Elizabeth

My darling Elizabeth is so wonderful.  At Church I had the pleasure of talking to different people about the great girl she is. 

I was in the mother's room, feeding Michael, and talked to two other moms.  We were discussing the joys and difficulties of raising children.  I talked about how I couldn't do it without my Elizabeth.  How she is my right hand.  She is so good and stepping in and making breakfast or lunch.  She loves to make pancakes with chocolate chips. 

She is great with Michael.  I know that I can give him to her and he will be well taken care of.  As soon as we pull into the garage she exclaims, "I'll get Michael!" then leaps out of the car and takes him out.  I don't know what I would do without her. 

When Michael was first born and I was constantly feeding, sleeping, and trying to hold the house together she did so much.  She was such a huge help.  She is going to be a great mother some day.  She is so good at talking to children and figuring out what the need or want.  She can also explain to them what is happening or maybe a better way of doing something.  Where I stumble she excels.  She is a joy.  I feel privileged to be her mother.

Today I read a talk by President Henry B. Eyring, 1st Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (click hereto read/watch/listen.)

I loved this talk.  It is just what I needed.  It talks about family life and the challenges and blessings.  It is a good reminder of why I am a mom, a mom of 5.  It answers the question, "Is it worth it?"

"While serving others, we are most likely to plead for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Success in the Lord’s service always produces miracles beyond our own powers. The parent facing a child in serious rebellion knows that is true, as does the visiting teacher approached by a woman seeking comfort when her husband told her he was leaving her. Both servants are grateful they prayed that morning for the Lord to send the Holy Ghost as a companion."--Being a mom has made me constantly rely on the Holy Ghost.  I think if I had been given a different life that I would not rely on the Lord as much as I do.  Because of my inadequicies and frustrations I am in constant communication with my Heavenly Father and this has made me closer to Him which is where I want to be.

"It is only with the companionship of the Holy Ghost that we can hope to be equally yoked in a marriage free from discord. I have seen how that companionship is crucial for felicity in a marriage. The miracle of becoming one requires the help of heaven, and it takes time. Our goal is to live together forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior."--I have seen this in my marriage.  As Derek and I grow closer to our Heavenly Father we grow closer together and the fears of the world like separation and divorce fade away.