I am truly blessed

Well I tried to update my blog now and get things going again. I made several entries and then realized because I changed the post dates they are posted on older posts, because my original post had a more recent date. I will try to stay up to date now and not have the same problem occur in the future.

I was reading some friends blogs and realized that I too, wanted to write about something that happened the other day, that made me reflect where I am in my life right now. Well as you know I am pregnant and have been on bed rest for some time. I am still able to do things without harming the baby, but I am supposed to take it easy for my own health. The time I have spent indoors has given me a lot of time to think and I was thinking about how I use to go to work each day and rub shoulders with general authorities, apostles, and the prophet on a few occasions. I planned big events for important people, conversed with people all over the world, ran difficult computer programs, just to name a few. I would like to think I was respected and that I worked hard at my occupation. I had in depth conversations about the mysteries of the gospel, politics, and just about any conversations that could keep people thinking. I enjoyed my work very much and I loved the growth I had during my 9 years at the Church Office Building. I wanted to leave when it was time for Ethan to come, because I had always planned on being a stay at home mother. My mother was a stay at home mom and all of my sisters as well as most of my aunts and cousins. Everyone told me it would never work and that I should continue to work for the benefits and because Matt was in school and I made a good living and could financially support us during his final years in the Engineering program. Well we put our faith in the Lord and lived extremely small. We bought a small house when we got married so I could eventually stay home, we had no debt, and lived very simply during his schooling. He just graduated and some how during those 3 years, we never went without, we never once fought about money, and it never felt like we were living small. I have never really missed my work. I have missed the people and the conversations, but I have been completed and totally fulfilled at home being a mother to my sweet son Ethan. Everything I supposedly gave up to be with him was totally worth it and I know I am a better person because of it.

I am now coming to a new crossroads with baby number two on the way and realizing that life will change yet again with the addition of a second child. I realize that sleep won't be the same as well as it will be harder just worrying about two rather than one. Ethan has been easy in every respect and I also realize that may or may not be the case with a second child. Regardless of everything I couldn't feel more blessed or excited for our little girl. I can't wait to see Ethan with her. I can't wait to see Matt hold her for the first time and never want to put her down. I can't wait to smell that new baby smell and look into her eyes and know that her eyes have just recently gazed upon the being who created us all, our loving Heavenly Father. I can't wait to feel her soft skin and know that our family is growing and more memories are yet to feel our home and hearts. I am grateful everyday for the blessing of being a wife and mother. It may not bring me millions of dollars and fancy cars and houses, but I feel like the richest woman alive. Thank goodness for the gospel and thank goodness for moments of reflections that help you to realize that little giggles from your child and hearing the words thank you mommy, are more stimulating than all the conversations in the world.

Lastly, yesterday when Ethan and I were in the car waiting for Matt to come out of the store buying diapers I was telling Ethan he needed to give up his diapers so the new baby could have them. We talked about all the people who don't were diapers and then he reminded me that his cousin Hallie still wears them. So I told him well maybe if he stared wearing big boy underwear than Hallie would want to start wearing big girl underwear. He looked at me for a minute and then said, "Well mommy, that sounds just perfect, (but then he paused for a moment and said) but a little ridiculous." I just sat there staring at him and couldn't help but laugh out loud and tell him I loved him. It is moments like these that make mothering the greatest job in the world and I wouldn't change a thing in my life.

I hope I always appreciate the little things and remember that I am working for spiritual exaltation and not worldly exaltation. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings us closer to loved ones and our Savior and it is the plan of salvation that brings hope and understanding to all mankind. I know my Redeemer lives and it is through Him that I find fulfillment and the ultimate happiness. Isn't it a blessing to know what you are working for and why. I am truly grateful and excited for the weeks ahead. Thanks to everyone who has helped me these past few months. Life is wonderful and I hope that the sound of my husband and children's voices always lighten my load and lift my spirits as they do now. I am fulfilled.