mother's day 2021

i am so so blessed to be a mother. although i can say truthfully that i want to kill my children on the regular, i love them so much it hurts. you know how it is, you want to kill them one minute, you'd die for them the next. but i think i did okay. they are fun, funny and pretty damn cute.

so, to all of the mothers out there, happy mother's day. to those who have lost their mothers, i hope you felt them close today. i have been so blessed to be loved by two mothers, my own mother and my husbands mother.

my mother is everything i have ever wanted to be and the most incredible example of service. my mother in law raised the man who has been the greatest blessing of my life. she raised him to be strong, determined and respectful, just as she was. i am grateful for her example and miss her every single day.

i am truly grateful for my parents mothers and cannot wait for the day we are reunited. for my beautiful nanna who raised the woman who became my mother. without her example and beautiful spirit, i would not be where i am. my mother is amazing and i owe it all to my nanna. and for my grandma, who i am apparently most like. for her fiery temper and ability to stop someone dead in their tracks with a look, for her cooking and her singing - all things i have managed to inherit.

but most of all, i am grateful to be a mother in the gospel. for the mothers who are alongside me cheering me on and helping me to make it through the hardest of the days. there is so much peace to be found in the gospel and in the presence of those who are here to help us through. ❤

*****************

maddie and i were asked to sing in relief society today as part of their mother's day lesson and it was so lovely. i am so glad that she loves to sing too and we can have these experiences together. we sang "teach me to walk in the light" - a perfect piece for mother's day.

teach me to walk in the light of his love

teach me to pray to my father above

teach me to know of the things that are right

teach me, teach me to walk in the light

come little child and together we'll learn

of his commandments that we may return 

home to his presence to live in his sight

always, always to walk in the light

father in heaven, we thank thee this day

for loving guidance to show us the way

grateful we praise thee with songs of delight

gladly, gladly we'll walk in the light

❤

mothers day 2019

i seriously love my kids and am obsessed with them to the point that it's actually ridiculous. i can't live without them, but most days i feel like i can't really live with them either! but like i said, i love them - and that alone keeps me going. looking at this adorable photo certainly helps too. my husband who generally can't take a photo to save himself snapped this with barely any effort and now i am seriously suspicious of him. has he been lying all this time whilst secretly practicing his photography skills to impress me at a time like this?

in my opinion mother's day is the most ridiculous day of the year. feel free to change my mind. but when i still have to be a mum on the day i am meant to be appreciated and not do anything, it really seems pointless. i joked to one of the ladies at church today that the best thing anyone could ever get for mother's day would be 24 hours away from their kids. she laughed loudly and said she understood what i was saying only too well.  it probably doesn't help that alex hasn't been sleeping... all i really wanted for mother's day was a sleep-in or a nap. strangely enough, i got neither one.

the kids rushed in first thing in the morning to give me gifts which was amazing! our school p&c organised a stall with gifts purchased from a supplier, which cost between $2 and $6. i sent my kidlets in with their money and they picked what they wanted to get me! best idea ever!

joseph chose me this gorgeous necklace. i seriously love it and am so impressed with him! madeline got me a thermos mug. she loved it so much and was so excited to give it to me. i better start drinking hot drinks i guess, because it is also very cute.

i also got a card and a phone holder joseph made in class as well as an "about my mum" paper

my mum is 35 years old. her favourite food is rocky road (not wrong, but not my favourite thing) and she likes to drink water. when i am at school my mum looks after the baby. i think my mum looks the most beautiful when she wears a dress. 

what a little love!

maddie's class filled out one of those too:

my mum is 35 years old. her favourite food is honey chicken (true!) and she likes to drink juice. when i am at school my mum looks after my baby brother alex. i think my mum looks the most beautiful when she goes out. 

pretty spot on, both of them!

this had me in fits though... a report card about my mum. singing, cooking, cleaning, driving and cuddles... all A+, with a C+ for jokes. i am so offended haha. there i was thinking i was funny but in reality i think she got it right with her comment. 

knock knock. who's there? mum. mum who? best mum ever! 

not going to lie, that's absolutely something i would say!

my little haul from maddie. the bookmark is adorable too!

my favourite part of the day though, was finally being able to have my watercolour painting doug let me order from love stax. she is here in perth and paints the most gorgeous pictures from a photo in her own style. i sent her our family shot from alex's blessing day and here's what she did with it. i love it so much and am so thrilled with it!

