I am blessed to be a Mother...

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms I know who are reading this post! Two days late, I know, but it's the thought that counts right? Besides my own mother, I can think of many, many "older" and younger moms out there who I admire and love. In the words of Elder Ballard, "There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood." The ways that my mom has shaped my life are countless and I will forever be grateful for the sacrifices that she has made for her children. Gracias mami por tu ejemplo.

My mom was pregnant with me when this picture was taken...too bad we can't see her belly!

I always dreamed of being a wife and a mother...I always envisioned myself being sealed in the temple to a worthy priesthood holder and I have been blessed to have that happen in my life. Then I envisioned myself as a mother. I have to say that what I thought motherhood would be like doesn't come close to the reality of my role now. Being pregnant, giving birth and now raising my two children have been the most humbling, refining and rewarding experiences I have ever gone through in my life. Brielle and Braden have changed my life for the better! I never thought it would be possible to love and care for another human being so deeply as I do for them. Before I had kids I often wondered how it could be possible to love your children equally...now I know...yes...I'll be the first to admit that as a mother I have felt incredibly inadequate and frustrated at times but I have also experienced the deepest feelings of happiness and charity. I now understand more fully why through having our own families we are perfected and why this is the plan. I loved Elder Ballard's recent talk "Daughters of God". What a blessing we have to have inspired leaders that know what we need to hear and this talk was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I have learned many things these last two years of motherhood and I have forcefully realized my many flaws!!! I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity in this life to be a mom and I'm sure grateful for the laughter and joy that Brielle and Braden bring to our home!

A few quotes from Elder Ballard's talk:

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique...What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else."

"It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them with us and to seek, with the help of the Lord, to teach them all we can before they leave our home."

"...recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

"Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together."

"Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother."

My attempt of taking a good picture with Brielle & Braden...I failed...all they wanted to do was play!!!

SIDE NOTE: Brielle, Braden and I went to Target this last Saturday and the worse thing happened...Brielle fell off the cart...I felt like a horrible mom and I was crying with her, I felt so terrible, the whole thing happened in half a second, it was VERY SAD. She was very cuddly after that...and I kept asking her "are you okay honey?" and she'd answer: "No mommy, I'm not okay" My poor little girl now has a bruise on her forehead!:(