I Am a Mother

On Mother's Day I woke up around 7am (that's sleeping in, folks!) and was surprised to see that my cute husband was not next to me in bed. I listened carefully and could hear him and the kids bustling around in the kitchen. How I slept through them waking up is beyond me, but it sure was pleasant.

My first thought was that I should get up and see if Brandon needed any help. Then I remembered it was Mother's Day and because Brandon couldn't bear to keep it a secret, I knew that a delicious breakfast was in store for me. I forced myself to lounge in bed. You see, the curse of motherhood is that we always wish for a break, but when that break comes we feel guilty for neglecting our responsibilities. True, ladies? It is for me, and it's definitely a curse.

When the magic moment arrived my favorite three people poked their heads in the room and announced that breakfast was ready. I slipped on my robe and followed them to the kitchen. (We don't do breakfast in bed around here. Too messy and too lonely.) This deliciousness is what greeted me at the table.


Berry filled crepes drizzled in orange sauce and topped with whipped cream. Y.U.M. It doesn't get any better than that. That breakfast is why I became a mother.

OK, maybe it is, like, number 4 in my "Bethany's Top Ten Reasons to Become a Mother" list. Which is pretty good if you ask me.

Yum. Now I want it again.

Sunshine on My Shoulder Makes Me Happy

I miss California the most during spring and summer. The times when I spent countless hours in or around a swimming pool.

During the summer my mom took us swimming every single day. Once I was old enough I became a lifeguard and a swim instructor. At that point, as I have mentioned before, I was spending 6-10 hours a day in the water.

That is not my life anymore. Now I spent more time craving the water than I do actually swimming in it, especially now that I reside in the great state of Utah. A state that is sadly not know for its water; unless you count the Great Salt Lake which is a far cry from Malibu.

My point? One of those abundant reasons why my trip to California was good for me. Three trips to the beach and three trips to the pool at the athletic club. Heaven. Well, heaven would have been daily trips to the pool or beach, but the weather wasn't quite cooperative enough for that. Close enough to heaven for me, someone that has spent enough time in the water that the smell of chlorine is blissfully nostalgic. Its one of my favorite smells along with sunblock and the ocean.

When I grow up I am going to build a pool in my backyard. Now that would be heaven.

On Motherhood

The reasons that my trip to California was good for me are abundant. I am still trying to decide if I am glad to be back. Perhaps I am unsure because the day after we got back a viral infection of some sort made its appearance into our home, through Marie. Poor Marie. Brandon and I have a habit of making analogies for situations in our life. Our analogy for Marie is that exposing her to any kind of virus is like exposing an alcoholic to one beer. It never stops there. This girl never just has a cold. Oh no. This time she decided it would be cool, or maybe hot would be more correct, to spike a fever of 103.9. That was Saturday night. I braced myself to hold her in my arms the entire night not wanting my sick baby girl to be alone for a moment. Thankfully we were blessed with a tender mercy and only an hour later the fever lowered to 101.5 (with the help of a Priesthood blessing, Tylenol, and Motrin). She's doing better now, if only Motrin could get rid of the whining and crying.

Alright, back to to the topic at hand.

One of the many rejuvenating moments while in California came in the form of a series of late night chats with both my mom and my dad. They were moments when the overwhelming feelings of motherhood that I can suppress over the phone came pouring out in person. I was uplifted as they both reminded me that they had been there and done that. They want, even need, me to share my joys and my struggles.

My dad reminded me that "[Jesus Christ went] forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind, ... he [took] upon the pains and afflictions of his people." That includes me, even if I feel I should be able to handle things on my own or think I shouldn't even feel afflicted in the first place. My fault is not in feeling afflicted, it is in keeping those pains hidden and not allowing my burden to be lifted.

My mom put her arm around me and shared her own struggles. She related times when she felt overwhelmed and turned to her Heavenly Father. She reassured me that He will answer my prayers. She knows because He has answered hers over and over again.


I love my parents, adore them, and depend on them. Two and a half weeks without Brandon are only bearable if I spend them with my mom and dad.

Flashback

Was it really only a year ago that I posted this? Huh. A repeat because it is worth it. Happy Mother's Day to all the women in my life!

Marie's First Crush: Boppa

I tried to sit her on my lap for her daily dose of Pulmicort. She would have none of it.

"Boppa!"

She fell asleep against him. He treasured the moment and cuddled with her even after the nebulizer was finished.

She asks for Boppa each weekday when he is at work.

She giggles and squeals with excitement as soon as he gets home.

Kisses and hugs are offered in abundance.

She's in love.

She has good taste.

Marie's First Crush: Boppa

I tried to sit her on my lap for her daily dose of Pulmicort. She would have none of it.

"Boppa!"

She fell asleep against him. He treasured the moment and cuddled with her even after the nebulizer was finished.

She asks for Boppa each weekday when he is at work.

She giggles and squeals with excitement as soon as he gets home.

Kisses and hugs are offered in abundance.

She's in love.

She has good taste.

Let's Go to the Movies