Exclusive Content:

“It’s Not Easy”: An Honest Letter to My Husband on Valentine’s Day

"Here we are, 24 times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day... I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you."

Jimmy Carter: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Longest-living President Jimmy Carter has lived an incredible life rooted in deep Christian faith. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his global humanitarian efforts, Jimmy Carter's legacy is one that honors God and country.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.

What No One Told Me About Sending My Firstborn Off to College

We knew it was coming, but did it have to come so fast? With my first child going to university, my whole world changed. Some good, some not-so-good. Just changed.

No One Told Me That My First Child Going to University Would Change Everything.

Everything.

It’s changed the dinner table, the sibling dynamic, even tree decorating (we put up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving (a first!) because my oldest was home to see her siblings in Les Mis for a hot minute and we had a small window to do it together).

No one told me that our little family unit would never be the same again. It’s not worse in any way — it may be better, but believe me, it’s different.

No one told me that transitioning my beautiful kid out of our home would change the way I parent the rest of the kids left at home. It’s made me a better mom — more patient, more reflective, less uptight, less controlling. It’s made me relax and relish my children more … because I know what’s coming.

No one told me that I would live in this bittersweet intersection of watching my child thrive outside of my care and longing to have her back home at the same time — but knowing that neither of us would be content if I got my way.

No one told me that it would be fun and hilarious watching my kid learn and experience new things away from home. (This week she asked me how long it would take to microwave a turkey. I didn’t hesitate to answer her prank question (2 hours, rotate every 15 minutes) because I totally believed this was a cooking lesson she needed to experience).

No one told me how much easier it was for my newly budget-conscious, work study, college kid to spend my money than hers. If I’m in a 100-mile radius, she wants me to put gas in her car.

RELATED: Where God Guides, He Provides

No one told me the happier they are the less you hear from them (or that I would become a social media stalker hanging on bits and pieces of her active life).

No one told me that your grown-up kids are making huge decisions every day or how hard it is for them to come back home and be your little kid.

No one told me how much I would cherish and live for the moments when all my babies are together in the same car, the same room, under the same roof.

No one told me that I would move heaven and earth to make those moments happen.

No one told me that this parenting thing is beautiful and brutal on a mom’s heart.

No one told me, so I’m telling you.

Kristen Welch
Kristen Welch
Kristen Welch is a Texas wife and mom of three. She blogs at We Are THAT Family, runs a nonprofit called Mercy House supporting pregnant teens in Kenya and is the author of the book Rhinestone Jesus. You can follow her on Twitter here and read more blogs here!

“It’s Not Easy”: An Honest Letter to My Husband on Valentine’s Day

"Here we are, 24 times we have celebrated Valentine’s Day... I feel like I am just lately really getting to know you."

Jimmy Carter: A Life of Faith, Service, and Legacy

Longest-living President Jimmy Carter has lived an incredible life rooted in deep Christian faith. From his time as the 39th President of the United States to his global humanitarian efforts, Jimmy Carter's legacy is one that honors God and country.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.