What's Going Down

Sunday, May 9, 2010

What I've Learned

I remember a conversation with my father about how each of your children are different and have to be raised differently (he would know, he has 9 of them). What punishment or reward works for one child, will not work for another, etc.

It's pretty much the only parenting advice he's ever given me. And it's advice I've been forever grateful for.

Each of my children has taught me something different. Something invaluable.

Abbie has taught me about Justice. I was a horrific child. My mother is nodding her head right now. I was headstrong and willful. That's my Abbie. I can't even tell you how many times my mother said, "I hope you have a daughter just like you!"  And so I have Abbie. My mom gets her revenge. Abbie's an amazing girl with fantastic talents, but there are times I am sure I am going to have to sell her.
 Having Anna has taught me about Mercy. While I have one child just like me, I also have one child that is sweet as pie. Sure, she's also emotional and sensitive, but she makes up for it with her desire to love you, to be your friend and to serve you. If you've met Anna, you know what I mean.
Miles. I'm certain that Heavenly Father gave me Miles to teach me about unconditional love. The day he was born, I felt my heart explode. I really didn't know that such love was possible. He really is a Mama's Boy and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Lucas has taught me that our Heavenly Father has a sense of humor. This kid is pure comedy. He has the ability to make everyone laugh. And he knows it. The other day, in his extreme excitement over whoknowswhat, he spit in my face. It was the first time he had ever done that so I knew he didn't know it was wrong. He thought he was being funny, and it took everything I could muster not to start laughing. Now, that's talent.

This little girl. Miss Libby. She has taught me about how very much the Lord wants to bless me. Her arrival has brought our entire family to a place I didn't know we could be. Happy. Content. Full. Complete. And perfect.

So, this Mother's Day, I present to you the sixth thing I've learned about God from having children.

He loves me. More than I could have ever thought possible. He has blessed me with these 5 wonderful, amazing and spirited little people. They enrich my life in ways I could never have imagined. I am blessed.

10 comments:

Cheri said...

Thank you for sharing. My heart is full.

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

I need to kiss on Libby.

<3 it and , <3 you. Happy MD.

sheri said...

What a wonderful post! Love the pictures, too. You make being a mom of 5 look easy.

Maleen said...

I think we are living the same life on different sides of the country. Our kids are so similar, not counting the gender differences. Robyn is about to lose that same tooth, I was tugging on it just tonight. It is truly bizarre.

Sabra at Sew a Straight Line said...

love this post. Happy Mother's Day, Liss.

Lost A Sock said...

That was beautiful! I hope you had a great day.

ba and the boys said...

what a sweet post!
happy mothers day!
and ps-i do remember your mom not knowing what to do with you!

Lucy said...

That brought tears to my eyes, it is so beautiful, and so true.

jen@odbt said...

Love your post. I'm nodding in agreement about your oldest daughter. My mom said the same exact thing to me and you know what? I do have me all over again in a tiny 7 year old body. She's keeping me real.

millie said...

Alissa...my sister sent me a link to your blog about one of your posts that she thought would inspire me...i hope you're following this. anyhew, i saw your face and thought, "hey, I know that girl???" so i started reading....well 45 minutes later I am still reading. do you remember me? i was liz graver's roomie at BYU. you set me up with one of your friends for homecoming and i met your china-man! he took us to that little hole in the wall Chinese restaurant in SLC (small world I think is the name) it became one of my very favorite places to eat btw. well to make a very long comment, well longer...i've loved catching up on your blog. your personality really shines thru and i found myself laughing out loud! also, you're so talented. my sister also knits, you'd love each other. you have a beautiful family and i'm happy to have run into your blog! millie

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