Mamma Mia

My friend Lisha tagged me for some questions on motherhood. I really appreciated Elder Ballards talk in conference this past weekend...as I imagine many of you mothers did. He said that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. He couldn't have said it better. I have never experienced anything more joyful than some of the joys I've experienced as a mother. But as he said, the joy comes in moments. Minute for minute, there are a lot more moments of struggle than moments of joy. It's a good things those moments of joy are so fantastic. Those few moments far outweigh the trials of motherhood.

1. Typically what time do you wake up? At about 6:30 by a yell..."Can you please wipe my bum?!!!" That seriously happens every morning. Weird kid.

2. On a good night what time are your kids in bed? 7:45. We're pretty consistent. They're rarely in bed past 8:00. I need that. If I have to deal with a kid past 8:00, I lose it.

3. How long have you been a mom? Four years come July.

4. How old were you when you became a mom? 22...do the math. I know...kids have aged me fast. My friends tend to be a few years older than me. Not that a few years matters at all...we're all in the same age bracket now. And I tend to make friends with moms who still have kids at home, regardless of age. But I am frequently mistaken for older than I am. I just don't have the life of a typical 26 year old. On my 25th birthday my 37 year old visiting teacher came over with a treat and asked how old I was. She was surprised and thought I was close to her age. Thanks. Although, when I was 18 and mistaken for a 20-22 year old...I thought it was kind of nice. I always dated guys much older than me. Spencer, for example, is almost 31.

5. What is your favorite kid TV show/movie? I am really hesitant to admit this, but I am secretly happy when my kids pick the Wiggles. I can sing and dance along to every song. Embarrassing, I know. I also like Dan Zanes.

6. What is your least favorite kid TV show? Thomas the Tank Engine, Calliou, Veggie Tales and Dragon Tales. Actually, this list could go on and on and on. I'll stop there.

7. What is your favorite chore? The kind of chore my kids can do. I can't wait until they're old enough to do the dishes and clean their own mess in the bathroom. Actually, it's probably mowing the lawn, if I have to choose. It's the lesser of all the evils. I'm just not the kind of person who finds joy in cleaning.

8. What is your favorite meal to cook? Anything in a crock pot. I can make it during nap time or when it's convenient and voila, it's magically ready at dinner time.

9. What is the meal you cook most often? Tostados, burritos, tacos, quesadillas... any simple Mexican food.

10. What is your kid’s favorite meal? Hot dogs, bologna, peanut butter and jelly, Spiderman mac and cheese, beans from a can....you know, any of the finer foods in life. And for Gray...Soy Formula and anything in a baby food jar. That kid seriously downs anything. When I introduced vegetables this week, he didn't flinch or pull any kind of face...he just downed them like a champ. He'd been eating fruit. I thought he would have been more surprised.

11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids? He is responsible for the kids from the time we say goodnight until him and I go to bed. So if they keep running down the hall or need a drink or a bandaid or vaseline or any of the strange things they ask for, Spencer is responsible and I just sit my lazy self on the couch.

12. What are 5 things that make you smile when you're being a mom? It's tough to limit..

The sound of children's laughter. To me, that's probably the best thing about motherhood.

I LOVE to listen to kids say prayers.

When they choose to share or play nicely.

It's great when they learn something new. Even better when I was the one who taught it to them.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, to hear them sing...especially when they get the words wrong or have no idea what the words mean. So cute.

13. If you could take your kids anywhere where would it be? I have had this uncontrollable desire to take my kids to Disneyland lately. It's just so magical for kids. I have to take them before they grow up.

14. When was the last time you went out without your kids? Out of my mind? Only moments ago. Out of the house? I don't know. I grocery shop by myself these days. Really, my life revolves around the crazies and if I don't get out to do something a little more fun than grocery shopping soon, I'm going to crack. If you ask Spencer, he'd probably tell you I already have cracked.

15. What is your favorite past time/activity to do with your kids? I enjoying tying them up and locking them in cages just as much as the next mom does. Before you call Child Protective Services on me, I really enjoy our dance parties.

16. Name 1 thing you said you'd never do as a mom. My answer will be the same as Lisha's...Day care. Getting a babysitter is just fine, but leaving them all day in Day Care is not for me.

17. What is your favorite quality that your mom has? My mom is a good friend and listener and always puts her kids first. Like she'll call me on the phone after she had something really big going on...like a job interview or something. She'll listen to me whine and validate my feelings for like 10-20 minutes before she even brings up her big news. If I were a little less selfish, maybe I'd remember to ask.

18. What is your advice for new moms? Two words...bottle feed. I know this is not going to be a popular answer, but not being the only one who has to get up in the night is fantastic. I don't have to carry my kid every where I go because he needs to nurse. I've never had to pump or accidentally expose myself to unsuspecting onlookers. Formula fed babies are better sleepers. I've just had so much more freedom. When I was pregnant with Parker I discussed my lack of desire to nurse with my doctor. She said the best thing for the baby is a happy mother. I've clung to that little piece of advice through the years. I don't think I could make it through motherhood if it weren't for formula.

19. What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom? I guess my situation is unique, but amputation was a little scary. I'm also nervous for when my kids get older. I think it will be hard when they get made fun of, picked last or left out. That will be heart breaking for me.

20. What is your most joyful moment of being a mom? Seriously it's seeing them sleep...all three of them. Kids are so sweet when they're sleeping. Can anything get cuter than that? Sleeping anywhere...on the floor, in the car, in their bed. It's amazing that something so active could ever be so calm. Plus, I'd have to say that a break from chasing them around and cleaning up their messes can be quite joyful.

21. When was the last time you were told 'I Love You' by one of your kids? Parker was practicing his telephone skills this morning. I called him on my cell. He can't end a phone conversation without a "Goodbye, I love you."

22. I tag: The Corona High girls. Our friendships all began pre-motherhood. I'd love to know more about you all as mothers. So that would be Erin, Jeanine, Jessica, Kim and Traci.