happy children = happy mom
1. My favorite mothering moment this year: Hans was interviewed at the high school for an SBO position. They asked him, “How would your mom describe you?”
Hans didn’t hesitate, “I know exactly what my mom would say because she tells me all the time- she thinks I’m funny and smart and nice and hard working.”
2. Ben calling me on the phone, “It’s been three days since I’ve talked to you, mom! I have so much to tell you.”
3. Driving to school with Xander: “I feel like the favorite child these days.”
4. Gabe and Mary chasing each other around the kitchen every morning before school. Laughing, teasing, enjoying every minute.
5. Every single letter we receive from Stefan.
Of course there are all the times I drive my kids crazy because I’m too tired or distracted or just plain grumpy. I’ve been accused more than once of taking the photo but missing the moment (do other mommy photographers hear this complaint?). My good intentions for morning scripture study have failed once again and wow, I really need to come up with better dinner ideas.
I can’t measure up. But I’ve seen the hand of God making up for what I lack. I’ve seen other people step into my children’s lives, I’ve seen miracles.
And now I’m worried my list will hurt someone’s feelings. But I believe God grants miracles to every mother, and to every woman with a mother heart.
Jeanelle
I just now read this after I finished sending you a FB message (check your inbox please.) Are we in sync? I think so. Creating such a list will be difficult as I feel like a failure these days but I will try. I loved your list (especially Xander’s comment!) And the sensitivity? You and I are so similar. I wish that I wasn’t so tenderhearted. Life would be so much easier but you’re right…it wouldn’t be nearly as sweet.
Ashley D
Great post and well written. You have a gift for lifting others with your humanness
Michelle
My favorite part of this post is the testimony that God makes up the difference. I know and feel this in so many ways. I’m so grateful to know and feel that.
Elder Cook at Women’s Conference talked about a study that showed that if children know they are loved, it helps them succeed more than any other variable. I think it’s completely and 100% clear that your children know they are loved.
And I think this is what draws so many of us to your blog. LOVE is the center of your mother heart, Michelle, and it oozes out to the rest of us.
Love you.
Tracy
Happy Mother’s Day my dear friend. Love you. xo
Mary
Please don’t be hard on yourself Michelle! If only you could see yourself from the outside, with admiring eyes like we do. All mothers have access to the same help and blessings but not all choose to use them. You have made beyond-wonderful choices. God bless you and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY [you stinker]! 😉 ~Mary
deerhollow
This is the perfect advice and activity for me. I really needed this! You do have a gift and LOVE is what you are all about – it’s a beautiful thing 🙂 Thank you for sharing so much with so many.
Kayci Richins
What an inspired challenge to help us see and remind us of the good that we do. I agree with what has been said. It is your love, kindness and sensitivity that draws so many to you. Thank you so much and I hope you had a lovely day and got to talk to your missionary!
The Crummy Graham Family
Hi Michelle. I wanted you to know that your cute little blog here is a place of peace for me. My husband works two jobs and I am a tired mom a lot of the time. Sometimes when I get my kids to sleep I’ll jump on here and you provide me with enough motivation to clean up their toys and go fold some laundry. I love you optimism and honesty all in one. It is refreshing and uplifting. Thank you for reminding me that I am enough. I believe your children are incredible because you are. You live what you teach them and I can see it. Thank you for being who you are and inspiring me to discover more of my own God given talents. You are a wonderful woman. Happy Mother’s Day