I watch my mother and I learn compassion and to value things that “lovely, of good report and praiseworthy.”
I watch my mother in law and learn to keep a sense of humor no matter what and to serve unceasingly.
I watch my friend Brenda and learn to be a “mother bear” when it comes to defending my kids.
I watch my friend Rachel and learn to teach self-confidence to children simply by being self-confident yourself.
I watch my friend Laura and learn to say things nicely so the EVERY kid in the neighborhood wants to be around you all the time.
I watch my friend Alison and learn to teach my kids to find causes and stand for them, no matter what.
I watch my friend Penny and learn to make my kids’ safety paramount in my decision making.
I watch my friend Daralee and learn to teach my kids self-reliance and to place value on what is really important.
I watch my friend Tessa and learn how to teach your kids optimism, service and friendship.
I watch my friend Randi and learn how to teach children to develop their talents and let them be who they are.
I watch my friend Jessica (Albrecht) and learn how to take charge and make sure the programs, relationships, lessons, etc. that are good for her kids are in place, organized and the best they can be.
I watch my friend Meghann and learn how to arrange my priorities so that I am giving my kids my time and attention.
I watch my friend Cami and learn how to cheer and encourage my kids in all that they do.
I watch my friend Jessica (Shenaman) and learn how to make every situation fun for my kids.
I watch my friend Melissa and learn how to be calm and how to say yes to my kids as much as possible.
I watch my friend Adrianne and learn how to work to continually progress in the skills of mothering.
I watch my friend Paige and learn how to make my kids the most important variable in the hard, hard things life throws at us.
I watch my friend Andrea and learn how to put my desires aside in order to do what is best for my children.
I watch my sister-in-law Heather and learn how to parent by the Spirit.
I watch my sister-in-law Betsy and learn how to go to any length to make a holiday, a birthday, an event, a playdate for my kids as fun as possible.
I watch my sister-in-law Brooke and learn how to model overcoming change and challenges and grief by following the Savior.
I watch my sister-in-law Meridith and learn how to calmly and carefully do Motherhood like it’s the only job worth doing.
I watch my sister-in-law Christy and learn how to enjoy my kids, without stressing and worrying.
I watch my sister-in-law Janelle and learn how to only do the things that really matter for the growth of my kids and the strengthening of the family unit.
I watch my sister-in-law Kelsie and learn how to give my kids a happy home by supporting and loving their father.
There are many blogging friends out there, too, who teach me things like organization, perspective, applying the Gospel to parenting, how to celebrate, how to slow down so that I can be a better mother. I have women in my life who aren’t mothers yet, who cheer me on and applaud my efforts and make me feel like I just might be doing something right. I have men in my life who inspire me with their fathering and their examples, their praise and their support.
I don’t do this job in a vacuum. I can only do this job because I have examples and friends and books and a husband who help me. Mostly I can do this because I have a Savior who, through his Grace gives me power to do more than is humanly possible in mothering these sweet, good, challenging children.
Happy Mother’s Day!
21 comments:
I watch my cousin Jessica and learn to be fun, confident, strong, happy, smart, beautiful, honest, wise, and love my children and family more than anything.
Jessica, I love you! Thank you for your example to me.
Jessica,
I was so touched by this post. I think about what kind of mother you are and often wonder how you can do so so much and so well. I really feel so blessed to have had a few years at the beginning of my mothering to watch your example. I still do some things I watched you do with your kids. Thanks for your awesome example and friendship and love. Happy Mother's day to a fabulous mother!
I was wandering around the blogosphere enjoying all the wonderful tributes to mothers as my family cooks dinner and wandered your way. I want you to know this is the best post on Mothers and Mothering and Mother's Day I've read.
I love how you pointed out so many different strengths you see in the mothers around you. What a blessing to those you mentioned to see themselves through your eyes. Especially when so many of us tend to see our inadequacies instead.
That was probably one of the best mother's day tributes I have heard or read. And for the record, I think you do a fanatistic job with your kids. How do I know this? Because your children are a joy to be around. They are kind. They are funny. They are hard workers.
i honestly have no idea what you are talking about, because i do NOT do that. at all. but thank you for thinking i do. unless it's another friend with the same name.
do you know what i learn from you? honest self-assessment. i admire how you continually step back and evaluate the areas in which you would like to improve, and then you seek out the resources available to help you accomplish that. not many people are that willing to embrace their weaknesses and truly strive to make them into strengths. your constant application of gospel principles to your life as a woman, wife, and mother is remarkable, and i really appreciate it. you are open about the discomfort of personal growth, but equally as open about the joys that come from it. i love that about you.
This was just lovely...truly. Loved being in your home yesterday. Xoxo
Great post! You are a fantastic mother, not even sure how you do it all....but you are awesome and I love ya!
Jessica, what a beautiful post. I learn so many of thosecsame things from you. Happy mother's day.
I never comment b/c you're on my reader and I am too lazy. But I read you all the time.
This post was excellent. Thought I should tell you.
I watch my friend Jessica make every moment in her life have purpose and meaning. She makes me want to do the same....
Love You!
And you are a great example of consistency and discipline with yourself and your children. You are a great mother! Happy Mother's Day!
Jessica, this was such a lovely post. I admire you so much. I love what Andrea said...and I agree...you strive so hard to be the best you can be. It is inspiring. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
Loved the post..it was fun to hear your take on all the mother's..hope you enjoyed the day and wre able to see what an amazing Mom you are
Who needs Women's Conference when I can read an amazing and uplifting blog post?
At first I wanted to say "I need to know Jessica's friends."
However, there is no doubt that I just need to look around me and process and learn what I see before me.
This is a beautiful post.
Loved this.
Wow, I'm actually crying and haven't read blogs in forever but was thrilled to read this! You must have been racking your brain for some of those people (um, me) but being your friend is truly a pleasure. Some day I hope to be the mother, wife, friend, daughter of God that you are.
Ditto...but, I would have to list EVERY Mom in LL...such great examples there!
You always can express whats in your heart....sweet post! Thanks, Jess for being so great!
Jess- I'm truly touched that you've included me in this tribute. It's funny because I feel the same way about you! I love & agree with what your cousin, Abbie said about what we learn from you.."learn to be fun, confident, strong, happy, smart, beautiful, honest, wise, and love my children and family more than anything"
You're so dedicated to your family, friends, your fitness, and your church. You INSPIRE me to be better Mom/Friend!! I'm so blessed to have you in my life!
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