I am a Mother

On Sunday, I had a few minutes to myself and decided to read the book "I am a Mother." It was very inspiring and left me with a renewed sense of the joy of motherhood. She talked in the book about how often times women say, "I am just a mother," or "I used to do ______, but now I stay at home." I am definitely guilty of the latter. I have caught myself saying things like "I used to teach school, but now I stay home" as if staying home is not as important. On the other hand, I am so grateful for the opportunity that I do have to stay home and know that I am lucky. Not everyone has this chance. Motherhood is far more difficult than I ever realized. I thought that I understood because I had babysat all growing up and observed my own mom, leaders, and sisters in their homes. I have since realized that I didn't understand much and have been left with a greater awe for my own mom. I just hope that I can be more like her.

I have been thinking a lot about my mom lately (and Dad too, but since this is about motherhood, I'll focus on that!). My parents will leave on their mission to Canada in less than a week. I am very excited for this opportunity that they have to serve the Lord, but it will also be hard to go without seeing them for 18 months. Then, I read this book, and even thought more about the incredible example my mom is to me. She is a woman who would do anything possible for her kids - with all 10 of us, it is amazing how we all feel that we are her "favorite!" She has a way of making each person feel so important and loved. There are so many things that I could say about her, but a few that came to mind are:


*When I was 7 years old, I was in the movie "Saturday's Warrior." My mom drove me to Orem every day for over a month (a good hour drive each way) so that I could have this opportunity.
*My mom has always read to me and taught me to love books. Even today, I LOVE to sit by her feet and listen to her read a story to the grandkids. There is something wonderful about listening to her read!
*I have always loved hearing mom my tell me stories about herself. She may not tell them a lot, but I can always learn from one story or another.
*My mom always made chocolate chip cookies on the first day of school.
*My mom has always been my biggest fan and been there to support me in every thing that I do!
*When I was in high school, I was often gone until late at night because of Drama or Vocal Ensemble. There were countless nights when my mom would make me dinner at 10:00 (even if she had been asleep).
*My least favorite chore growing up was putting my clothes away. I loved it when my mom would come up to my room and help me - even by just keeping me company.
*The first day that I came home to my apartment after Rich and I got married, I was surprised to see food in my cupboards and fridge.
*After Parker was born, my mom came and stayed with me. She made me dinner, helped me clean the house, & just gave the support that I needed.
*My mom is always willing to help me with projects - even when it means she does most of them because I am not very good with a sewing machine.
*My mom always listens when I need someone to talk to. I used to call her everyday on my way home from work. I loved this time to talk about my day. She does that for all of us and really makes us feel important.

My mom is always willing to help others - I don't know if she even knows how to say "No!" She is self-sacrificing and truly an example of giving of herself. I know that this will make her a great missionary and companion to my Dad. I am thankful for the incredible example of motherhood that she has set for me in my life. Raising 10 kids couldn't have been easy! I am so lucky to have her as my mom and hope that I can follow in her footsteps!

After reading this book, I hope that I can answer with enthusiasm when asked what I do that "I am a mother!" I truly do love being a mom!