Tornado Alley

I don't understand how these kids can COMPLETELY trash the house in a matter of hours! I was feeling great yesterday... I spent almost the entire day cleaning and organizing the house and I even took Jon through on a special tour to see all my accomplishments. ;) And then we let out the "beasts" this morning and in a few hours it seriously looked like a tornado went through the place! Although I guess it could have been worse...


Here's what happened the day after Celeste's ladybug birthday party. I made these cakes for her, and then the leftover frosting was left out on the countertop which we soon realized was a big mistake because the kids got into it (duh!) and here was the result... brace yourself... this is UNBELIEVABLE!




I warned you! ;) When I came upon this disaster I wanted to burst into tears, but Jon and I ended up just laughing our heads off in disbelief and whipping out the camera to capture the moment.



Deep down, I really do know that this job as a homemaker is truly the most important thing I could be doing right now but it's hard to feel that way sometimes when I'm on my hands and knees, with my hair thrown up in a bun, still in my workout clothes, trying to scrub kool-aid out of the carpet. Anyway, so on days like this, when I'm feeling completely exhausted, unappreciated, and mundane, surrounded by burp rags and dirty diapers, I reread my favorite quotes from our church about motherhood to remind me that it's all worth it. I'll share a few in case any one else has days like this:



"Motherhood is near to divinity, and is the hightest and holiest service to be assumed by mankind." -J. Reuben Clark Jr.



"She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come... long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God. In her high duty and service to humanity... she is co-partner with the Creator himself" -David O. McKay



"If it so be that you should labor all your days... and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy." D&C 18:15



And I think about how Christ commanded us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked... and who does that more than a mother?


So after I'm reminded of these truths, I feel like I can clean up all the messes with dignity, and remember what a blessing it is to take upon myself the sacred calling of motherhood.