My Introduction to my classmates:
"My plate is wonderfully/chaotically full with a hard working & fun husband, 7 rambunctious & lovable kids (Bigs: 14 & 13, Littles: 7,5, 3, & Twins: 1 1/2 year-old) and a busy church calling. I started BYU-I online last year, majoring in Marriage and Family Studies and have loved learning things that have benefited my life in real time. Needless to say, I have high hopes for this parenting class!
My days consist of diaper changing, cleaning, cooking, listening, sometimes yelling, teaching, reminding, holding, praying, soothing, disciplining, learning, crying, whining, building, hugging, and always loving. I'm grateful for date nights with the husband, the power of prayer, scripture study, and that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ I can repent and try again the next day."
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness and provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live." (Proclamation)
“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. 'Children are an heritage of the Lord' (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness and provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live." (Proclamation)
In teaching the importance of the family, Elder Richard G. Scott (April 2001) asked, “Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? His comment lead me to ponder what I am putting first in my life. Am I getting so caught up in my daily responsibilities that I am neglecting to teach my children the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Nick and I looked forward to starting our family very quickly after we got married. Two little girls came within the first three years. Life was busy with meeting the needs of our girls, Nick attending school, and both of us serving in church callings but pretty quickly after the second we thought we were ready for a third. Apparently Heavenly Father didn't agree. Our third child was born almost 6 years later with 4 more children to follow him within the next five years.
Nick and I looked forward to starting our family very quickly after we got married. Two little girls came within the first three years. Life was busy with meeting the needs of our girls, Nick attending school, and both of us serving in church callings but pretty quickly after the second we thought we were ready for a third. Apparently Heavenly Father didn't agree. Our third child was born almost 6 years later with 4 more children to follow him within the next five years.
I believe Heavenly Father gave me that time between children to realize how much I valued being able to be a mother and what a blessing it is to have children.
Being in the thick of raising our children right now, I have to admit that I have good days and bad. I never wish for this season of my life to be over, but I do look forward to the close of certain days. My testimony of Motherhood and the testimony that I have Heavenly help gets me through the crazy days.
In October 2011 General
Conference, Elder Andersen quoted a blogger who stated, "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."
I recommit myself to keeping focused on the essentials of life: FAMILY!
