I am a Mom-of-All-Trades

On a friend's fabulous blog--- messagesfromthemothership.blogspot.com----- she wrote that her three year old daughter announced to her church class she wanted to be a mermaid when she grew up. My friend celebrated the idea that the you-can-be-anything-you-want-to-be-lessons were getting through.
This reminded me of my childhood dream job -- I wanted to be a game show host. Not a Vanna White type, but I was gunning for Bob Barker's job on the Price is Right. In the fifth grade I even did a school project/report/presentation in game show format where I was the host and my fellow colleagues answered questions about the subject into microphones I'd made from aluminum foil and plastic cups.
Earlier in my childhood I wanted to be a scientist--more specifically a chemist. I think I just liked mixing the chemicals in my chemistry set.
I was sure I would be a future organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
I would be a public official- like a judge.
I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I've always had a desire to be an actress.
I could be a fashion designer.
I have entertained thoughts of writing a book someday.
Did I have visions of grandeur? Perhaps. But I believe it is fantastic for children and adults to have dreams of things they want to do. Big things. Varied interests. Here's why.

In very real ways I have gotten to do all those childhood dreams and much more. I am a mother.
As a mother, almost every day I get to do most of these things--just on a smaller scale. Let me explain.

Host the Price is Right--I am constantly helping children figure out what things cost. I help children choose one thing over another based on what is the best value. I also offer prizes to the kids for jobs well done.

A scientist - I am Clark's mom. Enough said. I do science experiments. I read books about science. I let my children keep reptiles in the house. We hike in the mountains.

Organist for MoTab- I play the organ at church once a month. I keep the volume pretty loud! I teach piano lessons to aspiring young musicians.

Judge Betsy- I am judge and jury all day everyday. Five children living and working together all day- you better believe we need conflict resolution.

Actress- We read a lot of books aloud and I do great voices for the characters.

Fashion Designer- I help pick out lots of clothes for people and gently notify them when their clothing choices are not acceptable.

Veterinarian- We have a dog and have played a part in helping many reptiles pass to the other side.

Author- You are reading my words I wrote that are out there for the whole world to see.

Motherhood, (as all things) has it's challenging parts. Challenging might be too light a word. Down right, tear inducing, screaming in frustration, HARD things. But in the flip side is the glorious adventure and fulfillment motherhood provides. I find the more I invest in my family and children the bigger the payoff. The more I search for ways to fulfill my needs for physical activity and mental stimulation in ways that involve my family the happier we all are. I do need time alone sometimes. I need time to read by myself. I need walks alone. I need time with friends and most importantly, dates with Abe.
But for me, it is within my home and family that I find the fulfillment of my childish (and not so childish) dreams.