Creating

Sometimes life gets a little monotonous. And I get a little bored. Wondering what to make for dinner, doing laundry every Monday, figuring out how to keep my kids entertained. Life as a mom is like that. And I'm in no way complaining. I wouldn't change any of it!

Recently I was reminded of this talk by Elder Deiter F. Uchtdorf, a leader in my church. I remember hearing it two years ago and totally loving it. I love it even more now. Here's part of it:

"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.


What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.


If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it...

The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."

I love the idea that I'm creating (even if it's something small and simple) and it makes me feel good about what I do. Just wanted to share that with you.

So here are some things that we've created lately.

Sam made this snowflake necklace at the library's storytime.

 We finished the mobile. Not exactly what I was picturing, but the birds were too heavy for the ribbon. We had to improvise. At least the project was free! (Scrap fabric and stuffing, sticks, wire, and hanging supplies we already had.)

 Sam loves these window decals. He puts them on and takes them off all the time. He calls this his "Choo-choo train of hearts."

 I got the recipe for this delicious dish from Real Simple. It's penne with roasted red onion, brocccoli and sausage. So good!

 Do I ever need an excuse to make treats? I don't think so.

 Happiness in a cup.