Preparing.

Pretty girl.

My BIL Randy with my nieces Aaliyah & Shekendra on Mother's Day, making faces through the kitchen window.

Sometimes it's easy to look at life as a series of "to-do" lists, making sure we do everything we want or need to do, marking them off as we go along, prioritizing, procrastinating and perfecting.

1. Find Love.2. Get Married.3. Bear Children.4. Stay Sane.

I'm the kind of person who likes to think of herself as spontaneous but really isn't. I would have like three kids by now if I was. I've heard many times that having and raising children takes an enormous amount of faith, that you can't do everything to prepare for it. While I agree with that, I also believe a person can do research and have lots of hands-on experience {babysitting} as well as do everything possible to prepare the environment in which the child will be brought up.

I was talking to my cousin last week over dinner about life's plans and I mentioned that I learn something new every day about parenting or childbirth. Literally, every day. And I don't even have children yet, and no I'm not expecting.

Bringing a child into this world is not something to take lightly. I've always known that I wanted to be older rather than younger when I started having children. I think it was half hope that I would grow in stature an inch or two more {they say you can keep growing until you're 25} but mostly it was the immense mental and spiritual preparation I needed to undertake. I didn't want to lack confidence in who I am as a human being and daughter of God while I tried to instill that same confidence into a new soul. I needed to establish my own identity first. But I also know that faith precedes the miracle, so maybe I just need to increase faith?

Whatever it is, I just know that the time is nearing because Heavenly Father is opening my eyes and mind to so many things. It's like he's telling me, "This is the next thing on your list." Before work, before travel, even before service.

Happy Mother's Day, for those who celebrate the Mexican Mother's day! I am in awe at who you are.