A Mother

"Love is making space in your life for someone else..."

I remember growing up and my mom would say "I hope your kids act the same way you do." Well, in my own thoughts I hoped they would because I was awesome! Just kidding, I was a brat half the time.

 I remember looking at Emery for the first time and thought wow, this IS a miracle. One minute my doctor was chatting about his day and a game of chess and the next minute, he's holding a baby I made for ten months.  I didn't think much else at the moment because it was an emergency C-section and I had no time to think. But, after a few hours of recovery, I just wanted to hold her and find out who she was. 

I thought I had life down, but when I became a mom, I had to do soul searching 2.0 to find myself again. There was more at stake to be a better person. I had this little person following my every move and who was so easily influenced by my actions. Now, I've got another on the way! 

"Mothers literally make room in their bodies to nurture an unborn baby—and hopefully a place in their hearts as they raise them—but nurturing is not limited to bearing children. Eve was called a “mother” before she had children.4 I believe that “to mother” means “to give life.” Think of the many ways you give life. It could mean giving emotional life to the hopeless or spiritual life to the doubter."

-Neill F. Marriott

Motherhood doesn't limit itself to literally giving birth.. Neill F. Marriot said this beautifully in her recent address in the LDS General Conference. Whether we have kids already or not, we can nurture those around us. I'm grateful for not only my mom and my mother-in-law but, all the women who have nurtured and influenced me for good, even in my adult years.  

 Cheers to Motherhood! On a side note, I'll be spending it in bed with Adam and a box of tissues, cough drops and milano cookies because we're both just a hot mess. We've been so sick this last week!

Gratitude time

One time in Primary sharing time, a woman quoted her friend saying "My children always say they are grateful for our home...but then they never do their chores." How interesting is that? I cant tell you I was in the same boat in some areas in my life. If we truly are grateful for the things we say we are, then our attitude and the way we treat it should be positive and consistent. I've had to reevaluate some things in my life, but this is a great comment to keep in mind! Here's a few things that I've been very grateful for lately.

I am grateful to be a stay-at-home mom(SAHM). Sometimes, it's not that glamorous but really, I am the luckiest mom!  I can tell you the time when Emery first sat up, crawled, smiled, giggled. I have the comfort knowing she is receiving the nurture she needs. I get to spend time with her all day..and sometimes all night ;)

Because I am a SAHM I get to still pursue the things I LOVE. I am a part-time photographer and I recently joined the cosmetic company Younique. I can do online classes when I have time. I can catch up with friends and family because I dictate my schedule. I have a lot to do, but life is fairly flexible. I couldn't ask for more.

I am grateful for General conference. We just had the opportunity to hear from the Prophet and leaders of the church. I know a few of those messages were intended just for me! And there is a message for everyone. I get so excited about conference because I know for the next six months, I have specific counsel to guide me through life decisions, trials and challenges. We are so loved by a Father in Heaven!

I am grateful for the mission I was called to serve in the Philippines. I had a wonderful time seeing old faces and reuniting with my second mission president at our mission reunion. I learned so much while I was in the field and I credit my experience there to my testimony and teaching me to be a better wife and mother. While in the field, I learned the power of weekly planning and companionship inventory. To this day we still use these sessions in our little family-it's been a blessing and it's so much more fun when you're married!

I am here with Amy and Megan


I am grateful for many other things that I hope to do better with showing it. I am grateful for my body-so I can exercise more. I am grateful for my home- I can keep it more tidy. I am grateful for my ward family-I can serve them more. It seems easier to do things when you view these things from an angle of gratitude instead of necessary evils. What are you grateful for?