A little update on the Barrett front. Holidays are approaching. Fall is giving way to winter. Our little girl is about to turn 1. Colds have set in but so have Christmas decorations. In fact, we go to get our Christmas tree tonight! I've been feeling very much in the holiday spirit the past week, and I'm loving every second of it.
Today was a nostalgic holiday spirit though. I was missing my siblings and parents something fierce. Especially my mom. So instead of working for Reese's second nap, I popped in Little Women and cried my eyes out. So many memories and emotions associated with that movie. It was very tender to watch. I haven't watched it in a while. It made me a
It got me thinking about how I'm creating a life of sorts for our little Reese now. I was gently reminded by my Heavenly Father that the little things I do now as a mother are building the foundation for my children to create a beautiful life of their own. Every time I make Reese laugh or feed her or snuggle her into bed or take care of her while she's sick...I am building the foundation of a happy girl. That is what my mom did for me, and that's what I plan to do for Reese. And all our children.
Even though I was feeling a little nostalgic for my childhood home today and to be by my family's side, I was also feeling very grateful for the legacy that my parents gave me and continue to give me today. I love them very much and want to love my children with the same fierce love that they gave me.
Reese's namesake is my mother. And yes one day it will be a reminder to Reese to be selfless and compassionate, but it is also a reminder to me as a new mom, to be selfless and compassionate for not only Reese, but for all the people that make my life beautiful.
Nothing brings me more joy than being a mom. And a wife. Today is Todd and I's two year anniversary. I forget where I read this, but I read somewhere via the worldwide web that a woman felt so in love with her husband still after many years of being married, that she wished for every girl to be loved as she is loved.
That's how I feel about Todd.
He gives of his whole self in this marriage. He loves me with all his heart. And I feel that every day. Just as that woman said, I wish for every girl to be loved as I am loved. Because every girl is deserving of such a love.
Last but not least, here is a little food for thought that has been on my heart lately. Love this man and his message is truly inspired. Given more than 10 years ago and his message is still close to the hearts of so many women.
"In speaking of mothers generally, I especially wish to praise and encourage young mothers. The work of a mother is hard, too often unheralded work. The young years are often those when either husband or wife (or both) may still be in school or in those earliest and leanest stages of developing the husband's breadwinning capacities. Finances fluctuate daily between low and nonexistent. The apartment is usually decorated in one of two smart designs-Deseret Industries or hand-me-downs. The car, if there is one, runs on smooth tires and an empty tank. But with night feedings and night teethings, often the greatest challenge of all for a young mother is simply fatigue. Through those years, mothers go longer on less sleep and give more to others with less personal renewal for themselves than any other group I know at any other time in life. It is not surprising when the shadows under their eyes sometimes vaguely resemble the state of Rhode Island.
Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones." (Jeffrey R. Holland, this talk)Take courage y'all and have a wonderful week!
❤, Ashton Tilton
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