dinner with dougs mum. i love to make things look fancy, something i definitely learned from my mother!

happy mother's day! you're all doing an amazing job!♥

mother’s day ward gifts

mother's day calls for a treat for each of the mothers in our ward... and this year it was up to me to do them again, so i picked something i thought was awesome... in the hopes that everyone would! we have a few sisters in our ward who are strictly gluten free and a few vegans, so i chose yummy cookies (coles ultimate choc-chip cookies, side note, if you haven't tried them, you should - they are delicious!!) that had a gf option (which you can find here), and once it was cookies, it was easy to deviate a little to other cookies and have oreos as well for the vegans, as believe it or not, the plain ones are vegan by ingredient. unexpected seeing as they are the original "milk and cookies" cookie.

i found this gorgeous little printable on pinterest (thank you to whoever made and posted it online!) and printed them two to a photo print at our local big w photo shop

then bagged them into little bags ($1 for 30 from our local reject shop) and tied them off with curling ribbon

so easy... and yum! can't wait to hand them out on sunday. ♥

emma smith: an elect lady

 i was asked to speak in sacrament meeting on mother's day, with the topic of emma smith. there is so much to be found of her, much of it terribly sad... i read article after article to find what i thought was a good representation of her, without it being too miserable, it was mother's day after all. i have great admiration for emma and am truly grateful to follow in her footsteps and those of other latter-day saint women. ♥

*****************************

I’ve been asked to speak on Emma Smith, the wife of the prophet Joseph Smith, who was, as such, the “mother” of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

More than 200 years have passed since Emma Hale was born in Pennsylvania. Emma is honoured as the first president of the Relief Society, remembered for her efforts in compiling the original Latter-day Saint hymn book, and revered as the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith. But Emma’s role during the period of the establishment of the Church covered an even wider range of experiences.

Emma’s first act of support for Joseph Smith was marrying him in spite of her father’s firm opposition. Joseph, who had just turned twenty-one loved Emma Hale; her willingness to marry him under difficult circumstances affirmed her belief in his spiritual experiences. She was twenty-two at the time and a school teacher. Emma possessed a ready wit and a natural ease with other people. She became a valuable asset to Joseph as the events of his life demanded frequent social occasions.

When Joseph took his new bride home to Manchester to meet his family, she was welcomed warmly by the Smith Family. Emma soon discovered that life with Joseph was neither tranquil nor dull. She accompanied Joseph to the Hill Cumorah on that dark night when he received the gold plates, keeping a careful watch below as the young Prophet climbed the terrain to meet the angel Moroni. In the months that followed, as speculators and gold-seekers harassed the Smiths, Emma helped keep secret the places where the plates were hidden. One on occasion she even rode a stray horse, to Macedon, New York, where Joseph worked, to warn him of a gathering mob.

In the setting of Joseph’s boyhood home, a close and lasting friendship developed between Emma and her husband’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith. Lucy said of Emma: “She was then young and being naturally ambitious her whole heart was in the work of the Lord and she felt no interest except for the church and the cause of truth. Whatever Her hands found to do, she did with her might and did not ask the selfish question, “shall I be benefited any more than anyone else?” If Elders were sent away to preach she was the first to volunteer her services to assist in clothing them for their journey and let her own privations be what they might.” 

In the book the History of the Prophet Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith’s tribute to her daughter in law Emma can be found, and I quote: “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure—she has been tossed upon the ocean of uncertainty—she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.”

When Joseph obtained the gold plates and continued his mission of being an instrument in the hands of God in restoring the gospel, Emma served as a scribe during his first efforts to translate the Book of Mormon. She was baptized on 28 June 1830, shortly after the Church was organized. In July 1830 the Lord outlined her mission, in a revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants Section 25: “Thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. … And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Junior, thy husband, in his afflictions.” She was also directed to compile a book of hymns for the Church, and she was warned to “continue in a spirit of meekness, and beware of pride.”

