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.