Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Ponderings of a Mother's Day

Mother's Day was just here, yes it was. It was a beautiful Sabbath Day, filled with the blessings of attending Church services, teaching my cute 8 year old class about how Jesus taught in parables. I came home and got my beans in the oven, made parmesan mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. Russell barbequed Shish-ka-bobs. Yummy day all around. Gathering the family is all about comfort food. Oh, yes, it is! Loving on those who could come...and missing those who could not.

Then my ponderings of the day...our new generation of motherhood...

Having just returned from Heidi's for a visit, I was still contemplating my beautiful daughter, and my daughters by marriage... being mommies, and a great ones at that. Thinking about how they are valiant women of God, taking up the spiritual, emotional and physical challenge of multiplying and replenishing. So blessed to have them be the women they are to give daily to their husbands and their children, friends, extended family and giving in service to the church, each being that godly woman.

Being away from family is hard for Heidi (and me), we have been blessed to see her little family a few times a year, either here or there. The beginning of the month I needed to see my "Colorado babies", and took a short trip. Filled my cup for a short while. This little family is amazing. Heidi is a great mom, enjoying the small and great things of making a home. Matthew works hard to provide and support, love and teach.

Thinking about my sons, and how they have each married the perfect woman for them. I read their blogs, get to Skype w ith Heidi and Matt and the kids, Brendon, Steph and Henry....love the gifts of cyber space. I love them deeply. I see Stephanie, her genuine self, in her giving supportive loving gifts to Brendon, caring so amazingly for Henry. Wishing we were physically closer as well, aching to squeeze this boy!

I get to spend time with Julia and Breana weekly. It has been a gift to myself to share time with them while Grant and Jordan are in school. I have been richly blessed to get to know them better and deeper. Watch them in love with their man and their babies. Then to have grandbabies in my lap, playing, reading, feeding, talking, bathing, laughing at this early stage in their lives. New Holmes generations...Amazing. I watch all of my (yes, my) girls and am so appreciative of who they are and the gifts they all bring to our family. They are living the words of Sister Beck at the recent Women's Conference.

"The female responsibility of being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend...is all about nurturing, teaching and influencing. These are non-negotiable responsiblities. We can't delegate them. We can accept them. These are thing we understood before we were born, and we can't negotiate with the Lord whether they're part of His plan. These are our responsibilities."

I say these are our blessings. It's not easy, but so worth it. A special thanks to my girls for being the elect ladies they are, blessing our family with their righteousness.

13 comments:

Grammy Staffy said...

You have a wonderful family... your boys and all of "your" girls bless your life.... and you bless theirs. You and Bishop are wonderful parents, in-laws and grandparents.

I know how hard it is to be far away from our kiddos. It is like pulling my heart into pieces... put thank goodness you and I were not pioneers where the long miles apart would probably mean permanent separation. Like you, I wish all my precious ones lived close, but at least in this day and age.... especially with modern technology... we can still stay close.
Thank you and Bishop for stopping by. I love you both. It was wonderful to see you again. I miss coming to church soooooo much. Please tell everyone how much I appreciate the love and support.

Heidi said...

thank you for those thoughts momma! We miss you too much!

Kim L. said...

They have no idea how LUCKY they are to have YOU as their Mother in Law. What I would give to receive such love, support, or receive such compliments from mine! And what LUCKY grandkids to have such a loving, involved Grammy.

Marie Rayner said...

Family is so very important Sheryl. You have such a lovely one, but no surprise there as you are a lovely lady. I hate having to live so far away from mine, but I am blessed that it is now and not 200 years ago. At least now I have the luxury of instant communication via telephone, computers and the like! Have a fabulous week! xxoo

Sara said...

when i grow up i want to be just like you. xoxo

jeanine said...

Those girls are too lucky to have you as a mother-in-law!

Rebecca said...

Oh, I just loved this. What a beautiful commentary on motherhood and what sweet praise!

Leanna said...

I loved your post Mommy Holmes! How special it is to be mothers and daughters...and how special you are for being you and for sharing this!

Brendon said...

This is the first time I've read this. The words are beautiful, just like you.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Seriously, so blessed.

Brendon said...

That was Steph, not Brendon. He might say the same thing, probably just in different words. :)

P.S. Thanks for telling me to "check the date" on my blog. At first I looked at my calendar to see if it was anybody's birthday...it took me awhile to get what you meant.

Breana and Jordan Holmes said...
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Breana and Jordan Holmes said...

Such sweet words. We are so blessed to have you as a mom. You are a great example of how to be a mother and a wife. Love you!

Dejah said...

What a beautiful post, all of those women, and grandchildren are so blessed to have you!