Elder Ballard gave a talk on the "Sacred Responsibilities of Parents" at Education Week a couple years ago and when talking about Mothers he said this...
"Sometimes you sisters may feel like the Brethren do not appreciate you and the important contribution you make to your families and to the work of the Lord. Perhaps if husbands and fathers experienced what someone suggested might be planned for the next Survivor show, it would make a difference: Six men will be dropped on an island with one van and four children each--for six weeks. Each child plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes. There is no access to fast food. Each man must take care of his four children, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, etc. The men only have access to television when the children are asleep and all chores are done: There is only one TV, and there is no remote control. The men must put on makeup daily, applying it themselves either while driving or while making four lunches. They must attend weekly PTA meetings; clean up after their sick children at 3:00 a.m.; make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla, and one marker; and get a four-year-old to eat a serving of peas. The children vote them off the island based on performance. The winner is the first one voted off who gets to go back to work. Although that may be slightly exaggerated, it does convey a vivid picture of the demands of motherhood. Never doubt, sisters, that you are the heart of the home."
This totally describes the life of my Mom. She had 5 kids, each doing different sports and musical instruments. None of us had our own car, so she taxied us around to all of our practices. And then she was always there to support us and cheer us on when it was time for a game or performance. She woke up early every morning to make us homemade breakfast, and she always read the scriptures to us while we were eating. She always made Birthdays and Holidays special. She kept our home looking nice, our clothes clean. And much much more! The sad thing is, when I was a kid I know I didn't fully appreciate everything she did for me. I think I just kind of expected it, that's the way it had always been. It wasn't until I became a Mom that I realized how incredibly AMAZING she was, and I wondered if I would ever measure up. She definitely gives me a lot to live up to. But I hope to follow her wonderful example and be just like her someday. She put her whole heart into being a Mom, and has, and still does spend her days loving and serving her children.
You should also know she is the worlds Greatest Grandma. She lives and breathes for her grand kids. She has loved and supported them in everything they have done. She has been known to drop everything she has had going to come help me out if I've been in a crunch. When her and my Dad were in town they took all their Grand kids every Friday night, and had a pizza party so the adults could go out on a date. All of my kids have fond memories of cuddling up with grandma and reading stories, or going on a walk with Grandma and finding treasures, or sitting by the fire and playing card games.
We really are so lucky to have you Mom. You bless our lives more than you will ever know. Thank you for all you do...
Happy Mothers Day!
Yep that would be me! Thursday was the BIG DAY! It was great, Matt took the day off work and we spent the whole day together. I told him that was going to have to be a new tradition. It really made the day feel "out of the ordinary" or "special" which is how your birthday should feel, right!
