Learning the arts and sciences of mothering is the most rigorous course of study a woman can pursue, and the lessons don‚Äôt end when the children leave home! Each stage of motherhood is simply another season in a mother‚Äôs journey through time in which she grows as her children grow. In this touching and humorous anthology, beloved writer Janene Woolsey Baadsgaard describes the four seasons of motherhood — each one enjoyable and challenging in its own way. Along the journey, she explores the full spectrum of a mother‚Äôs experience — from the hazy first days of life with a newborn to the richness of becoming a grandmother and beyond. Illustrated with anecdotes from the author‚Äôs own life, each chapter contains thoughtful insights and hard-won wisdom that help mothers discover the real experts in their homes and find the true meaning of success in their family endeavors. Taken together, these short essays become an inspiring guide to help a woman survive and thrive through all seasons of motherhood and to cherish the season in which she stands.Table of ContentsINTRODUCTIONSPRINGBaby BlessingsThe Real ExpertMaster TeachersSomebody's TreasureThe Greatest PowerWinking StarsMother Martyr SyndromeA Choice to LoveRushingFeeding SoulsCan I Hold YouMitchell the MagnificentHere They GoLife Goes OnWhere Sweet Peas Come FromBetween the NotesJust One More TimeCalen's StoryNursery HeroesChoosing Motherhood AgainFinding Your LifeSUMMERWatering WeedsShopping at the Ultimate StoreAcres of RosesPlaying in the Symphony of LifePets and ParadiseLooking GoodMatthew and the Brazilian EmeraldPaydayWorry-itisThe Ultimate CareerWinking at YouTwo Report CardsGrowing a Mother's HeartJoshua and the Awesome PrincipalThat Fat Cat in the WindowsillThe Rooster at My HouseEmily and the LadybugYou're InvitedYears Well SpentStates of GraceAUTUMNProviding Comic Relief for the MassesDear SonHigh School AngelsAnother SeasonWhat You Did Right TodayLessons from the FarmRecitals, Rescues, and RewardsWhat If I Weren't Afraid?Creating VisionsIt MattersPrince Logan and the Dark KnightsGreen Tomato SecretsThe Gift and the GiverA Home for the DecadesWedding Woes and WisdomJanuary MusingsMissing You before You GoFamily VacationsMuddling AlongWhat Matters More?WINTERParting Is Such Sweet SorrowNose Prints, Lip Smears, and Fine ArtDear DaughterLearning to Say Good-byeKeep the Melody GoingA Mother's GiftsBridal Shower PhilosophersGrandma's Birthday LettersOn the Road to Fuddy-DuddyMy AngelSuper LibbyCalling JesusPicture-Perfect ChristmasBeing and Sharing Our BestThe True Meaning of SuccessGrowing OlderLonging for HomeGraduation SpeechesHow Brief Each LifeWoman-opauseM.O.M. DegreeAFTERWORD