When I was thinking about this first spotlight I thought it would be perfect to do one on my wife since Mother’s Day was coming up. Not only that but she is a firsthand example of someone to spotlight who I interact with daily.

There’s a lot that goes into being a mom and a lot of the time it can go unnoticed or unrewarded. Some people may “Oh that’s what you’re supposed to do” when in reality they really don’t have to 99% of the team they do things out of pure love or because they WANT TO. As a stay-at-home mom, my wife does a lot of things that allow me to be able to do the things I’m passionate about. I’m very grateful for her support and sacrifice. There are times when moms just need a break though because talking to little kids all day can get pretty crazy haha. Even though there are plenty of times when they are cute and innocent we know they are perfect and push us to the limit at times. At the end of the day when they are sleeping in your arms or you go in for a goodnight kiss those are the times that make the struggles and lessons worth it.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there and thank you for all that you do! Keeping the household up and running, dealing with kids, their feelings, supporting us husbands, and the laundry list of other things we all know you do. I want to give a special thank you/shoutout to my wife Rachel on Mother’s Day.

Thank you for being there whenever I need you. A lot of times you provide me with information I don’t even know I need and it’s truly valuable.

The reminders about events and stuff we are scheduled to do – because we all know I will not remember.

Coming home to folded laundry or a stocked pantry or fridge. It’s the little things like this that happen every day that I sometimes forget to appreciate because who knows when it would get done if it were up to me. All while there is a little two-year-old running around trying to do the complete opposite of what you have planned for the day.

I’m sure there are plenty of times when moms wanted to give up or just aren’t feelin’ it that day. The one thing I know Rachel will always do is show up. I could be coaching a basketball game and I know at some point that stroller and two very loud kids are going to come waltzing by one the sideline. Not enough sleep? She still has breakfast ready for everyone that morning. Day from hell? Still cheering on our daughter at gymnastics. Through the ups and downs of life, this is why a mother’s constant presence can provide a sense of security and comfort that helps children thrive.

Storytime: A few months ago Rachel was getting ready for the day in our room and I’m on the couch and the kids are eating breakfast at the kitchen table. I’m likely doing nothing or scrolling on my phone. Our daughter (she knows the logistics of where everyone is at) decides to yell “Mommy!” I look up somewhat puzzled and I say “What?” I get ignored. No response from Mom. “Mommy!” I chime in again “What do you need?” At this point, I guess I’m not even home to her. She decides to walk all the way to our room and ask if Rachel could get her something to drink. For some reason, kids love to ask the parent who is already doing something or is likely out of sight. Why is that? Maybe it is that sense of security or her always being around.

There are times when I wish I could switch places with my wife because I know it is tough at times. I like to think I’m a strong-minded person who can fight through a lot of things. Don’t know how resilient I am compared to my wife. Yes, I go to work every day in that sense and I can be ready to roll and come back ready to be better every day, but it’s different where you are a stay-at-home mom. That is a different type of work that should get a lot more recognition. Honestly, it is probably harder than most 9-5 jobs some days. Which is why I wanted to dedicate the very first spotlight to my wife on Mother’s Day.

Being a stay-at-home mom is one of those things where people say “Oh of course you have to take care of your kids” but don’t think about the other side of it. It is a job of its own. A very tough one at that.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again thank you Rachel for everything you do! Thank you also to the women in your life that have helped shape the person you are so you can pass down life lessons to our kids. We love you!