It's Mother's Day!

This past weekend I have been childless. Ruby got to spend Friday night to Sunday morning at her Grandma Suzi's because I had to work both Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks mom for giving up your entire weekend to chase Ruby around. The only highlight of being alone was that I got to jam to the music of my choice to and from work, no Taylor Swift. Needless to say, I really missed Ruby and it was pretty rough. I know my previous post mentioned how Ruby and I had been occassionally driving each other crazy, I realized this weekedend, I wouldn't have it any other way. This Mother's day I am so grateful to be Ruby's mom. And let's not forget Hughie and this little tyke grooving in my belly. I'm not going to lie, most days it is hard work and exhausting...keeping up with Ruby all while growing a baby, but it's oh so sweet and worth it. I like this quote from Elder Ballard:

"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction..."

I also got to thinking, as I drove to work last night, I am so thankful for the wonderful mother's who help me take care of Ruby. I couldn't do it alone and I am so grateful I don't have to. Ruby loves being with both her Grandma's because she knows how much they love her. And how would I ever be able to work without the help of my sister-in-law, Kristina, she treats Ruby as her own...Ruby loves when I go to work because she knows the next morning she gets to go to the Christopherson's. She usually tells me, "When you go to work daddy will sleep with me and take me to Christopherson's." Not to mention all the other mom's in my life whose examples help me want to be a better mom. Thank goodness for great mom's! There are everywhere.

{Ruby and I at Disneyland}

Thank you Ruby, Hughie, and little one for making me a mom. Happy Mother's Day!

**I wrote this last night at work. But here's how my mother's day actually went down. After two nights shifts in a row, a very tired Ruby, and an even more tired mom...we had a HUGE melt-down. I say we because it involved both Ruby and I. She was in tears and besides herself, I was in tears and yelling (I may have even locked myself in the bathroom for a few minutes). Ruby was acting like a two-year-old and so was I...I am a bit ashamed. We started unraveling while talking to Hugh on skype and Ruby was consistently pushing buttons and moving the mouse when I asked her not to. I feel bad that we weren't able to have a better conversation with Hugh, but so it goes. Once we hung-up with Hugh everything fell apart. But after our 20 minute melt-down we recovered and I'm lucky that little Ruby doesn't hold a grudge and she still loves me. And as we drove to my mom's for dinner, listening to her sweet voice singing Taylor Swift brought me joy. She's two she has an excuse...and I'm a mother, I guess that's my excuse. No mother is perfect, right?

I'd also like to say my evening turned out nice. A great dinner cooked by my two wonderful sisters, followed by some relaxing and chatting with my mom, Mal, Call, and uncle Chad. All while having Ruby and her cute personality entertain us all.

There is beauty all around...

{Ruby cooking me up some yummy breakfast for mother's day}

{all by herself...}

{or maybe she was being kept occupied one day while I was trying to make cookies}

I woke up this mother's day thinking about all the nice things Hugh and Ruby should be doing to celebrate me. And although Hugh did make me some delicious waffles this morning (thanks Hugh, for making me feel special)...I can't help ending this day feeling like I should be the one doing the thanking. Mostly, I'm thankful to Ruby and Hughie for making me a mother. I am the one blessed to have them...and lucky to be a mom. Nothing beats having a little buddy to help me make cookies.

I came across the mormon aid featuring Stephanie Nielson (nieniedialogues.com) the other day. In it she states that to her, motherhood is beauty. I can't get this out of my mind...nor can I help but notice the beauty surrounding me. I see it in my own mother. The way she teaches me to always do my best and to follow my heart. For giving me such a rich childhood that set me on track to succeed in life. I see it in my mother-in-law with her quiet strength and devotion to her family. I see it in Kristina the way she dedicates her mornings to practicing violins with her girls (the music they make uplifts the soul). I see it in Jasmine and her unwavering devotion to her daughter. I see it in Sarah and her trying to do what she thinks is best for her children, no matter the obstacles involved. Thanks to the mom's in my life...for making it beautiful.