A Mother's Response

Over his pancakes this morning, Calvin asked me if I liked being a mom.

"Of course", I replied.

"Well, I just know it is hard dealing with [unnamed things] and so I just didn't know."
I tried to assure him that I loved being a mom, but all day I felt that my answer wasn't quite all I wanted to say on the subject.

And so, this is my more complete response to Calvin.

Yeah, motherhood is hard. I hate being the one who has to cut up the raw chicken.

But I love to see joy in my children's faces.

I hate the pile of snow clothes by my front door that have sat there for over a week that we all just keep stepping over.

But I love reading with my kids.

I hate unmade beds (why is mine unmade so much of the time, then?).

But I love watching you sleep.

I hate when you fight.

But, I love when you make up.

I love dressing up at Halloween and eating spooky foods.

And I love when you dress like it's Halloween even when it's not.

I hate forcing you to practice guitar.



But I love that you can play.

I hate worrying that you'll inherit all of my weaknesses.

But, I love seeing the gifts that Heavenly Father sent you here with.

(Coleman setting up a "Fair" for the family.)


(Calvin writing his novel.)


I hate when my kitchen looks like this.

But I love when you look like this.

I love seeing you discover the world around you and be fascinated by what you find.

I love to make you feel special, letting you be King for the Day.

I love your laughter.

I love your silly faces.



I love sharing my testimony about Jesus and the Gospel with you.

(At the Sacred Grove.)

I love your questions. I love your prayers.

I love you. And somehow each of you help me forget about the other things I don't love.