A book a day keeps the pout-pouts away.

Deborah Diesen

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part- or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," April 2008 General Conference

"[Easter] is about eggs and candy...and Jesus!" Anna exclaimed jubilantly as we went down to the basement to gather the Easter baskets.

Peter, looking at the book Runaway Ralph, mentioned, "THAT is CREEPY!" Anna responded eagerly, "Can I see?"

Peter, after school: "I got stuck in the eye with the point of a pencil. It really hurt, but I didn't cry."

Liz: "That was really courageous."

Peter: "You know how Nate is tough? I wanted to be like him."

Peter had inside recess yesterday. I asked him what he did during inside recess. "I played with James. I did what I love: played with snakes. Then we did what I hate: played withgirls!"

One of our children was upset over not having been able to watch the movie we were planning on. In discussing it with Lane, she said, "You just don't understand. When you're a dad, life is so easy for you! Life has been SO hard!" When Lane asked her what had been so hard, she said, "Yesterday, I was at [my friend's] house all day!"

There was a bowl of Rice Chex waiting for Anna on the counter when she woke up late today. Nearly in tears, she adamantly asserted, "But Dad promised I could have itmeal [oatmeal] for breakfast in the morning!" I wondered if she is the only child in history, next to Oliver Twist, to have wanted oatmeal for breakfast?

"What color are Sleeping Beauty's shoes?" Anna asked while coloring a picture of her. "I don't know," I replied. "Haven't you seen the movie?!" she demanded incredulously.

Looking at the cover art for the Sound of Music CD, Anna remarked, "She jumped in her high heels!"

"Mom! Hold onto the iron rod!" Anna said to me as she extended a part of her blanket to me when we headed upstairs.

Anna and I were recounting the story of Abinadi and King Noah. We got to the part where King Noah and the wicked priests had run off, and the priests were upset with King Noah. I started to say "Then..." to tell that they burned him at the stake, when Anna jumped in and said, "They fired him!"

"I've been careful with these since I was 6 1/4." Peter

When taking a bite of a store-bought, freezer-section pot pie, Peter exclaimed, "Holy cow! That's some good stuff!"

Peter was noting how quickly the Sweet Peas are growing. He pointed to his plant and boasted, "Mine is just leading the way! It's the growiest!"