Emma’s patriarchal blessing, given on 9 December 1834 by her father-in-law, Joseph Smith, Sr., presents important information concerning Emma’s contribution to the Restoration, how the Lord viewed Emma, and what he promised her. “Emma … thou art blessed of the Lord, for thy faithfulness and truth, thou shalt be blessed with thy husband, and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him. Thy soul has been afflicted because of the wickedness of men in seeking the destruction of thy companion, and thy whole soul has been drawn out in prayer for his deliverance; rejoice, for the Lord thy God has heard thy supplication. Thou hast grieved for the hardness of the hearts of thy father’s house, and thou hast longed for their salvation. The Lord will have respect to thy cries, and by his judgments he will cause some of them to see their folly and repent of their sins; but it will be by affliction that they will be saved. Thou shalt see many days, yea, the Lord will spare thee till thou art satisfied, for thou shalt see thy Redeemer. Thy heart shall rejoice in the great work of the Lord, and no one shall take thy rejoicing from thee. Thou shalt ever remember the great condescension of thy God in permitting thee to accompany my son Joseph when the angel delivered the record of the Nephites to his care. … Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex, teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, even so, Amen.”

As a mother, life for Emma must have been a heart wrenching experience, filled with much pain. During their seventeen-year marriage, nine children were born to Joseph and Emma, and they adopted two. Emma’s first three children died shortly after birth: Alvin in 1828 and twins in 1831. They adopted twins, Joseph and Julia Murdock, whose mother, had died just one day after the birth of Emma’s twins, leaving a bereaved husband quite unable to care for the infants. Little Joseph Murdock died in March 1832 as a result of exposure during an incident of mob violence. The following November, Emma gave birth to a healthy son, Joseph Smith III. Although Emma enjoyed little Julia and Joseph, she truly grieved over her lost babies.

The Lord comforted Emma once again in her patriarchal blessing: “Thou hast seen much sorrow because the Lord has taken from thee three of thy children. In this thou art not to be blamed, for he knows thy pure desires to raise up a family, that the name of my son Joseph Smith, Jr. might be blessed. And now, behold, I say unto thee, that thus says the Lord, if thou wilt believe, thou shalt yet be blessed … and thou shalt bring forth other children, to the joy and satisfaction of thy soul, and to the rejoicing of thy friends.” 

Emma’s faith was rewarded: Frederick was born in 1836, and Alexander in 1838. Don Carlos was born in 1840, dying just fourteen months later. An unnamed son was stillborn on 6 February 1842; and David Hyrum was born in 1844, four months after the death of his father.

Emma’s care for the untold numbers of ill and homeless Saints as well as her care for Joseph’s extended family—his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews—is legend. Emma’s work in the Church naturally included attending to Joseph’s business in his absence and taking care of their children.

She manifested courage and intelligence, defending Joseph in her letter to Illinois Governor Carlin. In her office as the first general president of the Relief Society, she set an example of strong leadership. Her instructions on compassionate service set the tone for generations of Relief Society members under the theme she promoted: “Charity Never Faileth.”

Emmeline B. Wells wrote of her: “Sister Emma was benevolent and hospitable; she drew around her a large circle of friends, who were like good comrades. She was motherly in nature to young people, always had a houseful to entertain or be entertained. She was very high-spirited and the brethren and sisters paid her great respect. Emma was a great solace to her husband in all his persecutions and the severe ordeals through which he passed; she was always ready to encourage and comfort him, devoted to his interests, and was constantly by him whenever it was possible. She was queen in her home, so to speak, and beloved by the people, who were many of them indebted to her for favours and kindness.”

The Prophet wrote in his journal, reflecting on a visit from Emma while he was in great danger and difficulty in 1842: “With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths and crowned our board. Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, even in the seventh trouble—undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!”

Upon instruction from the Lord, the Relief Society was organized in March of 1842 by the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was originally called the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, and Emma Smith, the wife of Joseph Smith, was selected as its first president. Joseph Smith taught, “The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.” (Let’s be honest, we all know women are organised!)

Historical records of the Church in our dispensation describe the devotion of early Relief Society women as they bore testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and served the sick and poor among them to build up the kingdom of God. The Relief Society provided opportunities for Latter-day Saint women to expand their influence and to bless their families, wards, stakes, communities, and nations. Throughout its history, members of the organization have spoken up regarding relevant issues of their time. Relief Society continues to provide such opportunities for women today with around 6 million members throughout 170 countries.

