Life With A Tween

I don't know how to put into words the challenges we have faced the last couple of days, because I don't want to get into the details, but I have gotten a glimpse into my life with a teenage daughter and I don't think I am ready for all this.

But, if my freezer is fully stocked with Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream it might be a little easier to handle.

I sent my Mom a text to vent my frustrations and she told me she felt bad for what I was dealing with, but was laughing because she remembers going through the same thing.

And I remember too.

I remember being upset because my parents wouldn't let me shave my legs until I was older, I remember my friends going to High school dances as freshman but I had to wait until I was a sophomore, and I remember having to wait until I was 12 to get my ears pierced.

At the time it seemed so unfair, because my friends could, so why couldn't I?!?!.

But my parents stuck to their guns, and I am grateful they did, and I know now they only wanted what was best for me.

Plus my Dad was right, shaving your legs is a huge pain, but maybe don't tell him I said that.

So my dear Samantha, know it may seem unfair right now, but we plan on sticking to our guns, because it would be unfair to you if we didn't. We made these rules for a reason, and you need to be able to depend on us to keep our word.

I hope you know everything we do is because we love you, and we only want the best for you.

Maybe one day you will text me to tell me your daughter is upset because her friends get to do something she doesn't, and I will text you back that I feel bad you have deal with that, but I am also laughing because I remember going through the exact same thing with you.

I love you baby girl, now and forever!!

I Am Woman

I have been thinking a lot about my role as a woman, my value, and my worth. See this Mom thing, it isn't easy, but I feel deep down in my soul it is what I am supposed to be doing right now, and I am exactly where the Lord wants me to be.

It is a divine role I play and one I am so grateful for.

Our Bishop gave a beautiful talk in church today about the importance of Women and it really made me sit and think about everything going on in the world around us and I came to a conclusion.

The advisary's voice is loud. He is constantly shouting at us that women are not as good as men. We are worthless if we choose to stay home and raise our children, and we are horrible mothers if we choose to work outside the home. He tells us that we are not good enough, thin enough, pretty enough, or smart enough, and we are not respected because we don't deserve respect.

These messages come at us in so many different forms, some intentional and some unintentional  and it can be hard not to believe them.

God's voice, on the other hand, is small and quite. If we take the time to listen we can hear him whisper to us that we are amazing. We are his daughters, he loves us, and we can do great things if we embrace the gifts and talents he has given us that make us unique. If we will just follow the example of his son Jesus Christ and love those around us, including ourselves, the outside shouting will have no effect on us. We will be able to see ourselves the way he sees us, as his beloved daughters with great worth.

I want my daughters to grow up and have confidence in who they are, to know they can do anything they put their mind to, and to never let anyone make them feel less then they are because they are women.

I know this starts with my example, and I hope I can be a good example for them. That I can love myself, and show the pride I have in my role as a woman, in life, and in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.