We had a little fun with uniforms and photos today. I wanted to organize my blog a little bit, and try to find some consistency for writing about the antics of my growing children. I decided to start with new photos. Next I need to organize my time to be able to blog more consistently.
Our children are growing up so fast. It seems that we are moving on to the next phase of parenting. There are no more infants in the house. Jersey #5 is potty training right now. Everyone sleeps through the night and wakes smoothly the next morning. (Actually, The Referee and I are finding we are oversleeping many mornings lately, because our child "alarm clocks" are no longer waking us up at night or in the early morning). Jersey #5 is the only child who still requires assistance to fasten his seatbelt in the van--and even with that he climbs into his own seat and tries to help fasten some of the harness straps.
The older kids are making their own friends and wanting to choose their own activities. The children have their own interests and sense of clothing style. It is quite an adjustment for me to not pick out everone's outfit before we go somewhere, or to plan play dates and activities for myself (or to wear the kids out). The older kids are even wanting to decide how to celebrate their upcoming birthdays. My days no longer revolved around nap time.
When I only had infants and toddlers, or infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, I had full control of how our days went. I set the schedule. I planned the meals and snacks. I determined the playdates and activities. Everything revolved around me. I had everything organized to my liking, and the kids followed my lead.
Suddenly, everything is different. It really isn't suddenly, but it sure feels more abrupt than I expected. Instead of being the team manager, I am really becoming more of a coach. I am encouraging the kids to make wise choices, and helping them see the cause of natural consequences to their actions.
For the most part, I think we are entering the easiest phase of parenting right now. The work of the early years is ending, but the worry of the adolescent years has not yet begun...
I am able to see some of the fruits of my efforts. The behavior of my children reflects the effort I put into those training years. Then again, their poor choices shine a spotlight on areas where I need to capture their hearts more. I am guessing this is more of a character building season.
The Home Team is in a re-building season. LOL! I just cracked myself up with that thought. This sports theme can be so much fun.
There is much truth there too. Our marriage is in a rebuilding season. Our family is in a rebuilding season. Our careers are in a re-building season. Our finances are in a re-building season. Our parenting is in a character-building season. It is interesting how it all ties together.
We are in the midst of the pre-season conditioning exercises.
I am looking forward to the new season. From where I stand right now, 2011 has so much potential...
Our children are growing up so fast. It seems that we are moving on to the next phase of parenting. There are no more infants in the house. Jersey #5 is potty training right now. Everyone sleeps through the night and wakes smoothly the next morning. (Actually, The Referee and I are finding we are oversleeping many mornings lately, because our child "alarm clocks" are no longer waking us up at night or in the early morning). Jersey #5 is the only child who still requires assistance to fasten his seatbelt in the van--and even with that he climbs into his own seat and tries to help fasten some of the harness straps.
The older kids are making their own friends and wanting to choose their own activities. The children have their own interests and sense of clothing style. It is quite an adjustment for me to not pick out everone's outfit before we go somewhere, or to plan play dates and activities for myself (or to wear the kids out). The older kids are even wanting to decide how to celebrate their upcoming birthdays. My days no longer revolved around nap time.
When I only had infants and toddlers, or infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, I had full control of how our days went. I set the schedule. I planned the meals and snacks. I determined the playdates and activities. Everything revolved around me. I had everything organized to my liking, and the kids followed my lead.
Suddenly, everything is different. It really isn't suddenly, but it sure feels more abrupt than I expected. Instead of being the team manager, I am really becoming more of a coach. I am encouraging the kids to make wise choices, and helping them see the cause of natural consequences to their actions.
For the most part, I think we are entering the easiest phase of parenting right now. The work of the early years is ending, but the worry of the adolescent years has not yet begun...
I am able to see some of the fruits of my efforts. The behavior of my children reflects the effort I put into those training years. Then again, their poor choices shine a spotlight on areas where I need to capture their hearts more. I am guessing this is more of a character building season.
The Home Team is in a re-building season. LOL! I just cracked myself up with that thought. This sports theme can be so much fun.
There is much truth there too. Our marriage is in a rebuilding season. Our family is in a rebuilding season. Our careers are in a re-building season. Our finances are in a re-building season. Our parenting is in a character-building season. It is interesting how it all ties together.
We are in the midst of the pre-season conditioning exercises.
I am looking forward to the new season. From where I stand right now, 2011 has so much potential...
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