“Joyful mother of Children”

I came across this photo from April 2010. I never posted it because I kept hoping that I’d slim down and I could forget that I (once?) had chubs. Well… I’m still in the same state but with a rounder belly full of baby. But… I read once that it’s good to have photos of yourself with your kids no matter how much you dislike what you look like. Your kids will remember you as you were anyways. Anyhoo… this photo and memory made me smile.

You may not be able to tell but Hannah and I were the only ones excited about this idea. Max was refusing to hold hands. Abe was trying to figure out what he was supposed to do. I was laughing because it was soooo not a sing-song lovely moment like the statue portrays. Such is the reality of mothering…

One thing I love about my life is that there is JOY sprinkled throughout. Sometimes I forget to see it. I’m too busy rushing through the day… or too frustrated about something with another tot. But when I take time to play with Tru, his laugh and smile remind me that JOY comes in moments. Snuggles and smiles and apologies from Max remind me that 3-year-olds have tender hearts too. Abe saying, “sooo… you’re not having the best day?” makes me laugh inside (even though I’m still outwardly frustrated at a situation). Hannah’s constant help and cheer bring JOY to us all. Walking into the house from errands with the laundry started and the smell of popcorn in the air reminds me that I am so blessed to have a helpful and willing husband.

Being pregnant and mostly out of our normal routine for the past 2 months has been hard on everyone… but there has been some good come out of it. Instead of me trying to rush about getting stuff cleaned or working on the computer while the boys watched a movie or played, we spent time together playing in the playroom. We’ve read way more books than ever. We’ve built lots of tall, tall, tall towers and castles with legos. Yes, I was throwing cereal on the couch for Tru to snack on for breakfast, but overall… it has been good for me to slow down and just BE with my kids.

The house isn’t as tidy and other chores go undone or get delayed, but I’m realizing that it’s more important right now to take time for my little ones. Perhaps this is part of what Heavenly Father needed me to do… He knows what we need more than we do, eh? He sends us life situations to teach us things that we are too stubborn to learn on our own. Hard to remember sometimes when I get frustrated that so many mothering/homemaking efforts go unnoticed or fail. But even though some days are really discouraging, I love when a SPRINKLE of JOY comes to me… and I actually recognize it.

Anyhoo… I’m grateful that Heavenly Father sends JOY to this mother.  I may not always act like a joyful mother, but my family brings me JOY.  Even though I have crazy ups and many downs, I really can say that I love my beautiful, ordinary life… for I am blessed.