The Mother's Day Pinecone

Happy Mother's Day, to the many moms I have, and all of the women in my life! "There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing, as the influence of a righteous woman." Elder M. Russell Ballard said that in his talk "Mothers and Daughters" from this past April, and that really hit me. I believe those words. I am so blessed to have been raised by such an amazing Mother, she's made all of the difference in my life. She is such an example of developing and cultivating talents, being productive, serving others, humility, learning and love. I love her so much! Though my mom had probably the greatest influence on me, Grammie, my aunts, my neighbor's and teachers growing up helped guide me to get me to where I am today, and set examples of what it is to be a mom and woman. And then Dave's mom, Sue, who loved me and treated me like one of her own from the beginning. She is so much fun to be around, and I love her. And Dave's grandma's, Lilly and Carol, they are so sweet and good and on-the-ball. My friends, many of whom are mothers, and some who are not, they are all such great examples to me also. I learn so much from each friend I have. And now, to be able to be a mother in Zion myself, there's nothing I'd rather be doing! I am so grateful for the privilege of having children in this life. As I was thinking about motherhood and families this past week, one word kept coming to mind. JOY! Our kids are such a joy to us!

We were able to celebrate our mom's and spend the day with them on Sunday. This year, we went to church with the Ryerse's, as we went to church with my Mom last year. I went to Primary with Emma for a while to get her used to it, and I have to admit, I didn't want to leave. They were having Singing Time, and I was having too much fun! The kids were all so sweet. Cal was a charmer in Sunday School and Relief Society. He would go up to the ladies or men and look up at them and give them a big grin. Some said "He looks like a future bishop," since he had a little suit and tie on. One older lady said "That must be one of those modern hair cuts he has," since his hair is always crazy and everywhere from the cream we have to put on his little head. "He is the cutest little boy, ever!" a few more said. He was all over the place though. After church, they gave all of the women a tomato plant, which is a tradition in the Bountiful 37th Ward that has been going on as long as Dave can remember. After church, Emma and Cal gave me a box with an assortment of different types of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, yum! Emma was keeping the secret from me all week. She wouldn't budge, I am impressed. And then Dave got me a gift-card to JoAnn's. Then we hung out and talked with the family, had lunch, and gave Sue the necklace and bracelet we made for her. That afternoon, it was off to the Stoddard's to celebrate with my side. We had dinner that Amy and I made, and then played and chatted. All of the kids pitched in and got my mom a new camera, which she was excited about. And Grammie was also able to came, it's always great to have her over! We made her a necklace, also, and it matched her dress perfectly. I went outside with Emma for a while and we played on the swingset, it's so much fun playing with her and Cal. I love them more than words can describe.

Here's a picture we took at my Mom's house. Amy, Mom, Emma, me, Grammie.

While we were outside playing, Emma picked up a pinecone, and said "Here, Mom! This is for you, for Mother's Day! It's a pinecone." I told her thanks and gave her a kiss and hug, and then I sat it down so we could play. Emma reminded me, "Mom, don't forget your pinecone!" I thought it was so sweet, and I kept it. All day, Emma kept saying "Happy Mother's Day!" Dave was so sweet too. The moments like this make it worth it, despite all of the kid's crazy antics - unrolling and wasting the toilet paper, temper tantrums, eating toothpaste, whining, trying to cut their own hair, coloring the furniture, and I could go on, but I wont. Though it is challenging at times, being a Mom is the best thing ever. The pinecone is not just a pinecone. It was given to me with so much love and appreciation, and it is more than a pinecone to me now. It is a symbol of the love I have of my kids. Happy Mother's Day again!