What a blessing it is to have the Relief Society for women in the world today, to have a place of safety and refuge amongst so much evil. To know that it was formed in such a way, to ensure that it has lasted for us today, following in the footsteps of women such as the “elect lady” Emma Smith. How grateful I am to be a mother in Zion. How blessed I am to raise my children in the gospel and to watch them grow, both in body and in spirit, to see their faith and testimony grow as they get older. Although trying at times, I know there is no greater purpose in my life than to be a mother, to teach them, to guide them and help them develop a love for their Saviour. I am forever grateful to have been brought up by a wonderfully strong mother, who is everything I hope to be. For strong grandmothers who brought up my father and mother in the gospel, and for my bonus mother, my mother in law Oliveta for faithfully raising my husband in the gospel, so that we can do the same. What joy there is to be found in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

I am forever grateful for the women of the church, who paved the way, for us to receive the blessings we do today. I know of the truth of the gospel. I know Joseph was a prophet who restored the gospel for all of us to find the joy we have. If you do not know of the truth, find out for yourself, you will never regret the decision to ask your Father in heaven to know.

*****************************

much of this information was taken from two wonderful articles, which you can read in full here and here

mother's day

this photo is more than 30 years old now. it's of my mother and i, back in our fremantle days. i just love the way she is looking at me. she's probably only a year or two younger than i am now, yet onto her fourth kid. she is one heck of a mother, is good at everything, always knows the answers to my million questions, cooks amazing foods... and is the best nanna in town. i am so blessed to be hers and i am thankful every single day for eternal families ♥

then there are these two. they are still alive, with a collective 8 years between them, so obviously i am doing something right! i love them madly, regardless of how annoying they can be and wouldn't change life as a mum for anything. they are truly the light of my life. 

with help from dad, i was presented with three beautiful pandora charms for my bracelet, a million cuddles and many shouts of  "happy mother's day" throughout the day. 

and i bought maddie a little gift from me for mother's day. a necklace for her to have a piece of my heart. there is nothing like a bond between a mother and her daughter. 

♥

pre-primary pamper morning

this morning i had the pleasure of attending the pre-primary pamper morning that madeline's class put on. it was adorable! we were escorted to our child's desk...

where a little beauty caddy had been set up (with a nail file, hand cream, a cotton pad and little chocolates), alongside a plate with warm water for us to dip our fingers in. 

madeline had me soak my fingers, then pretended to file my nails (because i don't have any!) before painting each one a different colour. 

i couldn't help but laugh, but she was so pleased to be doing it.

then it was off to the beauty salon photo booth to have our pictures taken.

what a cute morning. i am so glad that madeline is being taught by such kind women who took the time out to acknowledge us. 

and for my sweet girl. i love her to bits! ♥

mother's day prep

last week i spent a few hours wrapping these chocolates ready for the primary children to hand out to all the women in our ward after our sacrament meeting this sunday. each wrap had a quote from sheri dew "motherhood is more than bearing children... it is the essence of who we are as women" along with well wishes from the ward, "to all our mums and those with mum potential" they were so simple to make, but super effective... 

i had learnt recently from a facebook group, that these chocolate bars from aldi can be covered perfectly with a 4 x 6 inch photograph, so that's what i did. my friend jen did the hardest bit, which was working out the sizing to ensure the cover sat correctly, then off to the big w photoshop i went! 

chocolates are 40g each and come in a pack of 5 for $2.99 in a variety of flavours. (we stuck to white, dark and milk to avoid allergies) photos were printed for 10c each, so each set us back just 70c! totally worth it. 

ward mother's day gifts? sorted ♥

this sunday

does this mean i was on the right path today? i had one of those awfully difficult days when having kids all seems a little bit too hard. we went off to church as usual and joseph started to yell when they passed the sacrament and did not stop. eventually i took him out as it got louder and louder, but as he wouldn't calm down, i missed the rest of the meeting. and sunday school because he went ballistic when he realised i had left him in nursery and all but the last 20 minutes of relief society when doug took over. sigh. the bit i did get was amazing though, i can't wait to have some time to myself and read through the lesson (it was chapter 3 of the teachings of the president: howard w. hunter manual, adversity- part of god's plan for our eternal progress) i am so glad for sundays. even when it seems hard... it's the best place to be, because everything i hear, seems to be what i need to hear.

and look at these kids! seriously. who could be angry for more than 20 minutes anyway... they are even prettier when they are asleep hahahaha.

someone asked me last week why i take a photo of my children every sunday... it started because dougs parents and my brothers all lived so far away, then mum and dad went on their mission, then dominique went on hers and kept asking me to send photos of the kids and it just kept going... it's so fun to look back on the pics of them all dressed up though. one thing is for sure, we will never be lacking photos of these kids, not with how snap happy their mother is!

happy sunday my friends! xx

the importance of mothers

mother and child, by mary teasdel, oil painting, courtesy of the alice art collection/utah arts council

our relief society lesson today was the sacred callings of fathers and mothers (lesson 15 from the ezra taft benson manual) and i loved it. it is nice to have a reminder of why it's okay to stay home with your children and not be working outside the home all day. of why it's okay to say "i'm a mother" and not feel like you're just a mother... and why your children need you. there are some things i simply can't say better myself... so please, if you will, have a read here. or you can read the bits i liked best below! there's some good ones for everyone even if you're not a member of our church.

enjoy!

