She came tonight as I sat alone...

the girl I used to be...

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye

have you forgotten the many plans

And hopes I had for you?

The great career, the splendid fame,

all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height

With all its gardens rare?

The silken..robes that I dreamed f for you

And the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad

For I wanted her pleased with me...

This slender girl from the shadowy past

the girl that used to be.

So gently rising, I took her hand

And guided her down the hall,

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay

Innocent ,sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems,

And precious they are to me:

That silken robes is my motherhood 

of costly simplicity,.

And my mansion of stately height is love,

And the only career I know

 is serving each day in these sheltered walls

for the dear ones who come and go

And as I spoke to my shadowy, guest,

She smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw the woman that I am now

Pleased the girl I used to be.

A really sweet sister gave a lesson on motherhood in relief society when I was in Utah. I haven't been to Releif society in years because of my amazing calling in Primary. I am so glad I got to be there for this because if there is one thing I'm passionate about is motherhood and the divine calling that it is. I loved this poem that she handed out. I honestly don't know if this rings true to me because the girl I used to be would be so proud that I have achieved my dream of being a mom to these beautiful people. What an awesome responsibility it is and scary! But something this hard and scary is beautiful and divine and can only be done with a prayer in your heart. My heart is so full of gratitude for all you mothers that choosing to raise these blessed children of our Heavenly Father.

I recently read a blog post from a mom that said she couldn't help but get a little annoyed at people that would tell her to love every moment of having little children. You know in the grocery store when they're all going crazy and you think what was I thinking bringing them. They're into everything, they're in every which way and all you needed was to get butter or something simple like that for dinner and you're standing in a line that will not move. It's stressful, don't get me wrong, but it's a learning opportunity for everyone.

 I have always been a carpe diem person. I am known for getting emotional about anything. First day of school, last day of school, first tooth loss...you get the picture. I do enjoy those moments because I know they don't last. I know because Tyler was a super active little boy and now he sits at church quietly without snacks or coloring books or any other activity. I know it felt crazy and I will never forget how we couldn't sit longer than 2 minutes at a time. So excuse me for noticing that my kids are growing up no matter how hard I don't want them to, but they are and can I tell you how proud I am to call them my children. I love them so much. I love that I get to sit down and do homework with them everyday. No matter how much they don't want to. Life is such a precious gift! No matter how it's started it is a precious gift not to be taken lightly. I am so glad that we get to have children in this world to remind us the important things. I love that I get to serve the children of the Lincoln 3rd ward. I can feel their precious spirits when I walk into the primary room and see their smiling faces. I love that I get to see them grow and learn in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love how they challenge me and ask questions during a lesson. I know our Heavenly Father has an infinite amount of love for us. I can see it in the faces of the children around me. I know they have to grow up and the only thing that makes it o.k is that I know what wonderful people, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, maybe pilot, archaeologist and Veterinarian they will become. I hope you all have the chance to look into a child's face today and see the Joy that they have to share.