For those of you who don't know me, call me Terri. My legal name is Theresa Lynn Moyles Syms. Some of my nicknames include Mom, Miss Terri, Miss T, Miss Alabama and Terri Lynn. I was born in Melbourne, FL. After living in the south since I was 12 years old, I consider myself a southerner. The accent I acquired in Alabama! I am doing this blog for my English 101 class at USCA. Returning to college after my 2 sons have graduated, I am sure I have been married longer than my fellow students have been alive (26 1/2 years!). And after Prof. Karl's admission of his age, I now know I am the oldest person in the class! The most important things for me are God, my husband, my sons, my family, and my friends. The things I like to do most are traveling, monogramming, exercising, riding on the back of my husband's Harley, and spending time with family and friends. My greatest achievement in life, so far, is raising two wonderful sons. Now, I am not an expert in the field, but I will say I did a really good job. All I ever wanted in life was to be a wife and a mother. I was lucky enough to pick a wonderful man, and together we have raised a great family. Being a parent is the most wonderful, most fulfilling, hardest thing you could ever do in your life. From the moment they are born, you start to worry. Children don't come with written instructions. There are books out there, but opinions vary on all levels. My husband, Baxley, and I came together and made a great team to support our sons. The most important thing I learned about being a good parent was to be in agreement with your partner. We always showed a united front, even if we didn't really agree at the time. It was always important to be on the same page with one another. That way our sons couldn't play one parent against the other. They will learn that trait really early, if allowed to. Now that's not to say we always agreed, oh contrare! But behind the scenes, we came to an agreement. Sometimes Baxley got his way, sometimes I got mine. We were lucky, though, because we did see things mostly the same. Communication was a major key. Consistency was next. The greatest was love. Children need love, lots of it. They also need to know that their parents love each other too. With the help of our parents, we learned that children will be happy if their parents are happy too! Baxley and I were reminded often that the children wouldn't always be there, to make sure you make time for each other, and keep our love going for each other. The love, honesty, and faithfulness between the husband and wife give the key to happiness and success in their children's life. The old adage "Children learn what they see" is so true. And wouldn't you know it, they did grow up and move away! I taught them all I could. They are the most wonderful, loving, productive people I know! Yes, this is bragging a bit about your kids, but mom's get to do that!! Now, I am going to school! Who knew?? I am hoping they will help me now as I start my new adventure!!
