Mother's Day 2013

I will make posts about many things soon.  I promise. But I need to get these mother joys and pics recorded before they are accidentally erased by little hands that are always playing with my phone.  The first shots are taken before getting ready for church...as soon as the kids woke up, actually.  They were so excited to give me the cards that they had made at school.  Not the prettiest shots, but I was crying tears of total joy as I shot them with each tiny person.  Darren's card was his own arm, decorated with love :).

Eden told me I could look at this magnet with her picture every time she went to school or a friend's house and I was missing her :).

Elle really got the tears going.  I can't believe she's reading and writing and leaving me for first grade all day next year!!

And Ryn's first French "bonne fete, Maman"...trop mignon.  

These children never cease to amaze me.  I learn so much from them every day and I'll never stop thanking Heavenly Father for the privilege of being their mother.  How thankful I am for my mom, my mother-in-law, my sweet grandmothers, sisters, sisters-in-law, cousins, aunts, and friends--the great mothers in my life who have taught and continue to teach me how to navigate this crazy adventure!!!

Power

Its a good thing I'm not a popular blogger, or this post might ruffle a few feathers. But since it is my online journal, I wanted to record some of what I've been learning and thinking about.  There are all kinds of power struggles in this world.  What kind of power are we seeking? Power for women to be able to wear pants to church or pray in conference or have more leadership roles? I keep hearing about these things and, honestly, it makes me sad.

I started this post back in April, after attending "Zion's Journey" for our ward. A day when we all try to be in the temple as much as we can. We find babysitters (thank you so much, mom and Tom and Carma! ) and take off time from work. We try to find family names for whom we can make sacred promises and receive great blessings. As I sat and pondered and read scriptures there, the promise of power kept coming to my mind. Power to do what?

For me, I need real power to become more like the Savior. More patient, more kind, more loving, more obedient, more selfless. I need power to see the needs of people who need help. I need power to know how to teach my children to overcome their own trials and find joy in serving The Lord and others. I need power to see these little people,( and Kevin, and myself and everyone around me ) as they really are and really willI be. I need power to teach them how to protect themselves from the countless ways they will be tempted and attacked by a different, but very real power. I need power to bring this precious family back to Heavenly Father who entrusted them to my care. My time and strength are limited. I simply can't use any of it in pursuit of any other forms of worldly power.  

How grateful I am that Heavenly Father's power is real and available to me every minute of every day as I keep the covenants I have made with him.  

This past weekend was the semi-annual General Conference of the church. That has been such a source of strength to me my entire life as I listen to the prophet, apostles and other church leaders teach and testify of truth.  It has always left me in awe as I hear messages that were specifically meant for me.  A few examples just from this time:

--I've been praying to know how best to prepare Ryn for her upcoming baptism.  The very first talk in the very first session for the women spoke specifically about that:  I can help teach Ryn to make and keep simple promises, to joyfully bear the burdens of others, and do these through my own example.  

--I recently read Clayton Christensen's book on being an everyday missionary and had been praying for direction.  Several talks helped me remember to pray daily for the chance to bring someone closer to Chist THAT day, to trust that The Lord will help me and to seek and follow the spirit in every effort.  

--My constant prayer is to know how to strengthen and bring the spirit to our family and home.  So many messages helped me and encouraged me.  President Monson's question "shall I falter or shall I finish?" And his reminder if God's promise, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee" will give me an extra nudge to not be weary in trying to be a joyful mother to 5 busy little angels. Elder Soares' message on meekness inspired me to strive for small victories and incremental changes to my nature through the love of Jesus Christ.  It IS possible to change and become more like him.  

And that is power.