No More Noble Work

Worth Living For

2011-08-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights

longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier,

the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.”

- Author Unknown

Mothers Mission Impossible

2011-08-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Tree of Life

2011-07-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

Every parent should see this movie. It has changed me. It has given me tangible direction as a mother, yet its true influence is indescribable.
The movie, and all our lives, hinge upon this quote given by the mother:

There are two ways through life - the way of nature and the way of grace. You have to choose which one you'll follow.

Grace doesn't try to please itself. Accepts being slighted, forgotten, disliked. Accepts insults and injuries.

Nature only wants to please itself. Get others to please it too. Likes to lord it over them. To have its own way. It finds reasons to be unhappy when all the world is shining around it. And love is smiling through all things.

No one who loves the way of grace ever comes to a bad end.

I will be true to you. Whatever comes.

The mother in this movie embodies everything that a nurturing mother full of grace should be. She is a powerful, relatable character. As are all the characters.

There is very little dialogue, but this direction is superb:

The only way to be happy is to love. Unless you love, your life will flash by.

Do good to them. Wonder. Hope.

Help each other. Love everyone. Every leaf. Every ray of light. Forgive.

One of the greatest things I took from this movie was the imperative need for constant and open communication with the Lord, every minute of every day- to guide us as parents and as His children. I am so grateful that the Lord has seen fit to make me a mother. And "I will be true to you. Whatever comes."

Questions from a Stay-at-Home Mom by Heather Rigby

2011-05-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

I thought this was too funny...

My husband always asks how my day went. And he really wants to know. He’s nice like that. As we slowly push the girls around in the stroller, he shares what went right during his day at the office, and I share funny things the kids said. On bad days we vent stresses and offer support and advice.

But lately I can’t help wondering if when I mention that my day was sort of stressful, he mentally thinks, “Yeah, my days are like that too.” Because I really don’t think that our days have the same sort of stresses.

When you decide to become a stay-at-home parent, you enter into a different realm — one ruled by illogical two-year-old dictators, school schedules, and choosing the correct color yogurt. As much as I can explain this to my husband, I don’t know that I’m getting through. Now I’ve done the next best thing: creating a list of questions that will help him and other office-bound parents gauge how (cough, cough) similar their days are to ours.

When you walked into work this morning and pleasantly greeted your co-worker Jim, was his first reaction to scream “NO! WANT JASON!" followed by an office supply being thrown at you?
Has a colleague ever climbed up on your lap while you were using your computer and slammed the keyboard with both fists until the up arrow no longer worked?
Do you have to lock yourself in the supply closet or bathroom on a regular basis in order to make phone calls?
Did you finish a complete thought at any time during the day?
When you went out to lunch with your fellow workers, did you have to pack a diaper/juice/extra outfit for them? Did you have to wipe their faces? Smile an apology and leave an extra tip for the waiter on their behalf?
When a co-worker needed you for something, did she sit at her desk with her head tilted back toward the ceiling and repeatedly scream “SEAN! SEEEEANNNN! SEAAAAAAN!” until you came to find him?
When you needed a specific colleague, did you search all over for him, only to finally find him giggling in the cabinet under the sink? Did you also find six pairs of your church shoes under there with him?
Have you had to come to an associate’s aid because she fell off her desk after trying to climb on top of it using a rolling chair?
When you reached for the report a co-worker was handing you, did he snatch them away at the last second and scream “MINE!” while shoving you backwards?
Does your colleague lift up her shirt and pick things out of her belly button every time she comes over to ask a question?
While you are using the restroom, do various co-workers come in the stall and ask you to settle a disagreement or open a packet of fruit snacks?
During a board meeting when everyone is present, do you notice a smell and then have to check all your colleagues’ pants to locate it? In fact, at ANY point in your day do you have to deal with another person's feces?

The Joy of Motherhood

2011-03-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

I saw this article on a friend's blog and loved it.

Not because the author kind of slams the reader who asked the question, but because I focused on how it was a perfect description of the joys of motherhood.

I love it.

The American Housewife

2011-03-01T14:50:00.000-08:00

Another great mom song.

Funny, but still really cute.

"God Bless the American Housewife" by SheDaisy

Look it up!

My favorite lyrics:

God bless the American housewife

Cleanin' up the world for you and me

God bless the American housewife

How she does it all I'll never know

God bless the American housewife

Your Mother and Mine

2010-07-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

My oldest boy has been sick the past few days and all he has been wanting to do is curl up on the couch in pain and watch Peter Pan. He's watched it 5 times so far in the past 3 days, which means i've watched it 5 times too. And i couldn't help but getting emotional during the song about their mothers. The words are beautiful and made me all the more grateful to be a mother and to be at home doing all that i can to help my son feel better.

