The mother I am...

When I lived in New Hampshire I was asked to speak in church three years in a row. I suppose I had some serious learning to do about motherhood... and I did learn a lot, and I continue to every day. But learning to be a mother has been a lifelong journey. It started from birth with my own mother. She looked in my eyes and loved me from that very second, and there has never been a day in my life that I have doubted it. She has loved me completely, despite my faults. She has kissed skinned knees, wiped away tears of sorrow, and been there to support me in all that I have ever done. I have learned so much from my own mom that has helped me to be the mother I am today and I will be forever grateful that I was born her daughter.

There are many other women that have helped me become the mother that I am... my Grandmother taught me to love unconditionally and always be there to support my children no matter what. Ranny (my other grandmother) taught me to be strong, and how important it is to do what is best for your family (even if it is hard). My sister Amanda has taught me how right my mother was... that friends will come and go but your sister will always be there! My sister Kim helped me to see that we need to focus on our dreams, it is up to us to make them a reality. I have countless Aunts that I watched mother and protect and stand up for their children; I am a better mom today for all that I saw them do!

I now have extented family, in-laws, that I love and respect so much more than I would have ever imagined. They are all strong women, diverse in many ways but united in the streangth of love that they have for their children. My mother in law has been a huge part of my growth as a mom. Her example of dedication to her family has inspired me tremendously. I am also grateful that she raised her son to be the man he is today!

There are countless other women that have crossed my path that have created the mother I am. The women from church who have shown me how to raise my children to love our Heavenly Father. The friends who have shown me how to feed my children well, and love them even better. So many ladies who have loved me and nurtured me in my journey as a mother.

I owe most of my growth in my role as mother to my beautiful children. They have taught me patience, greater love, compassion, and so many other things that I can not name them all.  The mother I am... is a little bit of all the mothers and their children who have touched my life. I am so grateful for them and hope that someday I might help someone on their journey as a mother. I am so full of gratitude for this great responsibility I have been given. May I be worthy of the sweet children that my husband and I have been allowed to raise as I continue to become the Mother I am...

Happy Mothers Day!