Motherhood Is a Busy Blessing

With the new baby, I've had a new appreciation for motherhood and a lot of time to think.  It is such a taxing, never-ending, tiring, ever-changing and relentless job.  But it is also so very sweet and rewarding and one of the most wonderful blessings in my life.  Sometimes I look at my kids and think, "How did I get so lucky to be their mother".  It's strange how it can be both at the same time. 

The longer I am a mother, the less I feel I know.  :)  It's a constant learning curve and re-evaluation.  Some days I think I have a handle on the chaotic schedule and cleaning and paperwork and dental visits and church calling and then I forget something...or someone has a meltdown or three.  And then we start all over.  But that is the key I think...starting over, trying again, getting a new plan, making another list, taking a deep breath etc. As long as we don't give up, we will be succeeding.  Some days will be disasters.  Some days we will be late, messy, ornery or sad.  The laundry room may just be a mess for the next fifteen years or so, but in the end does it really matter?  What I think matters most is spending time with the kiddies and not just the time spent having fun, but time spent disciplining, teaching, talking about rules and boundaries, following up on disobedience, rewarding good behavior and loving. And it takes a lot of time to teach and follow up and discipline as well as listen and give them attention and help, especially with five of them going in all different directions with different needs.  Motherhood is a giant responsibility and time-taker.  Schedules tend to help (and I am so bad at keeping a schedule), lists keep me focused, my phone calendar is a life-saver and reading my scriptures and saying my prayers make the most difference in my attitude and outlook.  

I am so thankful for the sweet bundle that joined our family. He is a reminder of motherhood and to re-evaluate my time and priorities as a mother.  It is truly the most important thing I can do.  So here's to motherhood and to all of the ups and downs, the tears and the laughter, the roller-coaster teenagers and the diaper blowouts.  Here's to lugging around a car seat until your back aches (BTW my friend let me borrow the most outrageous nautical car seat cover and I LOVE it) and driving in three carpools.  Here's to sleepless nights and crazy schedules, to basketball games and last minute school projects.  And to potty training and teaching a kid to drive...both so scary. And I wouldn't change it at all!

*6 days old*

*6 weeks and 4 weeks*

Dennis played with the baby one day after church and so we took some pictures.  Dennis is so sweet, gentle and calm.  He is for sure a baby-whisperer.

*4 weeks*

I love babies snoozing in car seats and it's crazy how fast they grow!  What a difference three weeks makes.  

*1 week-4weeks*