Here are the words:

Well, a mother, a real mother

Is the most wonderful person in the world

She's the angel voice that bids you goodnight

Kisses your cheek, whispers, "Sleep tight."

Your mother and mine

The helping hand that guides you along

Whether you're right, whether you're wrong

Your mother and mine

What makes mothers all that they are?

Might as well ask, "What makes a star?"

Ask your heart to tell you her worth

Your heart will say, "Heaven on Earth."

Another word for divine

Your mother and mine

I am so Blessed

2010-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of my absolute favorite songs. It sums up motherhood perfectly for me.

It's "I am so blessed" by Martina McBride. I can email it to you if you want but here are the lyrics:

I get kissed by the sun each morning

Put my feet on a hardwood floor

I get to hear my children laughing

Down the hall through the bedroom door

Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing

Just soaking up the day

I think to myself, I think to myself

This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

Across a crowded room

I know you know what I'm thinking

By the way I look at you

And when we're lying in the quiet

And no words have to be said

I think to myself, I think to myself

This love is a beautiful gift

I have been blessed

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

When I'm...

When I'm singing my kids to sleep

When I feel you holding me

I know

I am so blessed

And I feel like I've found my way

I thank God for all I've been given

At the end of every day

I have been blessed

With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me

To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

Mothers Who Know

2010-04-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Mothers Who Know

Julie B. Beck Relief Society General President

There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.

In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. "Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him" (Alma 53:21). These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, "Our mothers knew it" (Alma 56:48). I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.

The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).¹ However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.

Mothers Who Know Bear Children

Mothers who know desire to bear children. Whereas in many cultures in the world children are "becoming less valued,"² in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children. Prophets, seers, and revelators who were sustained at this conference have declared that "God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force."³ President Ezra Taft Benson taught that young couples should not postpone having children and that "in the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels."⁴

Faithful daughters of God desire children. In the scriptures we read of Eve (see Moses 4:26), Sarah (see Genesis 17:16), Rebekah (see Genesis 24:60), and Mary (see 1 Nephi 11:13–20), who were foreordained to be mothers before children were born to them. Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child (see 1 Samuel 1:11), the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection (see D&C 130:18). Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.

Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants

Mothers who know honor sacred ordinances and covenants. I have visited sacrament meetings in some of the poorest places on the earth where mothers have dressed with great care in their Sunday best despite walking for miles on dusty streets and using worn-out public transportation. They bring daughters in clean and ironed dresses with hair brushed to perfection; their sons wear white shirts and ties and have missionary haircuts. These mothers know they are going to sacrament meeting, where covenants are renewed. These mothers have made and honor temple covenants. They know that if they are not pointing their children to the temple, they are not pointing them toward desired eternal goals. These mothers have influence and power.

Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers

Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness.⁵ To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; therefore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a "house of order," and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house (see D&C 109). Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women.

Mothers Who Know Are Leaders

Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages, and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Mothers who know build children into future leaders and are the primary examples of what leaders look like. They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most.

Mothers Who Know Are Teachers

Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty. A well-taught friend told me that he did not learn anything at church that he had not already learned at home. His parents used family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, mealtimes, and other gatherings to teach. Think of the power of our future missionary force if mothers considered their homes as a pre–missionary training center. Then the doctrines of the gospel taught in the MTC would be a review and not a revelation. That is influence; that is power.

Mothers Who Know Do Less

Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power.

Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable

Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? Latter-day Saint women will do this—women who know and love the Lord and bear testimony of Him, women who are strong and immovable and who do not give up during difficult and discouraging times. We are led by an inspired prophet of God who has called upon the women of the Church to "stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord."⁶ He has asked us to "begin in [our] own homes"⁷ to teach children the ways of truth.

Latter-day Saint women should be the very best in the world at upholding, nurturing, and protecting families. I have every confidence that our women will do this and will come to be known as mothers who "knew" (Alma 56:48). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Left Tackle

2010-03-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday night Josh and i turned on the Oscars. This is not something we usually watch at all because most of the movies are about subjects and values we do not agree with. However, this time, Sandra Bullock was nominated for her role as a mother in "The Blindside". We saw this movie back in November and it changed my life.

The movie was based on the true story of NFL player Michael Oher and the family that took him in. Sandra played the mom, and she was incredible. Her love of humanity, not just football, was amazing to me.

