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 Russell M. Ballard, April 2008 General Conference)As a little girl, my mom could wrap me in her arms and I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of love and completely safe. I knew my mom loved me, because she didn't make me eat vegetables. I hated "green" as a child. She always supported me at every concert, awards ceremony, and volleyball game. I would light up when I saw my mom there. I knew my mom loved me, because she loyally wrote me a letter every week on my mission, even though my letters came less often with the pouch in certain areas. I knew she loved me, because she prays for me. The last while, it's that I will get married, but I remember how touched I was to know she prayed to Heavenly Father on my behalf.
What a wonderful thing you have done as mothers. You have given birth and nurtured children. You have entered into a partnership with our Father in Heaven to give mortal experience to His sons and daughters. They are His children and they are your children, flesh of your flesh, for whom He will hold you responsible. You have rejoiced over them, and in many cases you have sorrowed. They have brought you happiness as no one else could. They have brought you pain as none other could. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2000 General Conference)
My mom taught me to value education. In 3rd grade, if I didn't finish my vocabulary lists, I was punished, too harshly in my opinion, but I learned that it was expected that I finish my homework. In 6th grade, I had drawn some pictures in pencil for my science food chain assignment. My mom made me get markers and color it. When my teacher handed back papers, she held up my assignment and chastised the rest of the class for not putting more effort into the assignment. I would have been included, if not for my mom. I'm sure the other kids didn't appreciate my mom that day, but I did. She always encouraged me to do and be my best. She went back to college when I was in junior high and I saw how hard she worked. It was a good example to me.
My mom also taught me the importance of family. When I was growing up, she only had her twin sister nearby, in Orem, but almost every weekend one of our families would make the hour drive. My abuela lived with us until the rest of her family came to America. My mom always took care of her, and still does. She visits or talks with her almost every day. With our Latin blood, I remember some heated arguments, but I always knew that family stuck together and no one else could say anything bad about us, without incurring the wrath of all of us. I learned about my Bolivian heritage from my abuela. She taught me Spanish. I remember her always singing and playing with us, my favorite songs being arroz con leche, and waking up the wolf (lobo, lobo). She would dance in the kitchen, waving a dish towel to substitute for a handkerchief. I am so grateful for my mother and grandmother this Mother's Day. I hope that I can someday love my children just as much and teach them all that I have been taught.
Favorite thing I overheard that day was a man to his fellow reenactor, "Well, we lost again." :)
We did, however, enjoy a fantastic breakfast at a little cafe in Concord, thanks to Karen's recommendation. 
The last couple of years, I went into work after the reenactment, but decided to take the day off for this one. We stood near the finish line and it was definitely moving to see people running across, completing what I'm sure represented a lot of work. The crowd was so supportive of everyone, especially those who looked like they were struggling. It was one of those time you feel like you're part of a community, even though everyone around you is a stranger.
We started out at the Central Park Zoo. I didn't realize how small it actually was, but it did provide some good photo ops.
This was my first springtime in New York. Love the tulips that remind me of the tulips around the Salt Lake Temple this time of year.
