This picture was taken at Disneyworld in Florida in 1988 right before Brandon turned 3.  I love that look on Brandon's face!  The pictures below, in the order of their birth shows the wonderful young men they have grown into and their beautiful families. 

I don't claim to have done everything right as a mom, but I know that the principles that were instilled in them as children have stayed with them in raising their own precious girls and boys. 

I learned early on that it was a privilege to prepare my children to leave me.  What I mean by that is that I taught them how to be responsible in their daily lives so that when they left the "nest" to fly on their own, it wasn't such a shock to their system.  Did I cut them off?  No way.  They all knew that I was available to them anytime they needed me...we had very close relationships and tried to talk through anything that was bothering them.  I never fought their battles, I taught them how to fight their own battles and to learn which battles were worth the fight. 

I still love being a mom and when I hear the voice of Brad, Bryan or Brandon on the cell phone...my heart is blessed.  I love these boys...but better yet...I love the young men they have become.  And as a bonus...I have gained 3 daughters and 12 grandchildren to love.

Brad Andrews...married to Holly with 6 beautiful children

Bryan Andrews...married to Stacy with 2 sweet boys

Brandon Andrews...married to Ashley with 3 precious children

When Bobby Maupin and I married in 2003, I was blessed with 2 more sons.  Jonathan and William already have a mom that they love dearly and I am so thankful for her being a strong force in their lives.  They consider me their stepmom and excepted me into their lives from the very start.  I love these guys and I love that they love their stepmom. 

This picture was taken shortly after my marrying their dad.  We were in St. Louis, MO on our way to go up in the arch.  I know my eyes are shut, but I love the smiles on the faces of these awesome young men.  Not only am I thankful for their love, I am thankful for Kathryn (Jonathan's wife) and the 12th grandbaby due to arrive in September 2013. 

Jonathan Maupin married to Kathryn and expecting our 12th grandbaby in September 2013

William Maupin - not married and handsome as ever :-)