The Mother's Day Post

Happy Mother's Day everyone! This is my mother's day post. Mostly today I am feeling a great amount of gratitude for the women in my life. Not just our moms, but all the mothers who have influenced, helped and molded me into a better mother myself.

(My mom and I this past Marc h)

But speaking of mothers, I've got a pretty good one. Sometimes I am surprised at her willingness to mother me in that I have used her for all she's worth over the years. But as mothers do, she still loves me and cares about what is going on with me. Over the years our relationship has changed. When I was young she cared for my needs, kissed my boo boos and let me sleep in her bed when I had nightmares. As a teenager she loved me even though I was not so lovable. I always thought that after I was out of the house I would no longer need my mom so much, that I would be on my own. However, it seems like now I need and use my mom more than ever. She now is my best friend.

(Daniel and his mom July 2004 in Colorado)

I am also grateful to Daniel's mom for all she has done for him over the years. Though I don't have first hand experience of her mothering, I can see it through the person that he has become and I am eternally grateful for her willingness to raise children in the gospel and to raise them in such a way that he has a desire to work and learn more each day.

(Elise and I right after she was born-- not the most fantastic picture, I was in labor for 33 hours so I wasn't looking very fresh, but this is when I officially became a mother)

My purpose in this life is to be a mother, I know this now as I am one and I know that there will never be a more challenging job. I feel honored to be Elise, Owen and Magdalyn's mom. I am lucky to get to spend every day with them, teaching them (at this young age) the basic things in life. As they grow and get older it will be my responsibility to teach them even more important things and help them to become parents themselves one day. It is still hard and scary to think about this great responsibility but I am happy to be a mother.

My family made me delicious baked french toast in bed this morning, gave me flowers and bought me some training sessions at the gym (they're awesome!).