Last month, I was asked to join a wonderful group of fellow photographers in a Letter to Our Sons blog circle. I have followed a circle of photographers as they write letters to their daughters and I always hoped someone would initiate this for our boys, too. 
And hoped I’d be welcomed to join! Sure enough, some sweet mamas decided it should be done and this circle was created. Each month, on the 10th day, I’ll post a letter to my boys and hope you’ll follow the link and continue reading around the circle. You’re sure to see some amazing images along the way, and read encouraging, touching, humorous letters as well!
To my little boys …
On the day I was to write and post my first letter last month, I really wasn’t feeling up to it. I was late to this group anyway, so it was fine that I didn’t write a letter, but I’m not sure I could have anyway. We had just started our year of homeschooling and I was feeling quite down. You all know this, as I’m not very good about hiding my emotions. After a busy summer with my business, I felt discouraged and inadequate as your mama. I wasn’t feeling up to the challenge of being a good mama to three boys, let alone a good, homeschooling, stay-at-home mama to three little boys.
Over the past month though, this has been my prayer: “Lord, the gift of being a parent is not one that I deserve but one you’ve blessed me with anyway. Please make me feel the joy of parenting through the ups and the downs, and to be the patient, kind, encouraging, loving parent to my boys, as you are to me.”
In praying this, my little boys, I have felt an uplifting change in my heart. I still feel the incredible responsibility it is to be a parent, and the incredible energy it takes to be a parent to boys. In an awesome and encouraging way. 
God has shown me, too, that I was wasting way too much of my energy and attention on things that are not priorities … that I was fitting you guys into my schedule rather than having you BE my schedule.
You see, sweet boys, I had begun to overlook what a privilege it is to be EVERYTHING to you. I was feeling it was more important to be something to everyone else. Thankfully, I also began feeling a crazy discord about that, knowing it wasn’t the way it is supposed to be for me.
Again, I know you boys know that I went through this, because you’ve heard me say this prayer many times in the past month. And I know you’ve seen this positive shift in me, too. Not a shift in my love or devotion … my love and devotion to you is unconditionally, never-ending.
But a shift in the pleasure I take in the uninterrupted time and attention I am able to give you and how fulfilled I feel by “just being a mom.”
“Just being YOUR mom” is the greatest gift God could give me … the greatest responsibility and the greatest honor! It is now my prayer that I would embrace, appreciate, and enjoy that truth, each and every day.
All my love …
Mama
Please head over to the amazing Jessica Vaughn site to read her letter, too! And then read on and on around the circle.
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Being a mom is definitely the greatest gift I will ever have, too. I love what you wrote, Lacey, about feeling like you were fitting your boys into your schedule instead of having them be your schedule…such a good reminder of our priorities. As always, I love seeing the way you capture your adorable trio!
Having had the privilege to see you interact with your boys, I know without a doubt that they are secure in the love of an amazing Mama. Such sweet images
Motherhood most certainly is the most amazing gift and one that I cherish. Your words are so powerful, Lacey, and I completely understand your sentiments. Hugs to you for your candor. xoxo
Lacey, you have such a gift for honesty – in both your work, and your images… Your boys are blessed to have you setting such a wonderful example for them <3 Thank you for sharing this with us!
Okay, I just had a good cry….way too many things you wrote hit too close to home! What an amazing mama you must be, Lacey….those boys are just as blessed to have you as you are to have them! Beautiful words and your images always make me smile!
Lacey, your images and words are just a confirmation (although nothing I didn’t already know) of how dedicated and wonderful of a Mother you are. You were given these special little boys for a reason and watching you love them through your work is so heartwarming. <3
oh Lacey…I always appreciate your pure honesty. you remind all of us to be better mommies…and the love your have for your sweet boys is in all you do. what a beautiful post and I’m so thankful to be participating in this special project with you!
You are indeed blessed to be a blessing…in your words, photos, and actions. And God has blessed you with a loving husband and three precious sons. God is Great!
XOXOXO to GCK from Grammie
Not only is this a beautiful letter to your dear boys but exactly what so many of us need to hear. Thank you Lacey!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.
Galatians 6:9
Sometimes I feel the exact same way – like I don’t measure up but then I have to remember that most importantly I’m teaching my children about Jesus!
Sorry this comment turned out really long, so glad someone started this for boys!
This really struck a chord with me, Lacey. Your words are something I need remember because I feel like I spend so much time doing things for everyone else, even though my kids are my #1 priority. Such beautiful words and photos!
This is just what I needed to read today! Thank you for sharing this beautiful letter!
[...] such a huge fan of her photography. Be sure to head on over to Lacey’s blog and check out her October installment in the Letters to Our Sons project. Posted in Love Letters, [...]
You’ve touched my heart today. I am going to share this with my pinterest buddies as I feel you have nailed this on the HEAD! Thank you so much for sharing, message received!