Mother's Day
In the last little while I have heard on TV, from friends, family, and read articles how as women and mothers we are our biggest critics and as I have thought of that, I think it is sad. We should be each others cheer leaders. If we think we can "see" something someone is doing wrong or could do something better I'm 100% sure they know it themselves. And almost all of the time they are trying to work on it and don't need others reminding them of their short comings. We do on the other hand need people telling us that we are doing enough and rockin' it, what ever that may be.
Now while I am human and do make mistakes, slip and fall daily. I am really trying to not judge others, compare myself to other moms, wife's, sisters, or daughter but just be the best I can and do the best I can. And just letting others know as long as they are dong the same I am a judgment free zone and will only encourage them. And I know I am not the only one because I found these wonderful quotes and also got a very sweet e-mail from my mother in law of things to up lift us as women and mothers.
Have you ever found yourself wondering if anything you do actually matters? Or if you as a person matter?
Our part, as mothers, does matter — greatly. Mothers are the core strength of the home. What happens in individual homes can affect society, both positively and negatively. We need to cultivate healthy and functional homes for our children
Recently, religious leader, Elaine S. Dalton addressed audiences around the world. She related a quote from William Shakespeare that says, "What-e'er thou art, act well thy part." In other words, whatever your circumstances may be, do the best you can.
Mothers influence by example. Children look up to their mothers and often imitate their behavior. It is of paramount importance for mothers to set a positive example for their children. The hypocritical old saying, "do as I say, not as I do" will not work. Children often repeat whatever behavior they observe, regardless of what they are told.
Respect starts at home. If you want your children to be respectful, you have to be respectful yourself. It is necessary to be respectful toward your spouse, leaders, the law and others such as teachers and the elderly. Even if you disagree with something, you can still find a way to be kind and respectful. Your attitudes will be reflected through your children. Also, if you want your children to respect you, you need to respect them.
Teach your children to know who they really are. Dalton explains that we are all children of God. This knowledge can help children and adults to act accordingly. With this divine heritage, we can find strength to live better and help others to do so also. Knowing who we are can make all the difference in how we think and act.
"Act well thy part." As mothers and parents, we must always be striving to "act well thy part." Whether we need to work on patience, love, understanding, forgiveness, responsibility, organizing or even cooking, that is our job that we signed up for as parents. How can we teach our kids to do their best if we are not similarly trying to achieve our best? Teach your child how to be their best self regardless of circumstances and backgrounds.
Home is the foundation upon which society is built. If homes around the world are failing, the result is a failing society. We need to raise children who are strong enough to withstand the inevitable temptations and trials they will face. It is an individual as well as a collective effort.
Nurturing and love at home are key. Like sunshine and water are necessary for plants, children need to be loved and nurtured. Above all else, provide a home that is full of love and safety for your children. Through this, they will not only gain a strong foundation of love, but will also be more willing to accept what you are teaching them.
If you're thinking that as one mom you can't change the world, consider this quote by Anita Roddick, the late founder of The Body Shop, "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito." Though somewhat humorous, the point is clear: even one individual can have an influence on society — good or bad.
We matter. You matter. You can make a powerful difference in the world by simply making a difference in your own family.
Finally, this quote by religious leader Gordon B. Hinckley sums it all up:
“We must never lose sight of the strength of the women. … It is mothers who most directly affect the lives of their children. … It is mothers who nurture them and bring them up in the ways of the Lord. Their influence is paramount. …
“… They are the creators of life. They are the nurturers of children. They are the teachers of young women. They are our indispensable companions. They are our co-workers in building the kingdom of God. How great is their role, how marvelous their contribution.”
“There are some mothers who are remarkable because they are instruments of change. Mothers who provide a stimulating environment for learning. Some mothers put their kids to work, take them traveling across the world or have them cut the neighbor’s lawn.
It is easy to approach Mother’s Day feeling like we have an inadequate stamp on our foreheads. We may look at our families and only see the things we do wrong; the untidy corners, the bickering, the unmotivated child, and the cold cereal for dinner.
But I’ve come to think of mothering, this whole wild and messy and incredible journey, as a school for learning. We are all of us scientists, testing and experimenting. We learn by trial and error. We form hypotheses and conclusions. We study the words of experts and more importantly, those who have cone before. We pray without ceasing.
And because it is a complicated formula, one that involves a million variables and the intricate minds of so many little people, the outcome is different every time.
The point is that we are all learning and growing, parent and child. We are creating something akin to a miracle each day. We are doing it deliberately, with thought and effort and loads of hard work.
The world needs all kinds of people, and it needs all kinds of mothers. It needs mothers who will thrive with the varied tools they’re given and have faith in the journey.
That, I believe, is the ideal mother.”
Tiffany Lewis
“Whenever you start to feel those drizzles of doubt, remember to be present in the moment as you are mothering your children. Whether you’re helping them with homework, watching their dance moves, or cheering them on from the bleachers, remember that you are there. And that’s all your children really want and will remember.”
Jodi Robinson
"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother... Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children... What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." Elder M. Russell Ballard
Happy Mother's Day!
We went to the Ballards for a BBQ after church and let the boys take care of it...
We also made hand print flowers and sent them to the Grandmas..
