It's February already. January...not nearly so "January" as in years past. One small snowfall, no bouts of vomiting, no fever. Just a month of back to the usual.
I've just not felt the urge to post much. There's not much creating to show because everything is moving at a slow pace. There's also the off-line life--which is requiring more of my attention. This parenting gig can be so very difficult at times, and I've only today realized that the way to teach my children that hard work is necessary to achieve good results is for me to get off the sidelines, push up my sleeves, and lead by example. No more wishing for the magic book or teacher to suddenly spark my children's desire to study hard and get good grades.
I don't think I ever thought that parenting would involve so much second-guessing for me. Maybe I'm making this more complicated than it needs to be. I sometimes wonder what advice my sixty-one-year-old self would give to me now. How can I put all this day-to-day and week-to-week drama into a bigger picture? I know this week's spelling test isn't going to matter much for my child's future, but the way she went about preparing for it could.
These are pretty deep thoughts for a Wednesday, but this is what I'm currently wrestling with. My oldest is eleven--teetering on the brink of adolescence. I want to be able to keep the big picture in front of me as we forge ahead into the thicket of the teenage years. Frankly, I have my moments of insecurity.
3 comments:
I wish I could share some good advice with you....I wasn't at my best through my kids teenage years (wait -- I still have a 13-year old at home!). It isn't easy and there are a lot of trials and tribulations, more so with girls I have found. My daughter and I are finally becoming friends now. Being away at college has put just the right distance between us. Good luck -- and just handle things the best you know how. No one can ask more of you.
Love that star quilt. LOVE IT!
I agree...this parenting thing is a lot of hard work! But so worth it. Keeping those family connections together is really important...and having fun as a family is well worth your time. Your start quilt is looking lovely! Hope your February is a great one!
Hello Meg!!
We've had a healthy dose of parenting the past month as well. I can remember when Spencer was young...just when I was used to his current phase, he was onto another. I always felt like I was playing catch up, and now I find myself back in that spot again. But this time I'm trusting God to filling the cracks where I fall short. It is a hard, hard job! You're one awesome mom realizing that and approaching your task with such dedication and love.
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