Thankful to be a Mother

Welcome to the celebration! This month we are going to focus on motherhood. We'll have ideas for activities to do with your kids, thoughts on motherhood, and tips for parenting. We'll even sneak in some hints for dealing with the mundane aspects of motherhood, like housework. Come back daily since there will always be something new! Please share your ideas and thoughts as well-- it will be a like a motherhood discussion board.

Being a mother is (insert adjective here that best describes your state of mind right now). Our children are our greatest joy, as well as our greatest challenge. They can melt our hearts with dandelion bouquets, stick figure drawings, and made up melodies. They can also try our patience with potty training accidents, temper tantrums, and endless whining. (No, you may NOT have a treat until you eat your dinner!)
One thing is certain, however. They are our little ones, and the time we have with them is fleeting. My oldest started kindergarten this year, can you believe that? Wasn't I just nursing that sweet little angel all through the night? And now she's in kindergarten??
So rather than focus on the things we wish we could change about motherhood (whether in ourselves or in our children), I suggest that we focus on what is good about it. What are the things you love doing with your children? What songs do you love to sing with them? What stories do you love to read to them? What games do you like to play together? Take time this month to remember the blessings your children bring into your life. Take time to enjoy them for what they are-- children of God.
In General Conference October 2010 President Thomas S. Monson said this, "We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude." Think of the force for good we can be as mothers in this world if we will embrace our motherhood and our children.