What I've learned as a Mother

In the past four months I have been praying that the Lord would tell me how He see's me as a mother.  I have wanted to know what He thinks of me.  I have wondered if I am doing this right, am I being all my children need me to be?  Am I gentle enough?  Patient enough?  Am I teaching them enough?  And in case I had any other lingering questions about my role as a mom I can just jump on facebook or pinterest to learn about the things other people are doing with their kids that I am failing at.  Looking around at other mom's who seem to have it more together than I do or seem to have better craft projects or more teaching moments has left me wondering if I am all that I should be.

Yesterday I got my answer.  It was like a ton of bricks hit me all at once.  It was clear as day to me and the questions were lifted.  "Emily, I have given these children to you, no one else, because you are what they need.  They need your personality, your spirit, not someone else's."  I picked my shoulders up and instantly felt the Lord's confidence in me and my abilities.

I am loud.  I am always on the go.  I am gentle.  I am loving.  I try to use every moment to teach.  I want my girls to have the best of everything.  I pray for them.  I play with them.  I discipline.  I make sure their little hands are clean and their tummy's are full.  I take pictures.  I help them remember.  I am patient.  I dance.  I sacrifice.  I sing off key. I say no to things so I can say yes to my girls.  I am their mother and I am good at my job.

My house is a mess.  I usually only shower once every three days.  I don't wear designer anything.  I bump into things with our giant stroller.  I am clumsy.  Sometimes dinner is spaghetti, for the third time that week.  I allow nap time to dictate my day.  I wipe runny noses with my t-shirt and then forget to change my clothes until bed time.  I labored with one daughter for 15 hours and the other for 7.  I gave birth with an epidural and without one.  I haven't eaten any food with dairy in it for 4 months so that my youngest can continue to breastfeed.  I don't get paid for my work and I am ok with that.  I am a young mother of two and I am very good at what I do.

So what have I learned as a young mother?  Drown out the voices of others who say you aren't good enough; magazines, the internet, and well meaning friends.  Let your house be a mess, it will be clean in 20 years and then you will miss the chaos.  Showering is overrated.  My personality is perfect for my girls. They love me for me. Alone time is ok and kisses really are the best medicine.        
Some of my favorite moments as a mom:

Norah and Me

Abigayle and Me

Both my girls

Pure sweetness