Beejer and Me

I remember well the first time that Ellie looked at me. She knew who I was. I could see an understanding in her eyes- she knew I was her mother.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the relationship I have with my daughter, about the relationship I want to build and continue to have. I just finished reading "The Help." In that book I read about a woman that was too lazy and selfish to give her daughter her time and attention. She relied on another woman to love her daughter and tell her how valuable she was. This situation was unnerving to read about. It reinforced my desire and insistence to devote my time and my life to my children.

I am so grateful that when my baby girl wakes up from a nap and stirs- I'm there. I'm grateful that when she's hungry and needs to eat- it's my face that she sees. I'm grateful that she knows me and wants me when she's upset. I will forever appreciate the way that she calms down when I put her bunny in her arms and kiss her eyelids. She is my girl. I am her mother, and no one else can take my place.

I started reading "Glimpses," a biography about Marjorie Pay Hinckley. I read this book once in college. If you need a pick me up, read it. A quote from it that I would love to make my life's motto is this:

"We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are. With all of these decisions we have three responsibilities: We have a great responsibility to our husbands. I know it is hard to believe, but almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with him. You had better be sure that you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner.

We have a great responsibility to our children. Find joy in them. Don't overschedule them or yourself. You may not be able to take them on exotic vacations. It doesn't matter. When the day dawns bright and sunny, take an excursion to the canyon or park. When it's cloudy and wet, read a book together or make something good to eat. Give them time to explore and learn about the feel of grass and the wiggliness of worms.

Now to our homes. Your home is your own private temple. Keep it clean. Put something beautiful in every room for your family to look at. Create a feeling of order and spirituality. Your home can be beautiful without being elaborate or expensive. I am touched by a woman's desire for beauty.

Have joy in your home.

Have joy in your husband.

Have joy in your children.

Be grateful for the journey."