J: Sam, what country do we live in?
S: Connecticut?
J: That's our state, what country?
S: Ummm...
A: The United...
S: ummm....
A: States...
S: The United States...
A: OF AMERICA!
J: Mia, what country did we used to live in?
M: Switzerland
(easy as that. Switzerland. But what country do we live in now? Nobody knows.)
J: Mia, how old is Mommy?
S: Ohhh, Mia, that's the hardest one of all! I don't even know that one!
A: Sam, what state was daddy born in?
S: England?
J: Name one of my brothers or sisters.
S: ummm...
J: there's nine of them... One just came to see us, what is his name?
S: Taylor?
J: Close, Tyler. Now what's his wife's name?
S: Ummm
A: Starts with Shhh...
A: Shhh...on...
S: Shawn?
A: Shonda!
J: What is a word that rhymes with Sam?
Sam whispering to Mia: "ham"
J: Let Mia answer
M: ummm, banana?
(we all start giggling... including Mia)
Anyway, as we sat in the car and asked each other silly questions, I had a special moment. I looked at each of those smiling faces and thought... I love being a mom. It's times like these that make all of the frustrating ones worth it. It's amazing to watch little people grow and develop first hand, from the front row. I have so many moments as a mother where I look at my kids and think... "why me?" Not in a bad way, although that happens too. No, I think to myself, how did I get chosen to be the mother of such intelligent, beautiful, amazing, precious little people? There must be a glitch in the celestial system somewhere, but I am grateful for it.
For me-- mother's day is for celebrating, of course, my own mother... but also celebrating those sweet people that give me the privilege of being their mother. Every day my children teach me new things about myself and the world that I wouldn't learn otherwise. They humble me, inspire me, and most importantly, love me-- without reservation.
So to the world I proclaim... I love being a Mother. It hard, dirty, tiring, frustrating, challenging, rewarding, amazing, redeeming and... wonderful. Bring it on.
14 comments:
First off...Happy mothers day! Your great, you might have to hire you to train my wife (future of course). I laughed at your kids responses they were great! I guess I haven't trained them enough on my name so they can answer the question "name a sibling" correctly :) Intersting...that you've had some great times in parked cars.....jared, do you care to explain?? Remember the park car experience outside the whitmer home? Brendon sleeping on the cement...ahhh good times.
Amen sister!
that picture is beautiful!!!
That was fun to read and endearing!
That is such a sweet post. Being a mom really is the best thing in the world. We are so lucky, aren't we?
And I love that Mia thinks her name rhymes with banana!
I hope, for Jared's sake, some of those parked car experiences included him :).
I love your post and the pic. Your life sounds a lot like mine. I just started a blog and am really excited to keep in touch this way because I am really bad at keeping in touch any other way. I was looking at Alli's blog and was so excited to see the pics of us. I have so many great memories from that trip. Every single time I hear Dave Matthews Band "Crash" I think of walking through Paris sharing a set of headphones with you. Anyways, your family is beautiful!
I know that you don't probably remember me from BYU...but I lurk your blog occasionally, via Naomi's, and your children are absolutely beautiful. You have turned out quite a beautiful family!! Congrats and happy belated mothers day!
You have the greatest family! I love you guys! I'm so glad we get to see you in the fall over here again! Thanks for being such an inspirational mom to me.
love, Rach
It is wonderful isn't it! I loved this post! Very sweet!
BTW - I put the chile relleno recipe on my blog! Yay! Yummmm!
This was very inspiring. I love those moments where time stands still and you take everything in...It was nice to hear one of those moments captured so beautifully on your blog.
lys, I agree what a great moment to capture. it's so cute to hear the kid's responses.
I've been thinking about your post earlier about what to say when someone says to you, "My, you have your hands full!" Everytime someone says that to me, I always think of you btw. Well, I've thought and thought, what could I say back...how about: "better full than empty!"
It's not as insulting as you probably wanted it to be ;) but I think it still makes the other person stop and think a little bit deeper. well, if you ever try it out, let me know how it goes- and any other comeback you use too.
cheers and love! cvt
Mrs. Barlow.... Good to read your blog and catch up on your family! I love the photo-- you and the babe look so peaceful and sweet. We sure miss you guys! Big hugs from Zurich-- The Jenkins
That is a great story. I love those moments.
I really appreciate your thoughts on motherhood. I also have those questions, both versions.
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