Now i love football, but this was not just another "football movie". It is a movie about loving and caring for others no matter what. However, i think there is a strong connection between the football position that the young man plays and the role of mother. The left tackle's job is to protect the quarterback- at all costs. And in the movie, Sandra's character explains to Michael that his teammates are his family and that he needs to protect them. And when i think about it, i see myself- and all moms- as the left tackles for their families.

We don't get all the glory, but we do the dirty work and we love doing it. We would do anything for our families, especially our children. We "block" the defensive linemen of the world for them. We shove to the ground anyone that would hurt them. And our sole job is to help them succeed.

I am so proud to be the left tackle on our football team.

And i am so grateful for this movie, and for the remarks Sandra Bullock gave at her acceptance speech. She thanked all the necessary people, and then took the opportunity to thank and give praise to all of us moms who take care of our children. (of course i was bawling at this point) And she also thanked her own mother, acknowledging that she is all that she is because of her mom.

I hope that i can be a mother and a left tackle like that.

All Minutes!

2010-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

Josh and i have this silly thing where we say that we want to be with each other "all minutes!" It's super cute and i love it.

Recently we have had the opportunity to spend time with some friends of ours that lost their twin boys. I can't even begin to imagine what they have gone through and the experiences they have had. But talking with them makes me realize how incredibly blessed i am to have 2 healthy boys here with me on this earth. And how could i not want to be with them "all minutes".

For our friends, i'm sure they would give anything just to have a screaming child waking up in the middle of the night, or a whining 2-year-old who has to have his food a certain way. And, i have come to realize just how precious even the 'hard moments' are. I wouldn't trade the good, the bad, the hard, or the easy for anything. I am just grateful for my boys. And after having our friends share their experiences with us, there is no way in my heart that i could justify not staying home with my kids everyday and cherishing "all minutes" with them.

I am so grateful for my boys. And i am so grateful for good, faithful friends who are shining examples to me. I can only hope to be as good of a mother as this friend. And i will try my hardest to honor my calling as a mother.

Kids!

2010-02-02T10:34:00.001-08:00

So I have a super awesome sister-in-law. She is not a mom yet, but she has some incredible perspective on children. And i know she is going to be an awesome mom some day soon! I stole this little bit from her blog. I just love it. And i am so grateful to be a mom and to be with my kids everyday- learning from them these lessons.

Kids are honest, trusting, loving, happy, so smart, lively, spiritual, excited, open, emotional, active, resilient, fun, kind, forgiving, very observant, own up to their true thoughts and feelings, giving and affectionate. Adults could learn many lessons from children. In fact, let's just let the little kiddies run the world, yes? I was reminded of all these wonderful traits children have while sitting in a booth eating pizza with cute girlies.

So next time you bottle up your feelings or thoughts or have an urge to say some snide remark or share gossip or withhold giving affection to someone you love or start wallowing in fear and misery, try skipping for a little while or whistling really loud or hugging someone you love or pretend you are a puppy or spill a cup of rootbeer all down the front of your shirt.

I promise, you won't regret it.

Thanks Brit! Love ya!

2010-01-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the most incredible days i have had as a mother. As of today, Eli is officially walking! It has been a gradual process of course, but i am just so grateful that i was able to be with him during every minute of it! I feel so blessed to have been home while this major moment in his life happened. It just made me realize how fast my kids are growing and how thankful i am to be able to be with them every day during this time in their lives.

Today also brought one of the most sweetest moments of my life. I was doing some cleaning in the kitchen while the boys were playing, and out of nowhere Tom comes up to me and says, "Mommy, I'm going to be a missionary with E." Just like that. I started to cry. It was so out of the blue, we hadn't been talking about missionaries lately or anything. So being a missionary is something he has remembered, it's part of him. I am so grateful.

My goal as a mother of 2 boys has always been to be like the mothers of the 2000 stripling warriors. And i know that being a constant influence in their lives is so important. I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for blessing me with the opportunity to be a mother and for a husband whose faith is strong enough to allow me to stay at home with our boys.

Motherhood is...

2010-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

I stole this from a good friend of mine's blog. She is a mom of 2 kids and is quite possibly the most incredible person i have ever known and i love hearing everything she has to say.

Motherhood is...

"a dream that will need all the love you can give
every day of your life, for as long as you live!"

- Reverend Mother from Roger's and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music"

Wonderful!

