Wet hair and No Makeup

Sometimes you go for a run, and then you get all gross and sweaty and you rush to take a shower before heading to institute. And although it might cross your mind that you will be socializing afterwards, you don't really care that you don't have time to put on any makeup or dry your hair before running over to the church. And then you have a wonderful lesson about the temple and come out of class feeling so uplifted and happy you came to institute. And then a boy tells you that you "look really amazing tonight" and gives you a hug, even though you protest that you have wet hair and no makeup on. And well, sometimes it can just make your whole week. :) (Especially because it's followed up with Fro Zen Yo).

Occupation: Mother

Is it okay not to desire to have a career?

I've always wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. I always played with baby dolls growing up. I've felt the presence of my unborn children during those really crucial moments in my life. When I first got my patriarchal blessing  my favorite part was when it talked about the children I would bear in this lifetime, on this earth, and the things that I should teach them and do for them.

My major in college was not only something I was passionate about, it was teaching me how I could be a better mother both in theory and in practice. I have a Bachelor of Science in Home and Family Living. It is the science of families, how they are made up and how to run a home.

But since leaving school and heading out into "the real world" I feel so much pressure to have a career. Especially living here in D.C. The questions that are asked when I meet new people have switched from "so what's your major?" to "what are you doing here in D.C."? Meaning, what career do you have. It's kind of gone from what do you want to be when you grow up to what are you doing now as a grown up.

I know so many people who want to be a wonderful mother and also to have a career and I think that is wonderful. But I really want my career to be being a mother and staying home with my children. I feel a little guilty, a little judged, or that people think I am way too old-fashioned and not "with it".

A few weeks ago a new patient came in and I had the lady fill out a form with all her information. We have a line on the form asking where they work and what their occupation is. As I was putting her information in the computer I saw on her chart written next to "occupation" it said Mother. Not homemaker, not "stay-at-home-mom". Simply Mother. That simple declaration written on someone's medical chart, shot straight to my heart. Mother.
That's what I want to do too.

I do know that there are many great things that I will accomplish in this lifetime and there are many people who's lives I can better. There is a life mission I have that is completely unique to who I am. I know I will be a great leader and a teacher and a mighty worker with youth. These are all things that my patriarchal blessing tells me.  I know I will do things to make this world a little bit better. I just don't know that they will necessarily be big things. But it is by small and simple things that much good is brought forth. It is the small things that people have done for me that I remember and cherish the most.

What do I want to be when I grow up? A professional mother!