10 specific ways we can spend effective time with our children

 [First,] whenever possible, be at the crossroads when your children are either coming or going—when they leave and return from school, when they leave or return from dates, when they bring friends home. Be there at the crossroads whether your children are 6 or 16. …

Second, mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them. Yes, regularly spend one-on-one time with each child. Be a real friend to your children.

Third, take time to read to your children. Starting from the cradle, read to your sons and daughters. … You will plant a love for good literature and a real love for the scriptures if you will read to your children regularly.

Fourth, take time to pray with your children. Family prayers, under the direction of the father, should be held morning and night. Have your children feel of your faith as you call down the blessings of heaven upon them. … Have your children participate in family and personal prayers, and rejoice in their sweet utterances to their Father in Heaven.

Fifth, take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Have your children actively involved. Teach them correct principles. Make this one of your family traditions. …

Sixth, take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible. This is a challenge as the children get older and lives get busier. But happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because parents and children work at it.

Seventh, take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family. … Reading the Book of Mormon together as a family will especially bring increased spirituality into your home and will give both parents and children the power to resist temptation and to have the Holy Ghost as their constant companion. I promise you that the Book of Mormon will change the lives of your family.

Eighth, take time to do things as a family. Make family outings and picnics and birthday celebrations and trips special times and memory builders. Whenever possible, attend, as a family, events where one of the family members is involved, such as a school play, a ball game, a talk, a recital. Attend Church meetings together, and sit together as a family when you can. Mothers who help families pray and play together will [help them] stay together and will bless children’s lives forever.

Ninth, mothers, take time to teach your children. Catch the teaching moments at mealtime, in casual settings, or at special sit-down times together, at the foot of the bed at the end of the day, or during an early-morning walk together. … A mother’s love and prayerful concern for her children are the most important ingredients in teaching her own. Teach children gospel principles. Teach them it pays to be good. Teach them there is no safety in sin. Teach them a love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and a testimony of its divinity. Teach your sons and daughters modesty, and teach them to respect manhood and womanhood. Teach your children sexual purity, proper dating standards, temple marriage, missionary service, and the importance of accepting and magnifying Church callings. Teach them a love for work and the value of a good education. Teach them the importance of the right kind of entertainment, including appropriate movies, videos, music, books, and magazines. Discuss the evils of pornography and drugs, and teach them the value of living the clean life. Yes, mothers, teach your children the gospel in your own home, at your own fireside. This is the most effective teaching that your children will ever receive. …

Tenth and finally, mothers, take the time to truly love your little children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love. Your teenage children also need that same kind of love and attention. It seems easier for many mothers and fathers to express their love to their children when they are young, but more difficult when they are older. Work at this prayerfully. There need be no generation gap. And the key is love. Our young people need love and attention, not indulgence. They need empathy and understanding, not indifference from mothers and fathers. They need the parents’ time. A mother’s kindly teachings and her love for and confidence in a teenage son or daughter can literally save them from a wicked world.

high tea with mama

it's my mums birthday today! and to celebrate, i left my kids with their other grandparents, so we could go opshopping and out to have high tea together in guildford. and it was so worth it. no kids to worry about... and we got to sit and chat and for once just enjoy each others company. (disclaimer: it's not that i don't love my children... it's just nice to be able to have some adult time every now and then, especially with your mum, because let's be honest, once you have kids, how often do you ever get to see your parents on your own? especially, while we're still being honest... they normally want to see the kids more than you hahahaha)

there is no one greater in the whole wide world than my mum. she is so clever and downright talented. she can sew anything, look like a master and she is so kind. she has been the finest example of love and selfless service to me in my life.

high tea was the perfect choice as we share a love for vintage china and loved every minute of our time at maddison cottage. i have been there before, but this was her first time... i think i am pretty safe to say she loved it as much as i did.

