I was sitting at the end of the table, admiring this view of studious children last week, when it dawned on me that our way of life is really changing. Some call it the end of an era. Others say we are embarking on a new season. Regardless of how we phrase it, I am certain that things are moving in a better direction. I keep predicting to The Referee that this next year looks like it could be one of our best yet. And, I am totally excited about the potential I see arriving.
Many changes are taking place, as the kids are growing older. Change can be difficult to adjust to. But, it can also be exciting. My emotions are quite up and down about some of it lately. On one hand, kids get easier to care for as they grow. They become more independent, so there is not as much physical demand on us parents. On the other hand, peer relationships start taking a bigger role and having influence on their interests and behaviors. The balancing act continues.
The major medical issues that have plagued our family in recent years, are resolving and becoming more manageable. Clearly, medical conditions will continue to influence our budget and our time. Doctor appointments and prescriptions are a steady way of life for some members of our family. Thankfully, the treatments are working well, allowing stability to surface once again.
Now that we have entered the school year....and now that we have 3 official school-aged children (plus 1 who insists she should be in school too), academic activities really dominate our week days. When my children were younger, we spent majority of our days attending play dates at the park and Mommy groups, or out running errands. Now, we gather around the table for arithmetic lessons, or pile on the couch to read.
As we make lifestyle changes with our fitness and finances, we are catching glimpses of a better life. It seems like we are on a better path in those areas too. Unfortunately, it is not a fast lane. We are getting closer to our goals, one step at a time.
Two themes keep popping up on blogs and in conversations with my friends, lately. One is the reminder that this season of parenting is so very short. It is amazing how difficult it can seem when we are in the beginning stages, sleep deprived from a newborn, or struggling to train a toddler or preschooler. Those stages race by quickly, and then they are gone. That is very evident to me right now, as my "baby" is rushing into age 2, and letting go of many baby traits....at the same time that I realize my oldest will be turning 9, which means HALF of her childhood has already passed. I'm trying to relax and enjoy the ride I am on, during this season of my life, but I admit it seems like this ride is going way too fast.
The second theme that strikes me lately is going to be my new life motto: Children have a way of humbling us. I am confident that just as soon as I think I have this motherhood role figured out, at least one of my kids will throw me for a loop, and knock me off my feet. There are many things we can learn from the experiences of other Moms. Some Moms really seem to have a good handle on the areas where I am weakest. But, one thing is for certain--every one of us struggles in different areas, at different time points. Do not be discouraged. That snapshot of someone else's life does not always represent the bigger picture.
I like to post the picture of the studious children, and tell the fun stories. Those are the memories I prefer to focus on. But, always know that behind every adorable photo of well behaved children, is the reality of laundry, dishes, muddy shoes, scraped up knees, tantrums, arguments, spilled drinks, and lost pieces to sports uniforms.
Hold on tight to those diaper bags and school backpacks, because the season of motherhood is an adventurous ride.
Many changes are taking place, as the kids are growing older. Change can be difficult to adjust to. But, it can also be exciting. My emotions are quite up and down about some of it lately. On one hand, kids get easier to care for as they grow. They become more independent, so there is not as much physical demand on us parents. On the other hand, peer relationships start taking a bigger role and having influence on their interests and behaviors. The balancing act continues.
The major medical issues that have plagued our family in recent years, are resolving and becoming more manageable. Clearly, medical conditions will continue to influence our budget and our time. Doctor appointments and prescriptions are a steady way of life for some members of our family. Thankfully, the treatments are working well, allowing stability to surface once again.
Now that we have entered the school year....and now that we have 3 official school-aged children (plus 1 who insists she should be in school too), academic activities really dominate our week days. When my children were younger, we spent majority of our days attending play dates at the park and Mommy groups, or out running errands. Now, we gather around the table for arithmetic lessons, or pile on the couch to read.
As we make lifestyle changes with our fitness and finances, we are catching glimpses of a better life. It seems like we are on a better path in those areas too. Unfortunately, it is not a fast lane. We are getting closer to our goals, one step at a time.
Two themes keep popping up on blogs and in conversations with my friends, lately. One is the reminder that this season of parenting is so very short. It is amazing how difficult it can seem when we are in the beginning stages, sleep deprived from a newborn, or struggling to train a toddler or preschooler. Those stages race by quickly, and then they are gone. That is very evident to me right now, as my "baby" is rushing into age 2, and letting go of many baby traits....at the same time that I realize my oldest will be turning 9, which means HALF of her childhood has already passed. I'm trying to relax and enjoy the ride I am on, during this season of my life, but I admit it seems like this ride is going way too fast.
The second theme that strikes me lately is going to be my new life motto: Children have a way of humbling us. I am confident that just as soon as I think I have this motherhood role figured out, at least one of my kids will throw me for a loop, and knock me off my feet. There are many things we can learn from the experiences of other Moms. Some Moms really seem to have a good handle on the areas where I am weakest. But, one thing is for certain--every one of us struggles in different areas, at different time points. Do not be discouraged. That snapshot of someone else's life does not always represent the bigger picture.
I like to post the picture of the studious children, and tell the fun stories. Those are the memories I prefer to focus on. But, always know that behind every adorable photo of well behaved children, is the reality of laundry, dishes, muddy shoes, scraped up knees, tantrums, arguments, spilled drinks, and lost pieces to sports uniforms.
Hold on tight to those diaper bags and school backpacks, because the season of motherhood is an adventurous ride.
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