Who is Jane?

I'm Jane. I live in the happiest place on earth. Not Disneyland, but in a little house in the big woods. My husband, Bruce and I are enjoying the last of our eleven children. Three are married, three are in college, four are at home and our little son, Taylor, passed away when he was three.

When Natalie created this blog, I had my doubts. But it has blessed me in so many ways. It has forced me to crystallize my thoughts. It has connected me with a small army of sweet mothers whose humility and love for their children makes me so proud of them--and hopeful. It has helped me to recall important moments of understanding that changed me as a parent--that brought more joy to the process.

My son, Nick, gave me a perfect analogy about motherhood. It's like a field of roses, he said. You approach it from a distance and it looks so beautiful. Then you find yourself in the middle of it and there are thorns and struggles and it's hard to see where you are. Then you get to the other side and look back and say, Wow, that was so beautiful!

Is it possible to make it more beautiful right while you're walking through it? I hope so. Because it's a great work you're doing--the greatest work in fact. And you're not alone in it. You have family, friends and a Heavenly Father who want your success. Hopefully, mine can be just one more voice to cheer you on.