Time Marches On

This month I'll be celebrating my 48th birthday. Wow. It's a little overwhelming when I think about it. Here I am, almost 48 years old, with three children under 8. I don't feel 48, but the reality is I am. I think about the realities of aging with small children. Will I be that mom that keeps going no matter how old I am? Or will I be the mom that's too tired to take the boys to games or watch games?

My hope, my plan is to be the mom who's there for everything. That's why it's important to me that I accomplish the goals I've set. I want my boys to see that nothing can hold you back if you want to be successful. I have made mistakes in my life. So many mistakes. But my babies are so right, so good. They are three of the best things that have ever happened.

They'll all be in school this year. I'm glad to see them start school. It's the way things are supposed to be. But truly, I'll miss having them around. It'll give me the time I need to accomplish my goals. But letting my youngest two go, seeing them walk into that big building, that's going to be hard.

I watch them as they grow from the chubby little babies they were to the little boys who're all arms and legs. When they were small, I could hold them in my lap--yes, all three at the same time. Now, they don't want to be held often. But how I cherish the times they do. Soon, all to soon, they won't want me as much. But this too shall pass. Their friends will become more important than their parents. As they age, our intelligence will decrease (in their eyes). But one day it'll come full circle and they'll be in our position. In the meantime, I'll keep praying I make the right decisions.

So, as I get ready to celebrate my 48th birthday, I give thanks for my husband and children, for all the many blessings we have. And I pray I find a way to make a difference. Life is change. Life is only going to get more interesting.

God bless.

Summer

The summer is almost at an end, at least for the children. School starts in 9 days, 19 hours and 14 minutes--not that I'm counting. The twins are excited to be starting kindergarten. The oldest is excited to be a second grader. I'm just excited to have my days back. I've enjoyed having them home, but it's time for them to go back to their routine. And for me to get back to mine. And even better, no daycare expenses!

We had a great summer full of activities. The boys all played ball and took swim lessons. The twins were in summer school for a month. And we went on a family vacation with my in-laws. We spent a week in Branson, MO. We got back last week, thoroughly exhausted. We all had a blast!

So, my plans for the school year are to work on my blog, set up my website and start selling jewelry, get involved with the United Methodist Women's group again, and to study in earnest for my family therapy license. I had planned to go back to work full-time as soon as the boys started school, but have decided to wait until we see how two of my three do in school this year. I may end up substitute teaching for a while so I can have the same schedule as the boys.

For now it's school supplies and clothes, registration and open house, and the organized chaos of the new school year. Hoping for fewer teacher conferences and fewer notes from school (of the negative variety). Until next time, stay safe and God bless!