Happy Mothers Day?

I have been wrestling with posting something this week.  Up until a couple of years ago I loved Mothers day and figured all mothers did too.  I was enlightened by a wonderful talk in Sacrament Meeting.

 Really, I did like a day where all of my children tried to be really nice, Ken cooked dinner and he badgered the kids to do the dishes.  I could take a nap and not have to explain it to anyone.  Best of all I could go and buy whatever I wanted for Mothers day (within reason, of course) and give it to Ken to wrap up.  What's not to like?

Now I am supposed to feel guilty.  I am supposed to feel like I am not good enough to be a mom.  I yell at my children and sometimes I don't cook dinner (OK I only cook dinner about half the time).  I am supposed to feel ......(insert inadequacy here).

I have a hard time with self analysis.  I am hardly ever too hard on myself.  I usually give myself the benefit of the doubt, well if I even think about it at all.  I am not a real deep thinker.  If I hear it and it sounds right to me I am good with that.

Plus, I have great role models.  Women who have lived interesting, ground breaking lives and are confident in who they are.  My Grandma (or Grammy as we have taken to calling her) was a busy soul.  She served those around her with an ease that I am still reaching for.  She was deeply involved in whatever her kids volunteered her for and then some.  My Moms high school boyfriend still calls her and comes to see her.  My Mom is a force of nature.  She is the poster child for 'git 'er done!'  She loves her children and grandchildren and leaves no doubt that she would help in anyway possible.  She is not a huge worrier, something I inherited.  She stands firm on gospel sod and is the picture in my head when I hear about standing firm and immovable.  My aunt Jan is the first person I knew who went thru a divorce.  She handled it with grace and dignity (I was 15 and watching) she then rebuilt her life, found a great husband and I still have my kids 'take a swig' to measure liquid medicine.  My aunt Linda had a career and a family.  She was up close and personal with the glass ceiling.  I always loved to hear my Uncle Jerry (her husband) extol how proud he is of her and her accomplishments.  Then there are the Ladies in the family I married into.  Ken's Grandmothers were women to admire, to emulate, and to love.  My MIL Kathy is the kindest person I have ever met.  She is a gracious hostess (almost every single Sunday) and a very loving mom and grandmother. His aunts are the best!  I can sit a chat with any of them (an often do) for hours at a time.

Last but not least are the girlfriends I have got to know over my mothering years.  Sonya - wanted to be a mom first and foremost.  Jenny - we learned to deal with kids together, experimenting with alarm clocks and blackout curtains, movies passes and park day, scrapbook Fridays and weddings.  My great SILs (who are more friends than just family) all of who have talents and I enjoy immensely at Lake Powell or when ever we can all get together (Kirsten is my neighbor so it is easier with her).

With all of these fab women who love me and like me too, how can I feel bad?

I choose to spend Mothers day celebrating.  All women, regardless of how they view themselves, deserve this one day to feel GOOD!  So....

Happy Mothers Day!!!