November 11, 2013 5:39 pm Meet Tamara Houston, Vibrant Mother of 7 and Wife of NY Knicks Legend!
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what is your greatest wish for them? What quality do you most admire in a mother? And what woman has had the biggest impression on you?
I love being a mother. I had an awesome mother, grandmothers, aunts and a whole host of woman who I’ve watched, learned from and have been loved by. It is quite a challenge to find the right words to describe the honor of the gift of motherhood. To be quite honest, I’ve never experienced a pursuit quite like motherhood before. I use the word pursuit because I will forever be a mother and each moment is an opportunity to strive to be a better mother. I have five daughters and two sons. My children are 14, 12, 9, 6, 4, 3 and 18 months. Because of the range in age, I love to do all sorts of things with my children. My 14 year-old daughter’s needs and interests are quite different than my 18 month-old son’s interests and needs. It is nice when the hum of the day ends and my freshman is still awake in her room studying; I like to sneak in and chit chat. I am not sure what it is for her, but for me it is a very special time to share with my firstborn. I love this time because it is an opportunity for me to listen, affirm and gently usher her along her young journey. While my 18 month-old son is in a completely different stage of development, with every new discovery it too is an opportunity to watch, affirm and gently direct him along his way. I love being with my children in both familiar and unfamiliar environments. Every moment is an opportunity for me to grow as I strive to be the best mother that I can be for each child, according to his or her needs. I treasure my children and my family. I am committed to them. There are moments when I wonder if I completely missed the boat on something or other. After a while, the moment passes and I realize that well, that wasn’t so bad. Motherhood is a journey.
I have so many hopes and dreams for my children. Each child is so unique and equipped with a specific set of gifts and talents. I pray that each child will keep God at the center of it all, from the beginning through the end. I would love for them to have a personal relationship with their creator as they pursue their own destinies. I think it’s kind of like being an athlete on a team. Every athlete has a specific set of skills or talents that will distinguish them from their teammates. However, those unique skills and talents must be directed and used accordingly for a specific purpose or plan that will result in a victory! I am wise enough to know that there will be pitfalls along each child’s journey. But like an athlete in the game of football, not every play will run smoothly. There will be turnovers, fumbles, penalties and delays but with the help of the coach and the playbook, there is hope on the next down or the next possession. Similarly, in whatever my children do, may they remain hopeful with God at the center of their lives. I pray they will fulfill their destinies and be victorious according to their unique gifts and talents.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
While I love being a mother, I love my husband too. My husband’s skills and talents have afforded him a career in the sports and entertainment industry. Given the demands of my husband’s career, our time together is very sporadic. Thank God for “date night!” We believe that our children are the “fruit” of our union. We believe that if the “tree” is well nurtured, the fruit will be healthy too. Like a gardener to a garden, we are committed to sowing into us.
My most precious time is being alone with my husband. Traveling with him is one of my most favorite things to do. I would go anywhere in the world with him. Needless to say, we don’t travel much, relatively speaking.
What is your favorite book?
When we do travel, I always travel with my favorite book, the Bible. I have many translations of the Bible. I really enjoy the Message Bible, it’s written in very modern language and easy to read. The Bible is my husband’s favorite book too. We often discuss passages and their relevance to our lives and the world today.
What do you feel is your strongest talent?
I am a music connoisseur. My father introduced me to all types of artists from Elton John to Miles Davis. I love to sing and believe that singing is my greatest talent. I had an awesome opportunity to work with a popular R&B artist in the 90’s. My favorite artist is Prince, hence, my favorite movie is Purple Rain. I think that I have memorized every line in that film. I most recently sang in a wedding in spring.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am open to experience most things. I am most proud of being accepted in to a work/study grad program and working my way through graduate school for a master’s in education. I was 24 and married at the time but wanted to earn my degree on my own. It was a wonderful experience. It was busy working during the day and going to class at night but well worth it.
What is your favorite time of the day and why?
I am at my best in the morning. I generally begin my day listening to a devotional to nurture my spirit. I think it’s like getting dressed for the day except there are no clothes, only God’s armor. No matter what distractions or challenges may come way, I will be ready to persevere and be the best that I can be.
What do you like to do for fun?
I went to Michigan State for undergrad in the 90’s. One thing about being a Spartan, you learned to have a good time wherever you were. I enjoy a nice quiet dinner at Rebecca’s or a ball game at Modern Barn in Armonk. It really doesn’t matter where I go. I always try to find something good wherever I am. It’s all one moment in one day of this life I’ve been given.
Tamara Houston at a Knicks game with a friend!