Realizing Life

"They are His Children and they are your children, flesh of your flesh, for whom He will hold you responsible. You have rejoiced over them, and in many cases you have sorrowed. They have brought you happiness as no one could. They have brought you pain as none other could."

"You have nothing in this world more precious than your children."

"As long as they are in your home, let them be your primary interest."

"None of us is wise enough to make it on our own."



These quotes come from Presiden Hinckley's address "Your greatest challenge, mother." I wanted to write out how I feel about motherhood. If you have been around me lately you will know that I sometimes hold my chaotic child in contempt ;). He is walking and causing all kinds of trouble now. He was never a child that would sit still in church or anywhere, unless he was asleep. He has never slept well, actually he has for a few months, but then the holidays came/pneumonia and now we are all off. Joshua probably has some separation anxiety, which I don't know how, I'm with him constantly. Matt is working and going to school full-time so my life is very crazy! I often feel overwhelmed and sometimes 'complain' but I don't think people understand this completely. I'm NOT complaining about my child, JUST what my child does.

I LOVE, LOVe being a mother. I love my little boy with all my heart. So, when I talk to you about motherhood, don't take my words literally. Would you rather I put on a fake face and tell you that motherhood is absolute bliss, all the time? It is my trial to raise my child, who is like as my mother puts, "hell on wheels."

But oh, I love the smiles, the giggles, the hugs, the kisses, the games we play together, how he cuddles with me. All of that you don't see and I can't explain that to you. Those moments, those priceless moments are private, intimate, and cannot be understood by those who don't have children. Just like the gospel, you can't explain in words that do it justice. You just have to experience it for yourself and know.

Sure, I would love more "me" time but that would not make me happy. I've never been happier in my life, but I've never worked harder in my life. No sleep, barely anytime to do anything for myself. But I would not change anything. Did you hear that? I would not change anything!!!!

I wrote those quotes down because I feel that they really spoke to me today while I was reading that talk. President Hinckley knows it is a challenge to be a mother, but maybe you are one of the few, who find it absolute bliss and have a perfect baby/life; but I'm not.

And I love that Joshua is challenging and keeps me going. My arms have never been as tone as they are to date because I'm always carrying around 25 lbs. It is great! It is a work-out chasing him down in stores and even more of a work-out to get him ready for the day and ready for bed. But I LOVE IT!