Somebody's Hero

2010-01-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

I thought i'd mix it up a little and share one of my favorite songs. It is called, "Somebody's Hero" by Jamie O'Neal. And it's all about being a mom- the joys and the sorrow. It reminds me a lot of my mom's relationship with her mom. It is a great song.

The lyrics are so great. Music is very special to me. For me, music is the most powerful form of expressing beliefs and feelings. And i get goosebumps and tears every time i hear this song.

Here are some of my favorite lyrics:

A hero to her baby with a skinned up knee
A little kiss is all she needs
The keeper of the cheerios
The voice that brings Snow White to life
Bedtime stories every night
And that smile lets her know
She's somebody's hero

She didn't get a check every week like a nine-to fiver
But she's been a waiter, and a cook and a taxi driver
For twenty years, there at home, until the day her girl was grown
Giving all her love to her was her life's ambition

Here's a link to watch it on youtube, or i could email the mp3 to you if anyone wants.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CeEEMRQjW8

just type in "somebody's hero by jamie o'neal"

Reverence and Respect

2010-01-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

One of my really good friends in our ward gave the most wonderful talk in sacrament meeting today. She is a mom of a darling little boy and is expecting a 2nd child this summer. She is a great friend and she is one awesome mom.

Her topic was reverence and respect. She spoke about respecting the temporal blessings we have as well as respecting family members. Summarizing, she said that as mothers and members of the Church of Jesus Christ we should show our gratitude for the things we have by not constantly wanting more. She quoted President Faust who said, "Eat it up, wear it out, make due, or do without!"

What an excellent motto. I am definitely going to add that to our family mission statement. I have always been frugal, but i had never really thought about how living in this manner is a way that we show our respect and gratitude to our Father in Heaven. It just puts things in great perspective.

I also loved how she spoke about respecting family members- specifically husbands and wives respecting what the others do. I appreciate so much how hard my husband works so that i can stay home and raise our boys. And i know he appreciates and respects the work i do as a mother and homemaker.

I was reading a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard that fits in perfectly with this. I'd like to share a part of it:

As a Church, we have enormous respect and gratitude to you mothers of young children. We want you to be happy and successful in your families and to have the validation and support you need and deserve. So today, let me ask and briefly answer four questions. While my answers may seem extremely simple, if the simple things are being tended to, a mother’s life can be most rewarding.

The first question: What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, 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.

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less”.

Second, don’t overschedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrapbooking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. One mother told me of a time that her children had 29 scheduled commitments every week: music lessons, Scouts, dance, Little League, day camps, soccer, art, and so forth. She felt like a taxi driver. Finally, she called a family meeting and announced, “Something has to go; we have no time to ourselves and no time for each other.” Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children. Avoid any kind of substance abuse, mistakenly thinking that it will help you accomplish more. And don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the time-wasting, mind-numbing things like television soap operas or surfing the Internet. Turn to the Lord in faith, and you will know what to do and how to do it.

Fourth, 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.”

The second question: What more can a husband do to support his wife, the mother of their children?

First, show extra appreciation and give more validation for what your wife does every day. Notice things and say thank you—often. Schedule some evenings together, just the two of you.

Second, have a regular time to talk with your wife about each child’s needs and what you can do to help.

Third, give your wife a “day away” now and then. Just take over the household and give your wife a break from her daily responsibilities. Taking over for a while will greatly enhance your appreciation of what your wife does. You may do a lot of lifting, twisting, and bending!

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don’t put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children.

In Praise of Stay at Home Moms

2010-01-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

As i mentioned in the last post, I have been reading Dr. Laura's book In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms. It is awesome. I love how straight forward she is. At the beginning of the book Dr. Laura says that being a Stay-at-Home mom is doable if you are:

-committed to the priority of raising your children yourself

-part of a marriage, which obviously provides 2 parents

-willing to sacrifice some opportunities for the sake of family

-willing to "do without" many things- but not family time and attention

-not willing to compromise on your conviction, no matter how pressed you get by circumstances

I love how neatly she puts it. This system wouldn't work without a husband and is a commitment that involves a lot of sacrifice. My favorite part here is willing to do without many things but not family time and attention. That just sums up being a stay-at-home mom so perfectly. I love it.

After all "Family, isn't it about time?!"

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

At a funeral for a friend of our family who lived with Polio for 70 years of his life, one of the speakers talked about Mortality's Supreme Test. This family friend had certainly passed the test. It is "to face the 'Why' in life, and let it go".

