I've been reading General Conference talks on parenting recently and came across a talk given by Elder Ballard called "Daughters of God". It is a wonderful talk and it was wonderful to read it again this past week. But today I LIVED it! It was a wonderful experience and something very appropriate for mother's day weekend, I thought! So I had to come blog about it! of course... ;)
One of the things Elder Ballard said in this talk was "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."
I know this..but today I experienced it!
Last night we got home really late after gathering together with family to open my cousin's mission call. He is going to be serving in the San Jose, California mission speaking Mandarin Chinese! We are all very excited for him! It is even cooler that he already can speak Chinese (having lived in China for the last 2 years of his High school Career). Because of this, however, we got home with our kids at about 12:30 this morning. We have a newborn, so I was up at 3:30 and 7 to feed him. Then Kamryn decided to get up at 7:30 this morning. Ryan had to leave for work at 9:00. After Ryan left, Kyler was grumpy and gassy...couldn't fall asleep. Once I finally got him down, Kamryn was very grumpy and was having a hard time going to sleep too. Then when she finally fell asleep, Kyler woke up and has been grumpy this afternoon. I am exhausted! I need a shower! I'm still in PJ's and it is 2:00 in the afternoon!!
I was feeling very frustrated and on the verge of tears. I decided to turn on some church music to help lift my spirits and calm my kids... (which worked beautifully I have to say) ... and then I turned on the computer and started to read some blogs while rocking Kyler. Then the "shining moment of joy and satisfaction" came.
Kamryn climbed up to the computer and started pretending to type. Then she started touching the screen and "scrolling" with her finger like she does on the Ipod touch! And to her, it was working! (because I was using the arrow keys to scroll the screen!) It was too cute! I couldn't not smile and laugh! What a smart little toddler she is! She is so technologically advanced! And so sweet and innocent and happy overall!
Then we went out to the front room and we were talking about some toys and movies. I asked if she wanted to watch Mickey and she said, almost plain as day, "Mickey"! Another tender mothering moment for me. Kamryn's language is slowly progressing and we work so hard on it with her every day...it's always fun to hear a new word or two! (And the fact that it was something I LOVE was wonderful as well!) :)
These 2 things may not mean much to you...but I had to record them. I see these two small and simple experiences as tender mercies from the Lord. A way to remind me that although today has been a challenging day as a mother...it is all worth it! I love my kids. I love being a mom! I wouldn't trade it for anything! I'm so grateful to be a mom--and that Heavenly Father trusts me with these sweet spirits! And that he knows when I need some lifting and help--I'm not alone!
(And another tender mercy---Kyler is asleep in my lap so I can record this and blog about it!) :)
Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Remember that your job as a mom is the most important thing you can do!
Remember that you are loved and appreciated by your kids, your husbands, and your Heavenly Father!
