"A wise man once distinguished between 'the noble art of getting things done' and 'a nobler art of leaving things undone.' True 'wisdom in life,' he taught, consists of 'the elimination of non-essentials' (in Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living [New York: Reynal and Hitchcock, 1937], 162, 10). May I suggest that you periodically evaluate how you are doing in this area? What are the nonessential things that clutter your days and steal your time? What are the habits you may have developed that do not serve a useful purpose? What are the unfinished or unstated things that could add vigor, meaning, and joy to your life?"

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "As You Embark upon This New Era," Brigham Young University Speeches 2008-2009(2009), 2.

"But one thing, she said, keeps her going: 'Through the thick and thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God's work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep.'"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She Is a Mother," Ensign, May 1997, 35.

(This is one of my all time favorites talks about motherhood. I heard it years ago and have never forgotten it.)

Sarah asked Anna after she walked in from school, "Did you miss me?" Anna answered heartily, "Oh, of course!"

Peter is learning all those perrenial school phrases: "Missed me, missed me, now you gotta kiss me," and "Trick or treat, smell my feet...."

Today at lunch Peter and Anna were having a race as to who could say this family mealtime phrase the fastest (Boy, that last phrase was a mouthful in itself!): "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." The volume kept getting louder in tandem with the increasing speed, until Anna looked like she was going to burst! I wonder how many families around the world use that sentence at meals, too?

Peter is such a good natured boy. He came in from school and started to do something. "Remember to go wash you hands," I nudged. "Thanks for telling me that," he cheerfully responded, skipping off to the bathroom. While he may not always answer me in this tone, it is particularly telling of his innate personality. I just adore it.

Peter and I were looking at some old photos of Nate when he was about Peter's age when Peter thought that a photo of Nate was actually him [P]: "I don't remember going ice skating there!" They do look a lot alike back then!

We rolled to a stop at a stoplight. "Stop, Mom, stop." Anna said. "The light is red now." When the light turned green, she quoted, "Go, Mom, go. The light is green now." I should have turned and asked, "Do you like my party hat?"

We had cinnamon rolls for dinner tonight. After Peter had eaten his, he asked if he could have more. There weren't enough to have a whole second one, so I cut a roll in half. "Can I have both those pieces on my plate?" he asked.

Anna: "I want a ballerina cake for my birthday!"

Nate: "Mom! You keep calling me Pete! Even Anna called me Pete the other day!"

We must love our children and teach them they are children of a Heavenly Father, who loves them. As they feel our love, they will feel His love and will be grateful for their good name and for the name of Christ, which they bear. As they feel our love and the love of their Heavenly Father, they feel no need for the possessions of others. Help them to measure personal progress and not compare themselves to others....

Elder Lynn A. Mickelsen, "Eternal Laws of Happiness," Ensign, Nov.1995, 78.

How many moms in the history of Lucky Charms cereal have made this comment like I did this morning? "You have to eat the cereal and not just the marshmallows!"

The past week or so has been "color week," where the kindergartners wear a different color each day. Yesterday was pink and today is purple. Pete's response both days was the same: "I am NOT wearing pink!" "I am NOT wearing purple!"

Eliza (7), walked into the kitchen, a big smile playing on her lips and a twinkle in her eyes. "I'm wearing lipgloss because it's the Fall Festival."

Peter told me yesterday, in a surprised tone, "I was playing a game at school. I was trying to frighten the girls, and theyliked it! [Face drooped, voice quieted]. "But no one would be on my team."

Anna was in the car with me as we went to pick up football players. "You're so nice, Mom." Touched, I responded, "You're so nice, too, Anna." "I love you." Again, "I love you, too." Pause. "Mom, will you take me to Disneyland?" I'm smiling. "Yes, I would love to take you to Disneyland." Another pause, but not so long. "Will you take me there for my birthday?"