I have been thinking a lot about this lately, because i have been asking a lot of "why" questions about my situation. "Why does so and so have such and such even though they are making bad choices?" "Why can't i have such and such because i am making the choice to stay at home?"

Absolutely horrible. I know.

It's just been hard lately to see so many people who have so much and are not making the best of choices. And then to see so many people making righteous choices and have so little.

I know that i am blessed. And that we have what we have because of our Father in Heaven. But i've just been struggling with the "letting it go" part.

So my New Year's Resolution as a stay-at-home mom is to face all the why's of less money, less, things, no vacations, and just let it go.

Something i am trying to sink into my brain is that righteous decisions do not always yield temporal blessings- but they do always result in spiritual ones. A really good friend recommended i read Dr. Laura's book "In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms". And it is incredible. Right off the bat she talks about how it can be hard to stay committed to something that does not always yield immediate results- especially monetary results. But that staying home with our kids is an investment in their futures. My boys are sons of God, with the potential to become as He is. They deserve a loving mother to raise them in righteousness 100% more than new clothes, vacations, or the latest toys.

And while most everyone else might have more money and worldly things, i need to not ask why, and just let it go. Because my choice is to be a stay-at-home mom. And this righteous decision will not always yield temporal or monetary blessings but it is the right thing to do.

We have always had everything we need. And that is all we need.

I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood. -Elder M. Russell Ballard

So bring on the "whys" and i will try to let them go!!!

I am a Mother

2009-12-24T10:46:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

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!

Grateful to be a Mom

2009-11-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving as we went around the table to share with our family what we were thankful for, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my role as a mother. This blog has helped me so much to recapture the spirit of motherhood. I am so grateful to be a mom and for the example of all the other wonderful moms i know! I am also so grateful for a husband who understands the importance of having me stay at home to raise our children. I couldn't do it without his support and all of his hard work.

"To the mothers of this Church, every mother who is here today, I want to say that as the years pass, you will become increasingly grateful for that which you did in molding the lives of your children in the direction of righteousness and goodness, integrity and faith. That is most likely to happen if you can spend adequate time with them." -President Hinckley

“We have often said, This divine service of motherhood can be rendered only by mothers. It may not be passed to others. Only by mother, aided as much as may be by a loving father... can the full needed measure of watchful care be given” -President Kimball

“Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” The priesthood cannot work out its destiny, nor can God’s purposes be fulfilled, without our helpmates. Mothers perform a labor the priesthood cannot do. For this gift of life, the priesthood should have love unbounded for the mothers of their children." -President Hunter

"No more sacred word exists in secular or holy writ than that of

mother.

There is no more noble work than that of a good and God-fearing mother." -President Benson

What We Do

2009-11-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

An awesome Mom emailed me this story. It is a great anecdote about all the hard work moms do. The mom who shared this story with me is an incredible person. She is a great mom to a little girl who has had a great deal of medical problems. But she is always so positive and an awesome example to me.

A man came home from work and found his three children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard.The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.

Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door.

He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls.

As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world I do all day?' 'Yes,' was his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

An Eternally Ordained Mission

2009-11-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

With the holidays approaching, i have been struggling with the fact that since I choose not be employed outside of the home we have no money for anything but the basics. This past week my world was turned around with unexpected expenses. I felt not necessarily unsatisfied with "just being a mom" but as horrible as it sounds, i felt a longing to have more money to pay for not only our necessary expenses, but just a little more money to buy things like presents for my family, Christmas decorations for our home, or even a vacation once in a while.

I felt so uneasy. I kept trying to justify the possibility of only working outside the home just for a short time. But in my heart i couldn't. So I turned to the Lord for comfort. I got out an old manual from one of my religion classes and found quote after quote after quote reaffirming my faith and testifying to me that my work as a mom is more important and noble than any job, hobby, or any item i could purchase.

I'd like to share with all of you what i found, in hopes that it will strengthen all of us.

*This one cut me deep- as Nephi says, "the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center."

President Gordon B. Hinckley- "I think the nurture and upbringing of children is more than a part-time responsibility. I recognize that some women must work, but I fear that there are far too many who do so only to get the means for a little more luxury and a few fancier toys."

President Kimball gets right to the point. "The husband is expected to support his family andonly in an emergency should a wife secure outside employment. Her place is in the home, to build thehome into a heaven of delight."

****I will keep this first post short and end with what was for me the greatest words of comfort and eternal perspective.

President Ezra Taft Benson- "Do not sacrifice your preparation for an eternally ordained mission for the temporary expediency of money-making skills which you may or may not use."