Friday, June 17, 2011

About One Month to Go . . .


Feeling as big as a barn!
With my 2nd child coming really soon, the old doubts and fears of whether I am capable of handling all of this has been overwhelming me. I'm scared, it's just that simple. Can I give everything to Zacky that he'll need and be everything to this new little one that I so deeply love already. Poor Ben, he's had to put up with a very tired, grumpy wife. Food is still disgusting to me. (well except for ice cream, some fruits and deep-fried things.) I've started getting terrible cramps in my thighs and I feel as big as a barn. So, I thought maybe I could make myself feel better by better occupying my mind. I found this piece of advice recently. (Okay, I was really looking for a wooden swing set/slide/fort combo but made myself look for something more uplifting.)

In a recent talk, President Monson reminded us of Pres. Benson's advice:

“Thinking of the example of his own mother and that of his beloved and faithful wife, Flora, President Benson has offered ten specific suggestions for mothers as they guide their precious children:

1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children, whether they be six or sixteen.
2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.
3. Take time to read to your children. Remember what the poet wrote:

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be—
I had a mother who read to me.

4. Take time to pray with your children.
5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Make this one of your great family traditions.
6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.
7. Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.
8. Take time to do things together as a family.
9. Take time to teach your children.
10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love
(see Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion, pamphlet, 1987, pp. 8–12; see also Ezra Taft Benson, Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1990, pp. 32–36).”

I hope I can be and do all of those things. I hope I can be a good mother of two.

2 comments:

Kathleen said...

this is wonderful!! thanks so much for posting it!
and you look great!!

Janice Robinson said...

Thank you for sharing these great suggestions! I am constantly reminding myself of President Uctdorf's advice to focus on the things that matter most, and I think the things on your list are definitely the things that matter most!

I think you will be a great mother of two, just like you are already a wonderful mother to Zack. I used to worry that having another child might somehow take something away from the children I already have. Yes having another child is more work, but I also discovered that having another baby in the home brings MORE LOVE into the whole family. Having a sibling will be a wonderful blessing for Zack.

Your picture is adorable! You are a very cute pregnant mom. :)
Love,
Janice