I hope you all had a wonderful summer. Summer is just the best. I love all of the fun memories our family made at the beach, camping, and being with friends. I also loved the lazy days of summer where the kids could wake up whenever they wanted and the days began around noon and seemed to go until midnight. The bickering I did not love, but the togetherness I did. And now that they are at last back in school, I feel like I am able to think once again. There are a few quiet hours now in my house before the afternoon rush, and it feels nice, very nice and sane.
Now, we are back in the realm of waking up when it is completely dark outside. I say a prayer as my two oldest drive off together to high school in the morning and I wonder how did they become 16 and 14 already? How did my time shift from figuring out playdates to figuring out the college admissions process?
Many of you asked me about Caroline's time in Rwanda and yes, she did have an amazing experience. Her favorite part was volunteering in the AIDs hospital and having the patients learn her name and call out to her when she returned each day to visit. It was truly a gift that she was able to take part in that opportunity.
It's funny how it works when you are a mom. Caroline had just gotten her driver's license a week before she went to Rwanda. The day after she returned home, she wanted to drive on three separate freeways to get to the Irvine Spectrum shopping area. It made me WAY more nervous to have her do that than to fly and overnight through Dubai and stay in Rwanda for two weeks! And now my oldest child has complete responsibility for her brother when she drives him in her little Honda to school every day. Crazy!
Recently, I was reading an article about a young mom with a two year old and how she was encountering a ton of "shoulds" as a parent. She felt like she "should" handle naps a certain way, she "should" send her child to a certain school, and the list went on and on.
Now that three of my four kids are in their teen years, I am realizing that there "should" not be any "shoulds" in parenting. Each husband, wife, child, and family is unique. God gives us enough guidance in His word to direct us but to let us make our own choices. So, this fall, I'm going to give up on the "shoulds" and just trust God to lead my husband and I through this next school year with our kids. No "shoulds"-just lots of prayer, a few hours of sanity each day, and the rest is going to be up to Him.
Dear Lord,
Thanks for the amazing children you have given to us as moms. Thanks for crafting each child uniquely. Help us to turn to you when the world shouts out what it thinks we should say and do as parents. Allow us to see our kids through your eyes and to be your arms of love and support, as they begin this new year.
Today's Bargain Tip:
How many of you remember the store called, Pic N'Save, when we were growing up? Well, I remember it well as the store of incredible deals. It used to have cheap quality goods but now it is filled with popular brand names. You might know the store now as Big Lots. It's a great place to buy cereal, shampoo, and household items for a fraction of the price. Check it out the next time your kids are in school and you have a little bit of time to hunt for the bargains.
Now go and enjoy every moment!
Kim
