Ode to Motherhood

I think it's no mystery what's been keeping me busy over the past three months and beyond: it's this sweet little guy, and his cute older counterpart, both whom I adore with all my heart.

I am so blessed to be the mother of two such perfect little boys. I know it. But I feel so guilty, because my "job" often leaves me feeling more depressed than happy! I don't know why...

Maybe it's because motherhood isn't all that glamorous. Take a peek into an average day in the life of Tiffany Norris and you will find a routine that goes something like this: Wake up early. Feed Russell. Change diaper. Wake up again. Feed Russell again. Change diaper again. Get myself dressed. Get Russell dressed. Change diaper again. Get Taylor dressed. Change Taylor's diaper. Feed both babies. Make beds. Change laundry. Do dishes. Clean up baby poop or breakfast spills or other daily surprise. Play cars with Taylor. Read books. Change diapers. Feed both babies again. Change diapers again....I think I've painted the picture. It's mundane to be sure, but I also know that if overnight I could become Oprah Winfrey or Carrie Underwood or someone else completely glamorous instead of being "Mommy," I wouldn't do it! So maybe it's not the glamor thing. Maybe I struggle to mother two little ones because of those "daily surprises" that I mentioned; the moments like these:

or these.

Wow, just remembering the high-energy moments makes me have to breathe in and out a little more! Talk about crazy! So that must be part of it.

To all you mothers out there who have managed before me, and especially to those of you who are mothers to several children and still haven't given any of them to the gypsies...I admire and respect you dearly! This is so much harder than I thought it would be! Keeping a clean house and keeping everyone clothed and clean and fed are super tough, let alone trying to manage making time for exercise, scripture study, BLOGGING, scrapbooking, home projects, or just ME time (is there such a thing?).

If it weren't for a merciful Father in Heaven, I think I'd be on the fast track to muumuu land from eating comfort sugar 24/7. He helps me to cope by blessing me with moments like these:

Seeing Taylor insist on wearing star sunglasses,

or watching him learn to set the table,

or walk "like a lion,"

or hearing Russell laugh.

Those sweet moments remind me where my children came from, and more importantly, that they really aren't my children; they're His. Blessed, blessed am I to be given the great stewardship of being their mother.

I just wish it could be a little easier some days. :)