Naps with Luna

Our dog, my girl. 

 

College

 My second semester back to college just started. I signed up for 13 credits, three 300 level courses, and two religion classes. I knew the load would be heavy, but I also knew I could do it. A week into it, Beckett got sick and stayed home from school. While I was doing school work all day, he rested and played on the x-box...all day. Then, Cache called home not feeling well and I headed to the school to grab him. My first reaction was anger because I had schoolwork to focus on. The following evenings as I ran kids to their various activities, I found myself fixated on the assignments piling up at home. During Beckett's Dare Graduation, I wished I would have brought my computer to do my homework in the back row. Bedtimes came and I was short with my kids because all of my emotional patience and kindness had been used up during the day of studying. And I realized, just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should. 

I spent the next day getting advice from Jodie and my parents. They were so supportive. I was feeling very weak and like a failure, but they validated my feelings and encouraged me to take action. I talked to Scott about my concerns. I didn't like the person I had been the past week and a half and was certainly not proud of the mom I had been. When I went back to school, I said the one thing I wasn't willing to sacrifice was my family. So, we decided to cut back on my credits. I dropped two classes and everyone is so much happier because of it. I'll make up those credits in the spring semester so I can stay on track for graduation and still fulfill my requirements to continue to get my scholarships. 

Going back to school has been great for me. I love learning! However, I love my family. And raising my family is "for me". It's something that brings me joy and happiness and fulfills my calling as a mother. I was comparing myself to other moms I know that work outside the home, or that have more on their plate and somehow seemed to have it all figured out. Then I remember, comparison is the thief of joy. I can not let someone else's life and decisions dictate mine. What I can do is ensure my happiness and the happiness of my family. And for me this semester, that means backing off a little bit. 

This week has gone much smoother. I've been able to finish my work during the day so when my kids are home, I can be home with them. I am able to enjoy our extracurricular activities and still maintain my GPA. I feel like I have time to smile again and mop my floors if they're sticky. I can still do Treat Tuesday and sub every now and then if I want to. Jodie told me, "Self-care isn't taking bubble baths and drinking hot chocolate. Self-care is creating a life that you don't have to escape from daily." Everything has fallen into place and I know I made the right decision. It was really hard...really really really hard. I tend to hold myself to a very high standard, but there is so much joy in cutting back because you choose to. I am putting my family and myself first, and it feels so good. 

Bsketball

 We're in full swing of our second half of basketball season. All four boys are playing and it makes for a busy schedule. The best part of basketball this year is that Tayden made the school team! 31 kids tried out, they kept 13. He is currently a starting forward and having the best time. It keeps him busier than anyone else. He plays five days a week, either games or practice. It has been so fun watching him grow in the sport. He is really starting to love it more and more. 

My favorite is the community around it. We're lucky to be surrounded by great people that love my kids. I snagged this picture the other day and it warms my heart. This is Cache and Kyle with Jake Denning, Taydens football and former basketball coach and Caches football and basketball coach. 

Where's Waldo

Where's Waldo...the uniter of ALL boys. 

Loving Luna

Mornings like this are not uncommon. 

We love our dog. 

 

D.A.R.E

Beckett is our newest DARE graduate. For the past four months in school, he has been learning about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and committed to staying drug-free. He had an awesome instructor, Deputy Corneilson, and had a great time during the program. I'm thankful for the team that helps teach my kids to be the best that they can be. 

 

Tooth Down

Ky, my sweet baby boy, lost his first tooth. He has been wiggling it for almost two months and yesterday was finally the day it came out. He is my oldest child to lose his first tooth and for that I'm grateful. It let me hang on to my baby a little bit longer, because ready or not, he's growing up.