Mother's Day

For as long as I can remember I've dreamt of being a mother. As a little girl I would follow my mom around the house mimicking her every move; whether it be cooking, cleaning, or changing a younger sibling's diaper. 

After high school it was hard for me to make a decision on a college and career. I knew that an education was important, but I wanted so badly to get married, have a family, and be a full time mom.

Well my dreams have come true!

I am now a mom 5 x's over. Admittedly, my day to day life doesn't run exactly how I'd always envisioned it would, and I defiantly don't have the same energy as I did during my babysitting years. But despite this...

I still LOVE being a MOM!

I love that I get to have these precious gifts from heaven in my home. I love teaching and showing them new things daily. I love learning how to be more childlike. I love the funny things they say and do. I love seeing life through their eyes. I love how happy and excited they get about the smallest things. I love seeing them love each other. I love hearing them say how much they love me. (I'm thinking about getting that one in writing to whip out when they turn 15)

Regardless if they give me a hard time in their teens, I hope my children know how much I love them. ALWAYS!! I appreciate how helpful and loving they have always been to me. They make everything about life better. I love them and I love being their mom.

I am grateful for an amazing husband who has always made it easy for me to be a good mom. Dan is perfect in my eyes! He has always loved and uplifted me. His help and encouragement over the years have helped me to be the kind of mom I want to be, even though in my mind I have often questioned whether or not I could actually do it.

My husband isn't the only inspiration and source of encouragement though. There have been many women throughout my life that I admire and look up to as mothers. I try to follow their example and hope that my family will turn out half as good as theirs.

Still, I have to admit, when I am going through my "day to day" mommy duties... (you know, the diapers, the dishes, the taxi driving, music, scouts, sports, and the list goes on and on), ... I sometimes wonder if what I am doing is actually making much of a difference in my kids lives. I am sure it is, but to say the least, this mom stuff isn't always the most glamorous job in the world. 

However, I can honestly say that I have always felt that "motherhood" is a celestial calling.  I know that it is something that Heavenly Father has blessed women with to help our children and our families not only prepare for the future, but to return back to Him again someday.  So, for me, now that I am smack dab in the middle of it, I feel the weight, and hope that I do a good job of it. God has strengthened me so far, and with the help of a loving husband, a perfect Savior, and my Father in Heaven, this will continue to be the "dream come true" I had waited for all those growing up years. 

To my children, I love you. FOREVER and ALWAYS!

To my Father in Heaven, Thank you... ...From the deepest parts of my heart. My Joy Is Full.