I am a mother

You know sometimes it doesn't really hit me that I AM A MOTHER. I mean I know that I am, I have four kids who I feed and bathe and watch over and take to school and all of that. That is the picture that is right in front of my face most of the time. Sometimes the BIG picture isn't always in my focus. And I love it when that comes into view. I love when I look at these sweet kids and see their spirits and see their potential and all of their worth. When I see that they were sent to me to teach them. To help them remember their Father in Heaven. To teach them and help them get to know their Savior Jesus Christ. When I realize "I am molding and shaping their lives". It's a heavy responsibility. It's a lot to take in. But I LOVE IT SO MUCH! Today they helped me realize that for me to be the best mom for them, to help them get thru this earthly mission, I need to work on me. I need to constantly be reading my scriptures. I need to be more sincere and in depth with my personal prayers and to pray more specifically for each of my kids during family prayer so they can hear it. I need to bring more gospel conversations into our daily conversations. I need to ponder and shut off distractions so I can listen and be open to any promptings that need to come my way. I love these guys so much and for all they constantly are teaching me!

TJ left for a work trip this morning (Hawaii of all places) and so its just been us today. Tessa asked us to go to the nursing home with her to sing songs and hand out cookies. I was hesitant but told her we would go. I really wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get my kids there without a fight. They are on the shy, nervous side so I was surprised when Tallie and the rest really wanted to go. We made some cookies and then headed over. We stayed for like 2 hours! The kids did great and talked and played ping pong and cards with some. They sang a few songs, I played some songs on the piano. They loved it and they can't wait to go back! They want to paint pictures with all their names on them to hang in their rooms and Tallie wants to play some songs on the piano. I am so proud of these girls for going out of their comfort zone. These people we visited were so happy to have us and asked us to come again soon. This for sure will be a more regular thing for us and many FHE's in the future.

A wonderful gift on Mother's Day!