Reflections

This past week I've been thinking a lot...mostly about life and how we have our own ideas of what it's going to be like and then facing what it really is. Sometimes reality isn't as wonderful as you thought it would be and sometimes it's even better. I've noticed how perspective has everything to do with how we view the happenings in our lives. Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done but I can also say it's the most fulfilling. My four kids keep me busier than I ever thought I would be and they are not even teenagers yet! They are messy, they fight, they need three meals a day, clean clothes, toys to play with and a mom to read to them, wrestle with them, and comfort/talk with them when they are sad. Did I mention that I'm the one that cleans the house too (though they are learning to help)?Some days I just don't feel equal to the task but yet I push through and somehow we are doing okay. Being a "Bishop's Widow" was definitely not something I was thinking I would be, especially at age 34, with four little kids at home. It's hard when I think that the care of our family is all on me and I kind of feel like I don't have any claim on Tyler any more. But, I'm sure as time goes on, we will figure out what works best for us; how to be married, have a family, and have him serve as Bishop. However, that doesn't mean it's easy. I've decided though, that I'm going to trust that Heavenly Father needs him for whatever reason and that when I fall short He will pick up the slack. (It's hard for me not to know the "why" part though and I guess that's where faith comes in). We do our best and even when that's not enough, He makes up the difference.
Totally switching topics, we were at a graduation party on Saturday and they had a carnival theme, complete with cotton candy, snocones, popcorn, and LOTS of yummy goodies. My kids have never even seen cotton candy before, so when I asked them if they wanted some, they just kind of looked at me like "is that even food?" I told them it was good and to try it. Ethan, being the brave soul that he is, tried it first. He stuck a piece in, chewed it up and then had some more. After a few minuets he said, "Mom, I've never had fur before and it tastes really good!" I laughed hard and thought what a great way to relate to something you have no frame of reference for. I just hope he doesn't lick the cat, thinking her fur will taste good. (I wouldn't put it past him!) I love the funny comments of little kids. Makes the hard work of being a mom totally worth it!