The Mothers Around Me

This is my first real Mothers Day this year. Looking back at almost a year of mothering, I am surprised at how very little I feel like I know. What I do know is that I have a greater appreciation for ALL mothers, especially my own. And, of course, I know that I love it and I love William. NOTHING gives me greater joy than being a Mother.

This week, as I've been thinking of all that I have learned from my mother, I have been very aware of the other mothers around me. My sister Megan wrote a wonderful post about our mom and I ditto everything she said-she's wonderful. Of course my Mama is the best (I dare anyone to try and tell me she is not:), and not a day goes by that I am not thankful for something that she taught me, but I appreciate the efforts of the mothers around me, because I know how hard it is!

My grandmas are especially wonderful. Grandma F. is fun, energetic, and oh so talented. She makes me want to be with her. My Grandma Andros unfortunately is not around anymore, I wish so much that William could know her-her quiet, smart, and strong self. Our primary is learning the grandmother song, I cry each time and cannot make it through, because I have been blessed with wonderful grandmas and William has wonderful Nanas.

My sisters are the BEST. Megan has practical advice and a good sense of humor about motherhood and she puts forth her full effort, she doesn't just happen to have kids and raise them, she nurtures, loves, and teaches them-she is engaged in being a mom. Bethany shows me so often what William needs. She plays with him and teaches him the funniest things. He loves her and is always excited to see her-she truly has a Mother Heart.

My sister in-laws are great. I love the examples they show me. Tricia is so creative, she takes the blah out of life. Clara is energetic, I don't know where it comes from, but I wish I had it! Carrie is so thoughtful about those around her and so funny. She also sticks to what she says she'll do-it's amazing to me. Jessica never tires of babies-her and I are alike in this, but it is so nice to have someone else as interested in your own kids as you are-right?!

I am also blessed to have Nina as Dave's mother and William's Nana. She is so supportive of all that we do, and that is what I need as a mother! Nina's mother-Grandmother is important to us as well. She taught Dave how to work and many others too-at almost 85 years old she is still working hard.

My Aunts (including Dave's Aunts) have always been an inspiration to me. They have raised wonderful kids that I am happy to call my cousins. The fruit of their labors are well worth it.

I have a friend, Emily Stokes, that amazes me when it comes to mothering. She is a little younger than me, and does not have children, but I have watched her mother her own mother and her sisters and me. She is an example of unconditional love, which we know we have for our own families, but she has it for me, even though we're not related, and it is amazing and truly makes me want to do better.

William is so lucky in our ward to have lots of surrogate moms and grandmas. Next door is Gwen Crump, who is always glad to have William come over and she empathizes with the task of mothering and gives encouragement. Grandma Dorothy is two doors down and a ball of fun! I hope I can be like her when I'm a great grandma. The ladies in the primary presidency with me are fabulous, Patti, Ranuta, Laura. They welcome William to meetings and teach me to be patient with him and appreciate him, even when he is getting into everything. They remind me that mothering is FUN! There are also several other young mothers who have been an inspiration to me and taught me many things: Stephanie-loves ALL kids, Megan-generous with time and talents, Shoni-so patient and serene, Nicole-is just quietly being a mother and working very hard, Emily-is a great mom and still hasn't lost who she is, there are so many more-and I need every mother figure out there, so I can do the best I can.

What makes me so glad to be a mother is WILLIAM. He is the joy of my life. I sometimes sing Mother I Love You to him, not to put words in his mouth, but instead of saying Mother I Love You, I say "William I Love You; William I do. Father in Heaven has sent me to you. When I am near you, I love to hear, saying so softly that you love me too." Even though William came to earth after me, I know that I was sent to earth for him and my future children. It is truly my calling in life, and I am glad for it. It makes life worth living! Who inspires you to be a better mother?