Dear Society:

I am a bearer of children and, therefore, 
a creator of the future. 

My compassion, love, and guidance helps to develop the leaders, heroes and mothers of tomorrow.

I am a counselor, chauffeur, chef.

I am a nurse, a librarian, an educator.

I am a historian, and art collector, a musician.

I am a cheerleader, financial planner, and maid.

I am a seamstress, wash lady, and I crochet.

I am a wife.  I am a mother. I am a Mormon. I am woman.

And there are not words to express my joy in being.

Tell me that part again...the one where my religion oppresses me?

And that, because of my children, I'm missing out on a more fulfilling lifestyle? 

Sincerely,

Me 

Catch up? Haha :) That would take hours, and my bedtime was 4 minutes ago :)

So much has happened since my last post, and I keep thinking that life is going to slow down, and I will have massive amounts of time to do whatever I want...like blog! ha. Not happening so far.

I have had loads of fun and excitement this summer with a trip to my big sis's wedding in Seattle; camping and hiking with my lil fam; some precious time spent with the in-laws in June, then a not-so-happy trip back to the in-laws to say farewell to my mom-in-law; went to Star Valley just last week to see my lil bros and sister, and had some awesome catch-up time with my dear cousin Terynn; took all the kiddos swimming at Bear Lake; am in the middle of teaching my 2nd set of workshops at the theater; AAAAND Delia started pre-school!!! GAH! Welcome to my crazy summer. lol

I was doing some reading and studying for my talk this Sunday and came across this gem by Prophet Joseph F. Smith, I think from 1911. Played with the fonts a little bit, and printed it out to frame as an everyday reminder. It hit me really hard. I get angry way too often. I'm not as kind as I should be. I don't sigh and let it go enough. I yell too much. I forget that patience is a virtue...and a necessary one to be a great mother. I know some of my issues are learned behaviors, stemming from the way my parents treated me, but I also believe in my ability to change myself, to create new and improved methods of living and reacting. My goal is to memorize this, so that I can repeat it to myself instead of getting angry. Love. There is no replacement. And there is no excuse.