I’ve been thinking a lot about motherhood as of late. And how I’m doing in my role of mothering. Perhaps it’s because my once six pound baby is soon turning two. Two! She’s growing and learning and I’m just trying to keep up with her. Yesterday, she said her first prayer. We knelt by her bed, folded our arms, and with a little help, she said a sweet and tender prayer to our Heavenly Father. My heart about burst! I was doing something right. 😉 I’m not always the most patient mom, or perfect by any means. Sometimes Ellie watches one too many episodes on TV while I finish packaging orders Sometimes I’m not calm, not patient, and completely stressed out. And sometimes we stay in our pajamas well past noon. But, I’m trying. I’m trying to teach her the things that matter the very most. And in return, she teaches me so much more.
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I’ve read a few fabulous articles on motherhood recently that I thought I’d share.
This article by Ashlee Gadd was so sweet. “Can you remember the first time you saw a sunrise? …. Five minutes before those experiences happened, you were just cruising right along, thinking life was great as is. But then, you saw that stunning orange sunrise and you felt that warm sand between your toes and you tasted that delicious piece of chocolate and you just knew. You knew life had just become better in every way because you’d experienced magic. And motherhood is kind of like that, only a million times better.”
I want to be this type of mother (like my own mom!) “Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and role under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for, and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes..”
Jeni writes about prayers and motherhood. “Praying for talents and abilities to be a happy mother has worked, and that tells my most present story of faith: God hears and answers our prayers. Every last one of them.”
This message was incredibly touching and uplifting. “Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work.” And here’s a video to go with it!
And last, my very favorite quote of them all:
There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else. –Elder Russell M. Ballard
I love this! Those quotes are so wonderful too…I really needed to read these today, thanks!!
Being a new mom, I get choked up reading these quotes about motherhood. It is such a divine calling. I can't imagine the joy you felt hearing your daughter pray.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wonderful quotes. What great reminders to think about and keep striving for!
I love these. I've questioned what kind of mom I'm going to be, and compared myself to other moms out there. But, truly, like Elder Ballard said each situation is different. I can be whatever mom I choose to be. Thanks for posting this Lex!!!
I loved your insights and honesty. I had that last quote pinned on my bulletin board in my office at work, where I had to be for the first 1.5 years of Jake's life. I would have rather been at home, but that quote helped tremendously. You're an inspiring mother!
I love the last quote! In a world with dividing views on motherhood it sometimes feels like we are torn a million ways. In Utah, the expectation is to be a stay at home mom… And elsewhere, there are expectations of being a successful working woman. I'm grateful that there is no one right way!
I love this so much. Your Ellie melts my heart! She is the sweetest little thing. My six pound baby is ten pounds now and that just blows my mind so I can't even imagine how you feel! She is growing up so fast!
Thanks for sharing, I needed this! Motherhood is the most amazing and most challenging thing I've ever done, it's nice to know there are so many other moms out there who can totally relate. Hugs from New Zealand!
Thanks for sharing. The past two days have been particularly stressful and patience-less. I've been feeling kind of down about how I'm mothering two, but I just try to remind myself that I'll just have to do better tomorrow.
Thanks again!
Sue//Chevron and Lace
susanstange.com
love love love all those quotes!!
Such beautiful quotes on motherhood! Thank you for sharing, I'm glad I stopped by!
Annie
The Mama Gazette
Ps. Where did you get your nightstands? They are so cute and are what I've been searching for!!!!
IKEA! In the plant section 😉 haha