Mother's Day 2015

I use to think that it was SO sweet for Abraham Lincoln to call his mother an angel. Homeschooling has it's perks, like the fact that I learned that Abraham Lincoln's mother died when he was nine. So he was referring to his biological mother, and not his step mother in this quote. Although my mother isn't not an angel in that way--she is an angel here on earth, and I owe everything to her because of it.

My mother and me!

 My mom is a million things to me--she is a support, she is encouragement, she is love, she is kindness, she is discipline, she is fun-loving, she is charity, she is a Christ-follower and typifies Him. My mom is an amazing leader, and a diligent follower. My mom's testimony of her Savior shines bright and influences everyone around her. I am so thankful that I grew up in a home with the Savior as our foundation. My mom is intelligent and humble. My mom works to overcome all that life throws at her with grace and patience. I am so sure that everyone has a list like mine. It might not be the same exact things on that list, but a list none the less of all of the ways that their mother influenced them. The power of mothers is real. 

While we are in the depths of mothering, sometimes it seems very small, it seems very insignificant. We aren't seen by the world as anything important. Our sphere of influence is small--limited to the few children we are raising. Yet I look at my grandmother who just turned 95. She had so many of her posterity at her birthday party. Among her off-spring are Lawyers, dentists, musicians, artists, therapists, business owners, government officials, many other positions, and many other mothers influencing new generations. You can't tell me that her sphere of influence is small. She has blessed the lives of thousands by raising her four children. 

Four generations at my grandmother's 95th birthday party

Our sphere of influence isn't just limited to our own children either. I get to live in the same ward as my mother-in-law and can't tell you how many times I have heard grown women sequel and hug her calling her "Mom!" These are the girls she took to girls camp. She loved them, encouraged them, and helped to shape them to become the women they are today. She is an influence still on her grown sons, her daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. We are so thankful for her!

Thomson women

"One of the greatest needs in the world today is intelligent, conscientious motherhood. …

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child’s mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness the first assurance that there is love in the world." David O. McKay

Conscientious motherhood is something that I am working on. I love these adorable children. I feel very blessed to be their mother. The responsibility is great. I constantly feel overwhelmed and under qualified. I find comfort in Elder Holland's words, "May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you."

Happy Mother's Day to all amazing women who take a moment to care about children!

Happy Mother's day to my amazing mother, mother-in-law, sisters, sister-in-laws, aunts, grandma, primary teachers, YW leaders, teachers, and many other women that helped shape my life! Thank you!!