"Just" a mom

Last night Jake and I were filling out paperwork and one of the questions asked about our professions. Jake is an officer for the United States Air Force and I am a homemaker. His job sounds pretty darn cool and mine looks pretty plain. When I saw it I immediately smiled, I absolutely love my job. But it's tough to be a stay at home parent. One such aspect being the perspective from the world. I had some flashbacks from a few conversations that I've had with people about my job as a homemaker. As soon as people find out that I'm a stay at home home, they ask what kind of work I'm doing from home. Do I babysit other kids? Do I sell something from home? Do I do ANYTHING other than "just" being a mom? Once they find out that I am "just" a mom, their next question is usually about my schooling? What did you study and how far along in school did you get?

 I feel like I need to explain my credentials and let them know that I am a cool and productive human being. Sheesh, as if being a full time parent isn't enough. I feel like the professional world and conversations like this often make me feel like I'm not noteworthy at all, I have no accomplishments, that I'm "just" a mom.

But let's be real. Being a parent (no matter the situation) is TOUGH work. We are in charge of tiny little human beings. We have to feed them and clothe them and teach them and play with them  and make sure they are clean and the list goes on an on. It's exhausting work. All too often unheralded work. There are a lot of times that I am so worn and torn that I want to throw in the towel and be done. Or times when I don't know how I'm going to get through the day because I am so emotionally or physically in tatters. Or even just days that I am so sick and tired of taking care of everybody else and I just want someone to take care of me! And I know that I'm not the only one. Just yesterday I read quite a few posts of other moms talking about how they are exhausted and at their breaking points. So to those mommies (or daddies), hang in there!

Times like this, there are a lot of things that get me through it. One in particular that brings me comfort every time is the knowledge that God is our loving Heavenly Father. He cares about us and our families and He wants to see us succeed. That being said, He can't take away all the hard times and sleepless nights but He can help sustain and give us the strength we need. I know He helps us because I have felt Him in my life.

One story from the New Testament that I love is found in Luke chapter 18 (Old King James version). Christ and His disciples were resting when a group of people came to talk with Him. It was some parents bringing their children to see Christ. The disciples tried to turn them away saying that the Savior needed to rest. But Christ's response was to "suffer the little child". He then spent time with them and blessed them. Can you imagine how incredible that would be!!? To have the Savior of the world visit and bless your children??! Well we can today, in a matter of speaking. We can ask for His strength and support in our lives and if we are teaching our children to keep the commandments and to follow God, we can have His blessing as well. It's such a weight off of my shoulders because of that knowledge. So if you are a mommy or daddy that needs some strength and peace right now, I'd encourage you to get on your knees and ask for it :) it works if we are willing to listen and follow the promptings that come.

This is a video that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) made that portrays the account of Christ with the children.

                          Just remember that you are loved and you are enough :)

Birthday Girls

I'm so lucky to be able to share my birthday with this little cutie!

What!!?? I have a 3 year old!? That blows my mind, it's gone way too fast for me to keep up with. When I sit and think about where my life is right now, I am just completely overwhelmed with gratitude. I'm married to such a hardworking stud who adores his 3 girls, I have a quirky smart beautiful now 3 year old girl, and the most fun loving little 19 month old ever. My family is my world, they are my everything. And we are so incredibly blessed with such a loving and supportive extended family and friends we consider family. Seriously guys, it's all about family!

Anyways, back to that little birthday girl! She is proving to be quite the little diva. I couldn't imagine our family without her. She can be so aggravating and then turn around and get me to laugh and smile with her. On thing that she loves to do right now is to go to the library.  We have such a nice one by us that does story time and has a whole floor set up for kids, it's a blast. She also LOVES to help cook, which is proving to be a lesson in patience for me! She is a little mini mom to Kailey and she just loves her little sister so much. I could go on an on about her, but I thought it would be more fun to hear it from her! We did this little interview with her and I want to start doing every year on her birthday now. We just asked her a few questions and the ending is hilarious when she talks about giving birth :) love her! Happy Birthday my sweet Aliyah!  

The thing that kills me about this video is that she says macaroni and cheese is her favorite food. She doesn't eat macaroni and cheese very well :) The part that she said that her and Kailey are the best of friends is true! They love each other so much and Kailey just adores Aliyah, she wants to be just like her and has to do everything that she does. I can't wait to see what's in these two little girls futures.