Words of Wisdom

I am thankful for these words by Richard Carlson which reminded me once again . . .

"Don't sweat the small stuff."

Examples

I was realizing the tremendous responsibility as a parent to prepare my boys for a mission as I read the quotes below. I am thankful for the young men who have come into our home and have set an example for my boys by preparing and serving missions.

President Spencer W. Kimball: "I was asked a few years ago, “Should every young man who is a member of the Church fill a mission?” And I responded with the answer the Lord has given: “Yes, every worthy young man should fill a mission.” The Lord expects it of him. And if he is not now worthy to fill a mission, then he should start at once to qualify himself. The Lord has instructed, “Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews."

Elder Joe J. Christensen: “The Lord did not say, ‘Go on a mission if it fits your schedule, or if you happen to feel like it, or if it doesn’t interfere with your scholarship, your romance, or your educational plans.’ Preaching the gospel is a commandment and not merely a suggestion. It is a blessing and a privilege. … Remember, … the Lord and his prophets are counting on you” (“The Savior Is Counting on You,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 41).

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “I say what has been said before, that missionary work is essentially a priesthood responsibility. As such, our young men must carry the major burden. This is their responsibility and their obligation” (“Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 52)

Friends

Today I am grateful for 2 friends who have been brought into my life, who have so generously shared a high chair and beautiful baby girl clothes with us.

Many Years of Motherhood

As I was reading a blog post by Danielle Bean about being a new mother and the mother she is today it made me think about my own steps at being a mother.

Seventeen years ago I was a new mother. It was hard to get a shower, keep the house in order, feed my family, and take care of that little baby. I was the youngest child and although I babysat when I was a teenager I didn't really enjoy it. The whole parenting thing was so overwhelming to me.

Today I have the two little ones down for a nap and so I sit down at the computer for a few minutes to blog, read my favorite blogs, and check the email. I started making five sack lunches at 7:00 am, my kitchen is clean, there is clothes in the washer and the dryer, I scrubbed a toilet this morning, and I've even had a shower. I loaded the dishwashers with a baby next to me in a booster seat.

The house is not perfect but we are healthy, happy, and fed.

Today I am thankful for the years of motherhood that have taught me how to balance life a little better and enjoy it a lot more.

Young Women Values

Today I attended the Young Women in Excellence program with Kimberly who conducted and gave a talk on the Personal Progress Program.

I am blessed to have a daughter who is a beautiful example of the Young Women values, faith, divine nature, individual worth, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, and integrity.

Transition

Today I am grateful that our new foster children feel so comfortable in our home and the transition seemed easy (for them).