^from last week’s adventure to Antelope Island

Last night as we were having goodnight prayers with the children, Blake said, “Grateful we could go to the store and play tag (referring to some top secret errands they ran) and that it’s St. Mother’s Day tomorrow.” Brandon and I both chuckled. St. Mother’s Day. I love it. Brandon then said, well, I guess it makes sense since mothers are saints.

I’m not sure I’m a saint. Sure, I change countless diapers, get up in the middle of the night, kiss owies better, wash load after load of laundry, pick up toys all day long, and keep my children fed. The truth is, however, that if I didn’t have all those things to do, I don’t think my life would have as much meaning. I could fill it with hobbies, personal pursuits and interests, or a career, but as Neil L. Anderson put it, “Motherhood is not a hobby. It is a calling. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.”

Being a mother to my three children is what I know God gave me time to do right now.

The biggest paychecks are sometimes the smallest moments. Like getting a handwirtten card from Blake saying, “Mama, Te Amo” with his cute signature on the back. Or watching him walk up so excitedly to sing a Mother’s Day song with the Primary children, yet not uttering a single word and instead beaming and waving to us. Or Evelyn brushing out my hair and doing “pi-tails”. Or Oliver clasping his hand on my collar or in my mouth while I nurse him.

I’m so grateful for this adventure, even though it’s not always easy.

I hated Mother’s Day for so many years, but today was one I’ll always cherish. I got to sleep in and snuggle my babies, eat smoothies and apple muffins for breakfast, play was off diaper duty, and was served my favorite Rosemary Ranch chicken kabobs for dinner and snuggled up in jammies and played a family game. I’m looking forward to my special dates I get to go on with each of my kids and Brandon as my gift. I’d choose an experience over a thing any day.

Hope you all had a happy St. Mother’s Day! And thanks to many of you readers who have played a mothering role in my life. You know who you are. xoxo.