happy mothers day.

i find it interesting that on days such as today, mothers oftentimes feel underserving of a day to celebrate them. the talks in church are all about how wonderful mothers are and yet i know i myself am thinking in my head, "i am such a bad mom, i need to be better" i come away feeling sad and not wanting people to celebrate me because in my eyes, i could be so much better. but i wonder why do we beat ourselves up so much? maybe it is because in my eyes i see so many wonderful women that have influenced my life so much and made me who i am and i think to myself, "i am never going to be like them" i need to come to the understanding that to be me is enough, and i can keep striving to be more like all of you. so on this mothers day, i am going to say thank you to all my mothers that make my life so much easier and happier. thank you to my grandmas who have taught me how to love family and the Lord. my grandmas have taught me to bake bread, sew, quilt, make family meals out of food storage, to show love through letters. thank you to my mom, who without you in my life, i would not have learned how to be the mother i am. you taught me how to be a woman of the gospel, a friend, a loving wife, a patient mother, and so much more. to my mother in law, thank you for your kindness and patience. you have such a listening ear and whenever you come to town i feel like i burden you with my troubles but you always listen and are there for me. thank you for teaching me more about family and service, for helping me get through this time in medical school, for loving me and my children like we are your own. it means so much to me that my children have such a close relationship with you and love to spend time with you and learn from the wonderful woman you are. brody cant wait to come see you soon. he asks almost everyday how much longer. to my sisters and sisters in laws, you all have so many strengths and so much wisdom that i just learn from watching you and how you are mothers to your own children. i like to observe how you handle different situations and i love to ask you questions. your examples help me to be a better mom. to my friends, near and far, there have been so many times where i have called and needed a shoulder to cry on a listening ear. thank you for not judging me in my weaknesses and for being there for me when i needed you most. thank you for your encouragement and your compliments that i feel are all to often undeserving. i feel like you have lifted me up in the gospel and have born my burdens with me. i love you all so very much. happy mothers day.