sweater, vest, & bag: thrifted, dress: estate sale, tights: target, shoes: charlotte russe
I graduate in December and I keep hearing the same question over and over again, "What are you going to do after you graduate?" I reply with the same answer every time: "Have babies." Then I get a look like, "Seriously?" and I smile and explain that I have my internship in January and then who knows!
I attend an LDS school with students who share my faith. It shocks me a little bit that every time I say "have babies" that I get a look like I'm a crazy person. Which, actually might be true. But what's wrong with wanting to be a mother? That's what I believe my calling in life is. I got my education, which was extremely important to me. But now that that door is closing, another chapter of my life is about to begin and nothing would make me happier than to raise children.
We live in a generation where the world tells us, "Go get jobs! Make lots of money! That will make you happy!" And while money is essential to life, it is not everything. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we believe that:
"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. "
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a stay at home mom. I think it is the greatest job any woman can hold. I'll be turning 22 this December and while some of you are probably thinking why on earth why would I want to have children at this age, I know in my heart being a mom is what I was sent to this earth to do. Children terrify me. I'm awkward around them and I don't know what to say. But I know that if I trust God and his plan for me that I will be able to overcome my fears and be the mother I dream of being.
I love being a woman. I love being able to one day hold the title of mother, mom, mommy, mum, that lady that carries me around. Being a woman is powerful. We have the ability to create a human life! (with a little help from the men ;) I'm not pregnant. Who knows when I will be. It's all God's timing. But I am his servant and a mother is what I know he wants me to be.
You have somehow gotten cuter since you've been away. Also, agree with you 100% about babies.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteI just had my first little baby. He's awesome. But I have to say, I was not interested in babies before I had him. I knew I wanted kids. But I never asked to hold other peoples babies. And while I was pregnant, I down right avoided it - I didn't want anyone to see how inept I was! And before, I felt like I should talk to them but I didn't know what to say? Ugh, I just wasn't a baby person.
So I'm here to tell you that that all changes when it's your own baby! People tell me all the time that I "look like a natural." It's crazy how quickly you pick up on things. The first time I breastfed him, I was like, I need four more hands! I didn't know how to get everything lined up and hold him the way I was supposed to - but it's a no-brainer now.
Of course, there are still times that I have no idea what I'm doing. But whatever. He's happy 90% of the time and he's still alive so we're good.
p.s. you're so cute!
ReplyDeleteyou're so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't know if you have read this article http://rationalfaiths.com/so-when-you-gonna-have-kids/ but it is really good if you haven't. I think it's fine if women want to have kids after they graduate and I thinks it's fine if they want to go on to graduate school! For some reason people always feel a need to get up in other people's business and it's so dumb to me. Just let other people live their lives, ya know? Ha ha
ReplyDeleteYou are so great. It's so refreshing to hear this side of the issue! My favorite part of general conference this year was when one of general authorities (can't remember which, I suck) said that what happens in kitchen and in cradles is more important to this world than what happens in congress. So true. Without mothers, none of the rest is possible.
ReplyDeleteNot this YEAR, this session. Whoops.
DeleteBeing a mother is so wonderful!!! Children are a blessing and joy! You will love it! ps. I am a stay at home momma!
ReplyDeleteyou are so awesome, girl. i'm way too scared to have babies ): lol i am still a baby myself! i wish i had your courage. someday, though... when the time is right for me!
ReplyDeleteyour blog is darling!
ReplyDeleteYou are too cute! My little guy was kind of unplanned (neat spiritual story if you would be interested in hearing it) and I wouldn't change a thing. I absolutely love being his mama. I graduated Spring 2012 and didn't have a chance to use my degree. However, it's great to have it just in case. You will be the cutest pregnant lady (;
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Cecilia
Dearest Lou
Thank you for this post! I don't think you should have kids if you don't feel ready, but I don't think it's wrong to have kids young! I had my son at 23 (married at 21) and everyone thinks I'm crazy. They thought I needed to "find myself" and travel and work before I got married or had kids. And this is all from LDS people. Whatever you decide to do after graduation is great and nobodies business!
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