4 Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all!  Especially to my wonderful mom. She has always been such a guiding light for me. She is kind, she is sincere, she is honest, she is righteous and she has always put her family first. She has communicated love daily to my dad and us kids. She is a lady, she is the hardest worker and she loves me. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

And also to my new mom! Sean's mom Sherie could not have been more welcoming and loving if she tried. When I went last time to visit in Arizona, she had a card and flowers and gifts set up in my room. She is constantly doing things to support me and is so selfless. She also raised my favorite boy in the whole world. Mad props.
My mom told me I ended up with the world's best in-laws and I could not agree more!

Oh, and they're both total babes. Thanks for handing over some awesome genes.
Love you Momma Kari and Momma Sherie!

There are so many more women in my life who have loved me and provided support and direction. Thank you!

I realize Mother's Day can be a potentially hard holiday for some. There are many who wish to be mothers and cannot. There are some who have lost children. There are some who have lost their moms. This makes my heart hurt but today can also be a day to celebrate women and their inherent gift to love and nurture. The ability we have to nurture and care for others is a gift from our Heavenly Father! Some of the gifts that have been "pegged" to motherhood, we can all practice. Since I am not yet a mom and won't be for a little while, I have thought about how I can use some of the traits given by God to become better: I can be patient and kind to my students and be more understanding to those who have no home support. I can love my friends and family and show empathy towards them. I can be kinder and more forgiving to others. I can take care of my family and practice more patience.

I was reading on the church's website today about motherhood. I love how it's so inclusive and speaks to all women. Including those who don't have children or those who have lost their mothers for a short time.

I stumbled upon this gem as well and now I absolutely love this video (and it made me cry, fyi):

Mothers, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are, better than you are, and better than you have ever been. And if, for whatever reason, you are making this courageous effort alone, without your husband at your side, then our prayers will be all the greater for you. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you. We thank all of you, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God.

May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.”

Jeffrey R. Holland

Happy Mother's Day!