Motherhood

Well, it's official. I'm a mother. It still seems surreal even though I have been part of the "Mommy Club" for about a month. I recall listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen two years ago when he gave the following quote:

"[Growing] up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood. … Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get.” He went on to say, “Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." (Talk- Here's the link to the entire talk. It's amazing!)

Listening to that two years ago, I thought, "That's nice but it doesn't really apply to me." Now, it couldn't apply more to our family. Our lives are been changed. We no longer can come and go as we please. Suddenly, a trip to Target means waiting until Ashton is fed and happy. A quick stop at the post office is twice as long because I can't just quick run in. Ashton comes with now. Going to church means starting to get ready an hour earlier depending on when Ashton eats. My desire to schedule out my days is pretty much out the window

Despite that, being a mother ranks high above the condition of my body, having a successful career, or taking vacations at any time to any place. We manage our finances differently to help provide for our daughter. We have made and will continue to make sacrifices in order to raise children. But I can say with 100 percent certainty that every sacrifice is worth it. Seeing Ashton every day and watching her grow is worth it

When Joseph returned to work full-time, I spent the night before wondering, "What am I going to do with all this time?" I felt that I would be bored to death with a three week old baby who sleeps, poops, and eats. But then I recalled Elder Andersen's talk and the exact comment that God gave me time to be a mother. I want to use the time I have to the best of my ability as a mother.

Being Ashton's mother is the best blessing God has given me. I'm grateful to Heavenly Father for giving me such a choice spirit who brings so much happiness and joy to our family. When I hear her cry at 3 in the morning, I grudgingly crawl out of bed. And then I turn the corner into her room and see her in the crib and my heart melts. I cannot help but feel so much love for her. Being her mother is an honor. I'm grateful that my husband has a good job so that I can stay at home to raise our daughter. Becoming a mother is the second best choice I've made. The best choice I made was marrying a wonderful man who has quickly become a wonderful father.