I don't think you REALLY understand what your mom, or any mom you know, REALLY does for their children until you are a mom yourself! Sure you love them and appreciate them, but all of the time and sacrIfice doesn't sink in until you have done it!
Jason and I had a chance to go to the symphony, with some friends, on Friday night. As I sat there, listening to the music, I was thinking about Jacob and all I want him to be. He could learn to play an instrument, he could play a sport, he could do well academically, or do several of those things, etc. There are so many opportunities you want to give your children...but most of all you want him to be a good person.
As I began to "plan" his life I thought about my ability to be his mom, to lead and guide him through life. All of my abilities reflect on my mom and what she (and dad) did in order to help me through life. Mom made some of our clothes (we always had a new Christmas and Easter dress), she made sure we had breakfast (even when we left for early morning seminary at 5:45 A.M!), she took us to ballet lessons, piano lessons, made sure we had Family Home Evening (even thought it would have been much easier to forget it rather than fight her children about doing it). Mom is a great example of doing your Church callings, reading your scriptures, saying your prayers and following the Prophet. She is always loves to have us come by and visit, when I stay over night with Jacob, she is has taken care of him on some mornings so I could get some sleep...she is always willing to help her kids.
Without her (and dad) where would I be? Because of who she is I could always step out on a limb and try something because I always knew she would be there to help cushion the fall or to cheer me on in my success.
Over the past year I have also reflected on my sisters and sisters-in-law and all the children they have. Some of them have 5 and 6 children! Amazing to me, but then most of them started when they were in their 20's. Doesn't mean it was easy, but maybe they handled the lack of sleep better than I do. :) They are amazing women, Joy, Kristina, Heidi, Jennifer, Adrienne, Irina and Stephanie. Together they are raising 32 children!
My hat is off to all women who are mothers...some days I am amazed that the world is populated due to what you go through to have kids! But when I look at Jacob and think of all he can become and HOW CUTE and FUN he is right now, it is all worth it!!
Joy (behind my mom)
Irina with her husaband Josh, their daughter Sarah and Jacob
Madaline, Tyler, Adriennne, Carter (holding Jacob) Taylor (Joy's son)
Lunch with the girls. Heidi (holding Oliva), Mom (holding Samanth), Me (holding Jacob) Kristina (sans children).
Don't have any photos of Jennifer or Stephanie.
