NANCY: A Leader Mom by Donna Streufert "Lord, you have really pushed the envelope on this," Nancy Janke prayed late one night, tears burning in her throat. Cuddling infant twins, Nathan and Nolan, one in each arm, Nancy paced and consoled as the tiny boys cried through the night. Big brother Matthew (then 7) and sisters Olivia (4) and Natalie (3) slept. Nancy didn't. How did this child, raised by a single mom from age seven, end up with five children while still only in her mid 30s? A 1988 graduate of Valparaiso University, Nancy was prepared for a career in music and communication. "Valpo changed my life," says Nancy, crediting campus experiences for her growth in faith and personal relationship to God. Soon after graduating, Nancy married her college sweetheart, Todd Janke. Todd comes from a strong Christian family, and together Todd and Nancy looked forward to the joys of raising their own Christian family. It just all seemed to happen pretty quickly! Nancy admits she's busy each day with the kids, "sometimes just staying afloat!" Todd is often away from home (or even out of the country) on business, yet Nancy carries on her leadership role as Mom. Connecting with her children is most important to Nancy who describes herself as "a relationship person." Sharing time, love and prayers with her children is far more important than giving them things. "Parents can go way overboard," she says. The Jankes are members at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan where Nancy uses her gifts singing with the worship team several Sundays a month- and leading the two-year olds in the "Lamb Lot" of the "Sheep Fold" (Sunday School). Todd and Nancy with Natalie (6 yrs), Olivia (7 yrs), Nathan (3 yrs), Matthew (10 yrs) and Nolan (3 yrs).   Todd supports Nancy in her activities. "He's a very giving person," she says, "a behind-the-scenes guy. And I've learned to not stress out if the house is not picked up when I get home," she says with a twinkle in her eye. Five children so soon yields a lot of character building, Nancy explains. "I've developed more patience. I've learned to relate better to other people's children. I've learned to rely on the support of friends and family." Her face lighting up, Nancy sums up motherhood this way: "I look at these kids and I can't believe they're mine! I see them as a tremendous blessing! Being a mother of five young children (now 10, 7, 6 and 3) you learn what you're made of. Parenthood is a lesson in grace." Nancy Janke is a leader in her family-setting priorities, modeling Christian faith and commitment, developing a loving partnership with husband Todd. Moms are truly leaders, too!