I am a Mother

A few days ago i reread an awesome book. It's called "I am a Mother" and was written by Jane Clayson Johnson. Jane was a foreign correspondent and news anchor for CBS- rich and famous. But she gave up her career to become a stay-at-home mom. I loved reading her story. She has some incredible insights into the eternally ordained mission of motherhood and how being a mother is of much greater importance to her than money or a career.

I definitely recommend reading this book. It took me just a few hours and had me in tears nearly the whole time. I'd like to share with you just a few of my favorite quotes.

"Mother is the word that will define a righteous woman made perfect in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom." -Sheri Dew

"It is divinity that makes women nurtures, that encourages a woman to pursue motherhood- even when that means sacrificing her own comforts for those of her children... and loving those children with a fierceness and loyalty that is incomparable."

Speaking of her career, "I know what i gave it up for. I traded fancy lunches in fancy restaurants for rice cereal and bunny-shaped mac and cheese... They don't give awards for best diaper change of the day. And I don't get a paycheck that can be cashed at a bank. Now my compensation comes in packages money can't buy."

Jane's story has become such a great example for me. My story is much different than hers, but i think we all have those moments sometimes where we think, oh i could have been rich or i could have done this, but she puts it all in perspective.

And i boldly declare:

I am a Mother

None Can Take Her Place

It's been an incredibly busy and hard week for me. I want this to be a blog that gives strength to anyone in need of it, but of course it helps me more than anything. Its been a while since I've had time to reaffirm my testimony of my eternal calling and i was desperately in need of a boost. Here are the quotes that stood out to me the most this past week.

I read a story from President Howard W. Hunter who talked about his decision to switch professions after he and his wife had already started their family. He worked full-time during the day and went to school at night. He finished his undergraduate and law degree in this manner. And all this time his wife remained at home raising their children. She did not work at all.

President Hunter admitted these were not easy years for them but praised his wonderful wife saying, "What she gave in love, encouragement, frugality, and companionship was far in excess of any material contribution she might have made by taking employment."

I relate so much to this story. Josh is not in school, but is still in the learning stages of his profession- making little money. And he doesn't go to school at night, but he does work on his second job most evenings and weekends. I know there are several things i could devote my time to that would make money for our family in these difficult times, but I also know that my place is in the home raising our children.

I also love that Pres. Hunter mentioned his wife's frugality. I was raised to be frugal and feel that i am a very frugal person. There have been people who have discouraged this lifestyle choice of ours, but when we don't have money for something- we don't spend it. And i am grateful that Pres. Hunter admired that quality in his wife.

One last quote that reassured my position as a Full-Time Mom:

"The greatest job that any mother will ever do will be in nurturing, teaching, lifting, encouraging, and rearing her children in righteousness and truth. None other can adequately take her place." -President Gordon B. Hinkley

Not Just a Mom

I got this story from one of my BYU professors. I just love it!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is, " explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a ...?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it,"
Said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in m midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."

Motherhood!