Yikes, has it really been almost a year since my last post? That is so discouraging, but at the same time, as a Mom of two small children, who babysits on the side, and is married to a teacher, it's easy to understand. My, much has happened during my ten month absence, so let me just give some highlights.

A few things I've learned over the year...
-Vacations are so much better when you have children!! Really, I mean that! Yes, when you have small, small children, they are not super relaxing, but last summer, watching Kinsey have so much fun, just brought back so many amazing memories for Mitch and I and the days of our childhood. It's like reliving them all over again. I know not all families can financially afford to take a vacation, but I promise you, it's a good investment. Not only are you making memories for your child and with your own family, but your extended family as well. Priceless.

-Parenting is so humbling. I mean, trying to convince a two-year-old to share, in front of a whole bunch of people, as she has the death grip on a favorite toy (or not so favorite toy), and turning red and trying to make excuses why she has trouble with this, is, well embarrassing!! I used to take her small imperfections as a reflection of our parenting. Are we not modeling enough? Does she see us do this? Do we play with kids who won't share? We've learned that unfortunately, there comes a day, when our little, perfect angels who only sleep, cry, and poop, develop--how can I say this--a personality? Some kids are laid back (lucky you!), some have trouble sharing and being kind, some are extremely strong-willed, some are sassy, and some are strubborn. And most are a combination of all of these. So...how are we fixing this sharing issue? No big secret--continued modeling of sharing, encouraging sharing, praising her when she does share, and our biggest ingredient--praying for a heart change!! We can see it already working:) I'm blessed not to have a strong-willed child, just one incredibly attached to possessions. Yikes! And Colin, hmmm...I guess time will tell.

-I get more showers on the weekends and evenings. Why? Well, Mitch is home. Showering during the day equals fear of what's happening outside the door, or a bathroom that is completely destroyed. I mean completely. Showering when someone else is home, makes it feel like an escape. Lock the door and let them knock. And knock. And knock. Singing loudly can tune some of that noise out.  Yes, when I'm in the bathroom and Mitch is home--I'm at Hershey Hotel and Spa for all I care!

-Grocery shopping at 10pm? It's just easier! As a night owl, it's worth it for me. And believe it or not, I'm not alone. There's a culture of us there at that time. We just smile and nod at each other as we get out our coupon books and calculator. Fill our carts with the healthiest foods we can find for under $5 and some fruit snacks and lollipops to stuff in diaper bags for emergencies. Date night ice cream that we pull out after the kids get in  bed is stashed in there too.

-So...what was harder? Going from zero to one or from one to two? I get this question a lot. To be honest, going from zero to one was so much fun (hard fun) that I don't really think about it as difficult. You don't know what to expect, so you have no expectations. Going from one to two wasn't too bad because you are still, as one friend refers it, man to man defense. A Sunday morning usually looks like this, "Okay, you got Kins? Okay, I got Colin's shoes...yadda yadda." I have heard, though, going from two to three can put you over the edge. Ha!

-Five years into your marriage, your man should still be the number one priority (other than Jesus) in your life. Sometimes it's hard to put each other as a top priority, and I wish I could type here that I do that absolutely, 100 percent of the time. The days can be long and the last thing on your mind is making sure you are meeting his needs. However, when Mitch and I meet each others needs (and how different they are!), the unity between us continues to grow, mature, and develop in ways I would have never thought on the day we said, "I do." Of course, I have to say, I'm a pretty lucky lady because Mitch is a pretty good guy! He makes it easy for me to meet his needs. Sorry, it's my blog and I love bragging about him!

-That I have the cutest kids in the world and the smartest. Obviously! Only a parent can love and appreciate the funny, quirky, weird gibberish they say. That Kinsey needs both blankies, a cup of water, baby Megan, a pile high of books at the bottom of the bed, and bear night light on before she falls asleep (typing this makes me think this is borderline ridiculous)!  How Colin has to be turned just the right way when we lay him in his crib so he falls asleep. When making ridiculous faces makes them laugh so hard, you find yourself doing it over and over just to hear those baby giggles and praying no one walks in to see you in the weirdest position ever with your hair flipped upside down! Being up in a smoldering hot attic digging out an old train JUST because someone is begging to play with it.  I hope this doesn't make me sound like a pushover parent. I do set limits and no is used plenty at this house, but I just love seeing my kids happy. No one can argue with that!

-Finally, and most importantly, thank goodness for the grace the Lord Jesus gives us! I think he gives an extra special amount of grace to us Moms:) Last night at my brother-in-laws graduation from Kingdom Ministry School, he gave a keynote address. In it, he said this: I never thought I was a leader. I just didn't think I had the leadership qualities to pursue a vision in this area. But as I heard one of our teachers pray, I realize that I can use the leadership qualities that God did give me, and ask Him to equip me with the rest." WOW!!! How selfish is it to think that God can't and won't make us leaders, visionaries, devoted spouses, great Moms, and a Proverbs 31 Women. I grew up with someone in my life saying "this is just the way I am" all the time. NO, God can equip us with much more than that and can transform negative qualities when you are ready to start confessing them. Start praying for Him to give you what you think you lack-- o accomplish something you fell led to accomplish! Thanks for reading!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6