Kids say the darndest things...

My kids constantly crack me up. Here are some of their latest:

Fiona won a prize at a church Halloween party - a flavored lipgloss set. She was so excited to show it to me and tell me about the flavors, "Mom, look, there's cherry, root beer, ice cream, and Made in China". I didn't explain to her that the "Made in China" was not the flavor but that the "Orange Cream" that was written above it was. I'm still giggling over that one.

This weekend we had stake conference. Any of you who have small children know that they get a bit restless after a while. Well, Porter was ready to go home. He had read all of his books and colored as much as he wanted to. I told him to sit still and went back to listening to the speaker. She (mission President's wife) was comparing what life is like walking in high school hallways vs walking through the temple doors. She then asked how our home fit in. She then asked (rhetorically) how we want our homes to be. Just as loud as he could, "HAPPY!" At least he was listening, right?

...way too fast...

I update my kids pictures every year about this time. They love it when we put the new print in and look at the pictures from past years (I keep the older ones in the frames). I always thought it was such a cliche that your children will be grown up before you know it, but holy cow! Here's my cuties in their updated pics:

Fight like a girl!

Okay, so I should warn you, this is going to be a venting post....

I have had the opportunity in these past years to go to school. I'm always entertained by the way people think things SHOULD be. There are some who tell me, "Good for you. (for going to school) You can't let yourself be lost as a just a mom." Then, there have been others who have said, "I want to go back to school but my kids come first."

The world would have us believe that women should be equal to men. That children are a way to hold us back; hold us down. Family is second to career. I disagree with all of that.

Some well-meaning people out there think that women should forego their identity after having children. Children and husband are the priority, you are last on the list (if you're on the list at all). I disagree with all of that.

In my years of school, I have been bombarded with unsolicited advice. Such advice usually leaves me feeling a bit beat up. I really don't need anyone to make me feel inferior or inadequate...I do good enough job of that on my own!

On a particular trip to our local library, I parked out front (I usually park in back). I was frustrated, worried...you know, all of the mom feelings. I stepped on the sidewalk and happened to look down at writing that had been spray painted on the sidewalk. The words said, "Fight like a girl!" I think that is a fabulous advice!!!!

I am a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend and most importantly...I am ME! I do not feel inferior to men, and certainly don't want to be treated like one! I do not believe Heavenly Father intends for us to "lose" ourselves in marriage, motherhood or anything else. I believe he intends for us to "find" ourselves in it all.

Thank heavens for General Conference. It has reminded me to fight like a girl and not get beat up by what everyone thinks I should or should not be. I know who I am and what I need to do for myself and my family.

So, I'm ready to fight. Anyone with me? :)