Mother's Day 2012/Heidi's Birthday

 I have been amazed to hear over the years how many women hate Mother's Day.  It saddens me to think that this day is one that is loathed by so many wonderful, exemplary women who have done so much good in the world, whether in their own family, or in the lives of others of Heavenly Father's children.  I can't even imagine how heartbreaking it must be for many women who have not found the right man to marry and for those women who are married, but have not been able to bear children.  I know that this day must be extremely hard for them.  I guess what I am trying to say is that every woman, no matter how seemingly small her influence may be, is capable of so much good and has more influence than she could ever imagine.  And, I wish I could express to each of them my heartfelt thanks for their lives and examples to me and my family.   And as for any women who are concerned that they just aren't enough or feel guilty about their mothering abilities, please read on.  Kassi taught me a sweet lesson this year that I will never forget!

It is tradition for us to take family pictures on Mother's Day.  I always tell Andy I really don't want any gifts for Mother's Day other than the chance to spend time with my family and take a few priceless pictures of my kiddos, and of course hear them sing to me with the primary in church.  This year was the first year Kassi would go up - which is amazing to me.  Our extremely outgoing, spunky child was too shy to get up there in the past, whereas, Jesi, our extremely shy little girl went up the first time she was old enough.  I'll always remember how tiny and sweet she was holding Drew's hand on the way up the isle.

 I will explain the popcorn balls in a minute :)!

 I had to take a picture of my children's creations.  Jesi made an adorable "Made with Love for Mom" book at school complete with her picture, drawings, and coupons to be used throughout the year as well as a clay little bowl.  I was amazed this year when I saw that each of the kids had written a card.  Andy purchased these beautiful flowers and I loved this creative little gift Jesi thought up on her own.  She "invented" this pen holder for me, made from a piece of a milk carton.  It was adorable how excited she was about her new invention created especially for me on Mother's Day!

 Probably my favorite memory from this Mother's Day was the picture above.  I was putting all the cards and flowers together for a picture when Kassi came and put this picture of Jesus on display, saying in her sweet voice, "This picture is for you, Mommy!"  (It is a pass along card from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, www.mormon.org).  It was SO sweet.  I think she gave me the most precious gift for Mother's Day this year by reminding me that I don't have to be perfect.  I just have to remember that Jesus loves me and He loves me despite my imperfections as a mother.  I remember loving that moment when I realized that she knew how much I love the Savior and it all seemed to click in my mind, why I am able to love Mother's Day.  I am anything but the perfect mother and I can see those imperfections in myself constantly.  But, it is because of the Savior, Jesus Christ that I can love Mother's Day and know that my imperfect attempts at being a mother are acceptable to Him.  Because of Him, I can feel like I am doing okay.  He makes up the difference if I do my part and try to love and serve those around me to the best of my ability.  He helps me do more and be more than I could possibly be without Him.  When I fall short, His atonement fills in the gaps.  Thanks to the wonderful blessing of the sacrament every Sunday, I am able to try to do a little better each week and realize my dependence on and love for Him.  I hope that my children always remember that we are all in need of His mercy and grace and that through Him, we can feel confident about being the women or men, mothers or fathers that we are.  He wants us to do our best and perhaps even more importantly, He wants us to always remember Him and that we need Him to be all that we can be.

 I just remembered that Jesi and Andy actually cut these flower from our rose bushes on my birthday, not Mother's Day, so that makes this a combined Mother's Day/Birthday post.  Andy and the kids made a yummy breakfast of Grand's cinnamon rolls, eggs, and juice.  Jesi wrote this adorable poem as well and Kassi drew me some adorable pictures.  Andy was sweet and took me to dinner and to shop for a beautiful skirt the evening of my birthday.  Andy's parents were here the weekend of my birthday and we enjoyed a wonderful bike ride, dinner, and Jesi's first violin recital with them.

 Now for the popcorn ball story.  My sister Tami had this great idea to make up a recipe book for our McConkie Family Reunion that was this past June.  It was a huge act of love.  I helped her edit it and just editing took several sleepless nights.  So, I am so grateful for her sacrifice of time and effort to make this beautiful recipe book that will be a family treasure (right in the middle of trying to sell her home, locate a new home in a different city, and mother 6 children)!  We asked people to, when able, include a memory of their family favorites and traditional recipes.  One of the recipes included was contributed by my Aunt Donna and she shared with us that these popcorn balls were made often by my grandmother, Mabel Stephenson McConkie.  She would make them on my grandparents' mission to North and South Dakota for the sweet Indian children there.  So, my children love hearing that story as they enjoy this recipe from my grandmother's kitchen!  Just one of many fun recipes that will become family favorites for our little family!  

Nathan thought these allium flowers were purple popcorn balls!  I had to encourage him to use his nose instead of his mouth.  It was pretty cute though!

I am so grateful to my Mother for all of the sacrifices she has made for me, for Andy's sweet mother, and for all of our grandmothers, and all of the exemplary women in my life.  I love each of them and appreciate all they do and are.  I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!