Motherhood...

Every year since I have had children, mother's day has taken on new meaning. I will be brutally honest...it (motherhood) was not an easy transition for me. I would go so far as to say I didn't even enjoy it for a few years. I still think about the birth of my oldest and have fond memories but wonder why the Lord would let mothers bond with their children (while in the womb) and then have post pardom depression the initial "blow" of motherhood takes you over and you as a person disappear forever and are now known to these little ones as Mom....you are never again - Marie. It was a difficult adjustment for me...lots of ups and downs (still even). However, in looking at it now (only 6 years later) I wouldn't trade any of it. Even the emotional aftermath of each child. I don't have dinner on the table every night at the same time - sometimes there is no dinner, I don't get them bathed every night, sometimes they smell and I am too tired, I don't keep my house as clean as I did before they entered my life, but it's still a home where they are safe and loved, some days I get nothing done except for holding a sick child for the better part of the day - and then I think - I didn't get "nothing" done - I held a small child that won't be so small for very long - so I regroup my thoughts and cherish that moment. I love being a mom it has been quite the road and will still be a long road - but there is nothing I would rather be doing with my time.

This is how I feel on a daily basis- fly by the seat of my pants because I have no clue what I am doing....

I love to watch my children: Tyler goes to the garage every night and gets Aggie's food bowl (one of the dogs) he brings it to Travis willing and ready to help feel both animals.... Gwendalin gets so excited she can hardly stand herself when she is trying to make up her latest serenade (she gets that from Travis), and Hunter is so full of energy for life it's contagious and sometimes hard for him to contain...I hope their enthusiasm never diminishes.

Now for a small tribute to two mothers in my life who have blessed me beyond measure. First my mother in law -

Now here is a woman wise beyond me (as are most) but she was put into a situation after having two of her own children and made a family consisting of biologically 4 different sets of parents work - each child loves their parents and they love each other...none refer to each other as "step" but rather as brother or sister...they have testimonies and strong background of love for the gospel. I was so fortunate to get one of these sweet people as my husband and I appreciate so much her hard work and dedication in raising such a wonderful man who I get to call mine. I love this woman like my own mother!

Now - my mom -

What do you say to a person who has raised you to the state at which you now find yourself? Bounds and bounds of gratitude I feel towards my mom now more than ever since I have embarked on this journey called motherhood. She was always willing and ready to jump into any occasion that we were interested in. She gave me a foundation on which to build my testimony, set a very Christlike example of love and service through her whole life...suffered much trial and tribulation and yet managed to come out on top of it all. I can think of no one more suited for the role of a mother than my own. I strive every day to take on my task like she took on hers! Thanks mom!

Happy mother's day to all moms - this includes my dearest friend Marie who is also a mother figure to my kids!