Mother Dear, I Love You So

I've noticed that many LDS mothers don't really like mother's day. They don't like being the center of attention and such....but I guess I don't have much humility... and I love a day of pampering and attention from my sweet family. Aaron and the kids were locked into the bedroom last night working on a "project". Today I found that they'd colored a paper doll and each piece of clothing had a note on the back with someone's gift to me. The central gift was a new dress from Aaron. (Thank you Aaron) !! Lizzy's gift was that she intends to do the dishes for me (I guess we'll see how that goes) and Andrew says he'll give me hugs and kisses. Andrew made good on his promise during church today. He hugged and kissed me throughout sacrament meeting for no reason at all. It was a little distracting, but I couldn't bring myself to stop him since I love those little kisses so much. Lizzy also delighted me during church. She was able to go up and sing with the rest of the primary kids this year. She beamed the whole time and did such a great job. After singing she ran down and sat by me again and grinned up at me and asked, "Did that make you happy?" She told me Happy Mother's Day again and said that she was going to do the dishes and clean her room and several other kind but unlikely events. Then she snuggled up to me and said "Mom, I love you." Of course at this point I became irrational and started crying. Lizzy topped off her whole little episode by pulling up the end of her dress and said, "Here Mom..use this" (to wipe my tears). Overall... a wonderful day. Of course - these little twerps make this whole motherhood thing possible for me. Thank you for being wonderful, wonderful kids.

Mother's Day was a good opportunity for me to re-read Elder Ballards talk from this last conference. I know that this talk meant a lot to many women of the church. I am included in that group. Whether you are a member of the church or not...these words are reassuring and beautiful.

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. ...... What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.

Pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. Parents can offer a unique and wonderful kind of prayer because they are praying to the Eternal Parent of us all. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised.”

That last paragraph reminds me of how grateful I am that I am not left to do this great work alone. I would fail so very terribly. I'm grateful to the Eternal Father for showing me how and helping me along the way. Lastly I want to thank the mothers in my life. Thank you Nancy and Mom for....all you are and all you have been to me and to Aaron. I'm impressed by the unique gifts and talents that you have brought to my life. And each of you have left that lasting impression that Elder Ballard expressed, "What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.." Happy Mother's Day.