our opshopping adventures were well enjoyed too as we dug through the shelves and racks hoping for some treasure and found some great stuff. 

happy birthday mama. you mean the absolute world to me - and the finest compliment i have ever received is "you are turning into your mother." ♥

we are clean!

finally after a week, we have test results! there is no whooping cough here... thank goodness. we can leave the house again and be normal human beings haha.

first item on the agenda was leaving the house of course, so we all walked up to the local shops to post a package to sister kendall. all we really got out of  her on sunday was how cold she is, so we sent her a big jacket (which is now thirdhand sister missionary), a scarf, some more shoes, some treats, a painting from madeline... and some other bits and bobs. hopefully she will have it soon. it's not bad though, going airmail from perth, they have said it's only between 3-10 working days. not bad at all.

now to wash all the linen in the house seeing as he is finally feeling better. a mothers work is never done.

mothers day 2015

another mothers day has come and gone... and i have to admit, it was not the best... joseph hasn't been well for a few weeks, although as it was originally just a very runny nose, we hadn't taken him to the doctor. on tuesday morning he woke up and coughed and coughed and coughed, so i bundled him off to the doctor, only to have them test him for whooping cough! personally i don't think that's what it is, he isn't terribly ill, even now... but as there has been a few cases in perth recently, they had to check for it. i am feeling pretty blessed that he has been immunised, so if by some crazy chance he has contracted it, it would be an extremely mild case and not potentially dangerous! anyway... because of that, we are on house arrest. :( he can't go anywhere until the results are back - which won't be until tuesday, blergggg. he seems okay and is on antibiotics, so fingers crossed.

so, no church for us today, although doug went (he had a speaking assignment...) which meant i missed out on hearing him speak and hearing my primary children sing, they had practiced and practiced for weeks to sing "i often go walking" to their mums. devastated. 

there was good parts of my day though... i got a gorgeous white cardigan and some lollies from the kidlets...

 i got to facetime with my mum in France, where she is living it up with dad and my brothers family... i am so grateful for her and every little thing she has done for me over the years. some people are insulted when they are told they are turning into their mother... i however take it as a compliment, there is no one i would rather be. she is loving, generous, compassionate, christlike and so so so talented. she is an amazing cook, can sew anything, makes beautiful creations out of old junk and is one heck of a snappy dresser.

mama you are the queen of my heart!

the highlight of my day though, was talking to doug's beautiful sister, serving in the new zealand hamilton mission. she has been been out just 17 days and in the field just 5 days, but as it was mothers day she was entitled to a call home. it was so nice to hear from her and actually get to see her face! i already miss her so much and it was the best to see her!

all in all though, my mothers day was okay... because i got to share it with these two adorable monkeys that i get to call me "mum". how grateful i am to be their mum and for every single day i have already had to spend with them and every one i'm yet to have. even the hard ones when someone is in tears most of the day (and yes, that someone is sometimes me!) i love my babies - and i am so glad to be 

a mum

i'm just a mother

being the primary music leader i don't often get to go to relief society at all, but today i obviously arrived at the perfect time, and got so much out of the lesson! the lesson was about the blessings of motherhood and sometimes it's something we need to hear. 

the sister giving the lesson read from a book called "i am a mother" by jane clayson johnson (which you can buy here... but she so kindly loaned to me to read.) johnson tells of how she had a promising career in television and was watched by millions each day in her job as an anchor on a major network, but gave it up after following a prompting to do so, to be a mother. she met many "you must be crazy's" and even a little ridicule from co-workers, who assured her she would never again be given the opportunity she had. but it didn't matter, motherhood is an opportunity not given to all, which also must be taken when you have the chance.

she attended a function with her husband on one occasion and was asked, along with the other couples attending to introduce herself. she recalls listening as each woman got up beside their husband, and offered a little about themselves, most saying almost apologetically, "oh, i'm just a mother" "my life isn't very exciting right now, i'm just raising our children" or something of the likes. even before the excerpt from the book was finished i already knew what was wrong. there is no such thing as just a mother.

i have been guilty of that myself, when asked, i often tell people i am on maternity leave from my position in the funeral home where i have worked for almost the last ten years and i am trying to decide if i will return to work. or i simply say, i am a funeral director. never, "i am a mother." there's certainly no shame in being a mother and i know that, but it seems to be the way of the world to not want to be "just" that. i right then and there made a mental note to tell the next person who asked, "i am a mother."

