Pretend I'm at college Mama,"

"Okay," I said.

After a few exchanges back and forth, I began to wonder about what she dreamed of being when she grew up.
Given her girly nature I could imagine her saying that she wanted to "do hair." She loves using her pretend flat iron and hair dryer on anyone who will sit for her long enough.

So I asked her,

"What do you want to be when you grow up Lauren?"

Her reply came after a big sigh (apparently I should have known the answer, but I'd never asked her before.)

"I want to be a Mommy." she said wrapping her little arms around my neck in a backwards hug.

Her answer warmed my heart and reminded of a favorite poem that I heard years ago. And although my little ones faces aren't quite so pudgy or smudgy anymore and they fight and bicker all the time, I still would rather be a mother than anyone or anything on earth.

I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth,

Bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth...

I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed,

than twine a chain of diamonds about my [carefree] head.

I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes,

Than paint the pageantry of fame or walk among the wise.

-- Meredith Gray