You Better Not Mess With Me... I Have a Powerful Allie

This message has already been circulating around on the "mommy blogs" I read and I was surprised when at least three or four of the women who posted it on their blog talked about how inadequate they felt as mothers.

Maybe it is because growing up I never wanted to be a mother, and so I'm already exceeding my expectations, but it surprised me that all these women, who in my eyes, are all exceptional mothers felt like they were falling short. I struggle a lot in my motherhood because it doesn't come natural for me-- I'm selfish, impatient, I have a temper, most days I forget to brush Asher's hair, when we go places my children are always out of control, I haven't mopped my kitchen floor in over a month (it is true), and I know my kids spend way too much time in front of the TV. Yet, I've never felt like I am falling short. I feel like God and my children know that I am learning and trying to do the best I can. In the end, I'm grateful that children (and God) are so willing to forgive and forget.

The thing I liked most about Elder Holland's talk was that he reminded me that my motherhood is a partnership with God. That gives me the chills to think about. How powerful to know that because I am doing His work God is my partner in giving life to and in raising my children. I know that in every decision that I make about motherhood-- starting with who to marry and make the father of my children, to where and how I should bring my children into the world, to how to nurture and admonish them, to how to prepare them for their eternal missions... God is my partner and I can turn to Him for power, direction, inspiration, and guidance.

I know that I've really benefited from reading the wonderful blog "Asking Jane" written by an LDS mother of 11 children. She is absolutely amazing and she constantly reminds me that motherhood is a spiritual calling and that I should rely more on God, the scriptures, and personal revelation for parenting advice than on books or next door neighbors (even though I have great neighbors ;). I love what she said on her interview with Bloom:

"In the end, I just did my best. I didn’t schedule time with each child. I absolutely loved spending time with my children. I genuinely did—so I think that for the most part, it just happened. I know it sounds unbelievable but I never really needed to get away. I loved taking one or two with me everywhere. I loved getting them in bed with me at night and reading. I couldn’t wait til they came home from school. I loved summer. They really had my whole heart and usually, that was enough."

It is that last part, "they really had my whole heart and usually, that was enough" that has really impacted me. I realize that the most important thing I can do for my children is 1) give them life and 2) love them with my whole heart, unconditionally... and that is really enough.

Do you notice that Asher's underwear is on backwards? He put it on himself and was so proud I didn't have the heart to tell him.

So Satan... just warning you but... you better not mess with me because, even though I make a lot of mistakes, I have the Omnipotent, Creator, and Lord of the Universe on my side! Ha, take that!