there have been many times when i have asked young children what they want to be when they grow up. most tell of something outrageous... i think last time i asked my daughter madeline, she wanted to be a princess, the time before, an ice dancer, (we had just been to disney on ice, mind you) and the time before that a doctor (i am fairly certain we were playing with a doctors kit that day.) but every time i have asked my niece grace (by name and nature...) she has always answered that she wants to be a mother. even before i had children, i knew this was the most beautiful answer. i remember the day her father laid his hands upon her head to give her a blessing and told her she would one day be a mother. it was such a simple, but beautiful promise for her.

not all women are mothers directly to children they have grown in their womb or given birth to. we know of the blessings of adoption, of fostering... and for those not blessed with children, of being an example to nieces and nephews, young cousins and the children of other family members and close friends. it has often been said that "it takes a village to raise a child" and i must admit, with the love and support shown within the confines of the gospel, i think it often takes a ward to raise a child.  

being blessed with two children of my own, i have never felt the pain of not being blessed with children, that i know is only too real for so many women. i admire those who have not been blessed with children that do not allow it to consume them. that do not allow it to make them bitter, as i do not know if i could be so strong. i am thankful for those who have that to bear, yet show kindness and love to the children of others amongst that pain. 

i know some days i find myself muttering under my breath when my children are being difficult. some days i even find myself wishing they weren't there, only to feel terribly guilty two minutes later because i can't even imagine life without them. but being a mum isn't always easy. sometimes it's horrid. no one tells you about how hard it will be. it's not always smiles and laughter and pretty clothes. sometimes it's being awake all night, cleaning up after sickness, hearing your name being called 5000000000000 times (i don't even know if that's enough zeros) in one day, tantrums, mess, jealousy and many other things. but like any mother, i'll take them all, for even 5 minutes of my babies in my lap sleeping, laughing or just being with me.

i am a mother. it's hard. but it's worth it.

mothers in my life

mother i love you, mother i do.

father in heaven, has sent me to you...

when i am near you, i love to hear you,

singing so softly, that you love me too.

mother i love you, i love you, i do

(lds childrens songbook 207)

seeing as we are still in the week following mothers day, i thought i would show you the six most important mothers in my life...

barbara

my own mother - and truly my best friend in the entire world. she has been everything i could ever need and always known the right thing to say (or not say) throughout my entire life. i can honestly say, that if she wasn't my mother, i would hope to have met her so at least we could be friends. she's ultra cool, stylish, funny and amazingly talented with cooking and sewing. the only thing she can't do is sing! and i know that comment won't insult her so i am safe. oh and most importantly... she taught me every last thing there is to know about opshopping. clearly information i put to very good use!

oliveta

my mother in law - raised a good and worthy young man in the gospel, encouraged him to serve a mission and be married in the temple. she has been wonderful in my life, loves my children in that perfect grandmother way and always defends me if there's an argument! plus... she buys my kids great clothes! family is her whole life and i am so blessed to have her in mine.

gwendoline

(aka nanna)

my mothers mother. gave me the most precious gift - the gift of life, without my mother i wouldn't be here... and she brought her to this earth. i have just one memory of my nanna, which is amazing enough in itself, she died a few months before i turned three! i know from my mother that she was a true english lady, dinner promptly each evening at 5pm and never, ever adjusted to the "awful heat" in australia. christmas to her was never right with the snow missing...

phyllis

(grandma)

my fathers mother, passed away when i was 5... she was an amazing cook and taught my own mother much of what she knows. she loved to have all her grandchildren around her. she sang - and people who knew her tell me she had the voice of an angel! i credit my love of singing and music to this beautiful woman. she also crotcheted non stop and i still have my grandma-made blanket in my home today! ♥

suilolo

(doug's mama)

doug's mothers mother, was all about family above all else. her children and grandchildren loved to be around her. she was samoan and didn't speak english, but i know her encouragement of doug's mother helped her to teach doug all he knows.

louisa

(doug's grandma)

doug's fathers mother, was a very attractive woman... kind and very protective of her children. she died when doug was very young, but doug's dad has told us what a good mother she was and how she would always look out for them.

i can't wait to see my own grandmothers in the eternities, sometimes i feel almost as if i was cheated out of having them as a child (- even though i know that they must have been needed more elsewhere...) and i can't wait to get to know them better. also to know dougs mama without the language barrier and to meet his grandma. 

i am grateful to these women for shaping my family and i am looking forward to our family being together for eternity!