Poetry and Pictures

Look at me, look at me, look at me now!

You could do what I do, if you only knew how.

I study the scriptures one hour each day;

I bake, I upholster, I scrub, and I pray.

I always keep all the commandments completely;

I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly.

I help in their classrooms!  I sew all they wear!

Above is what Lily chose to bring to her first Kindergarten show-n-tell.

Yup, homemade costumes.  Amara is sporting the girl's throw pillows from their bed, and Lily is a ladybug (in case you couldn't tell) with a painted piece of cardboard duct taped to a backpack.

I drive them to practice; I cut all their hair!

I memorize names of the General Authorities;

I focus on things to be done by priorities.

I play the piano!  I bless with my talents!

My toilets all sparkle, my checkbooks all balance!

Each week every child gets a one-on-one date;

I attend all my meetings (on time!  Never late!)

I am taking a class on the teachings of Paul,

But that is not all!  Oh no.  That is not all.

I track my bad habits ‘til each is abolished;

Our t-shirts are ironed, my toenails are polished!

Our family home evenings are always delightful,

The lessons I give are both fun and insightful.

I do genealogy, faithfully too.

It’s easy to do all the things that I do!

I rise each day early, refreshed and awake;

Good morning!  Daddy, can you cut my waffles?

I know all the names of each youth in my stake!

I read to my children! I help all my neighbors!

I bless the community, too, with my labors.

I exercise and I cook menus gourmet;

My visiting teaching is done the first day!

(I also go do it for someone who missed hers.

It’s the least I can do for my cherished ward sisters.) 

I chart resolutions and check off each goal;

I seek each “lost lamb” on my Primary roll.

I can homegrown produce each summer and fall.

But that is not all!  Oh no!  That is not all.

I write in my journal! I sing in the choir!

Each day I write “thank you’s” to those I admire.

My sons were all Eagles when they were fourteen!

My kids get straight A’s!  And their bedrooms are clean!

I have a home business to help make some money;

I always look beautifully groomed for my honey.

In our old apartment- If I wasn't leaving the house, I was usually wearing this robe all day long.

I go to the temple at least once a week;

I change the car’s tires; I fix the sink’s leak!

I grind my own wheat and I bake all our bread;

I have all our meals planned out six months ahead.

I make sure I rotate our two-years’ supply;

My shopping for Christmas is done by July!

These things are not hard;

It’s good if you do them.  You can if you try!

Just set goals and pursue them!

It’s easy to do all the things that I do!

If you plan and work smart, you can do them all too!

“It’s easy!” she said……

            And then she dropped dead.

    Author:  Vickie Gunther

I love this poem.  And I love my family and our imperfect lives.