hats off to all the moms

I truly love being a mother. REALLY

It isn’t easy for sure. In fact, There are certainly times when I feel inadequate as I look around at amazing, talented, successful women who have really perfect homes, slim figures,  they know the latest styles and actually wear them, - all while finishing their degree online, raising their children, and still having time for book club. Yes, on occasion I have days of disappointment, frustration, and despair.

But- I have also found great satisfaction in trying to create an environment of love, and happiness  for my family. I think as mothers it is so important to recognize the things we have accomplished.

My family really has a lot of love for each other. Our children know that they are wanted, treasured, and loved. Words of love and encouragement around our house are normal and heartfelt. We’ve tried to teach them to love the Lord, pray to him, and Choose the Right.

We play together, study the gospel and the scriptures together, pray together, and worship together.

Our family has found so much joy in so many things. We love to read together,  making up funny songs, going up to the homestead, and my kids love reading about themselves as babies and funny things they did. They love when we make homemade things (like sewing costumes or making puppets).

I have so many dreams and things I want for myself that have been put on the back burner, but it is all worth it. I think that the joy I have found in my family could never be replaced by any individual accomplishment I could have. Being a Mother really is fulfilling my greatest dream. And on those days when I feel like I am just a shirt to wipe a nose on, the maid, the cook, and the bus driver, my Father in Heaven has not left me comfortless. He has given me hope, a knowledge that life is meant to have difficulties— I believe that it is because of the sacrifice and service we as moms give our kids that we gain the most joy from them also. So to all the moms out there… You are making a difference to the ones who matter most.