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The new year looks very much like the old year from where I’m sitting right now.
Granted, I’m perched in bed (my office) with Peanut running, jumping, and playing around on the bed while one of his movies plays on in the background. The other three chaos monkeys are doing their thing; breaking the rule about pestering mom while working, arguing… you get the picture.
But in oh so many ways… things have changed. It didn’t feel like it until I was looking at this last year have I realized that as much as some things have stayed the same, many, many things have happened and we have grown and changed.
I’ve compiled a list of things that have happened (either blogged or unblogged until right this very moment) that has made me look at my role in this world as mom, wife, and entrepreneur in different and interesting ways.
So without further adieu, here is my parenting list in review. Some things are old news to you and some things you will be learning as this year goes on:
I accompanied Bug on a trip to DC and learned that even our educators have no clue how to teach our children respect for our country. (I’m still steamed about it and I can’t wait to go back with Bebe in a few years to make sure she gets the lessons our school system can’t seem to teach). Have no fear, I’ll accompany the other kiddos as well when it’s their turn to visit our Nation’s Capitol.
I had to talk about homosexuality with Bug and then Sex a week ago with Bebe as she was informed how babies get in a mom’s belly by an older female cousin of hers. Needless to say I haven’t blogged that discussion yet because I’m still processing it myself and I’m not sure how to handle it with the rest of the family or if I should even go there. I’m proud of myself though for not shying away from these topics like some parents would.
I’ve dealt with calls home from the teacher already for Shorty and numerous discussions on how to properly be a vigilante on the playground.
We’ve worked through bullies, body complex issues, and being a good role model for the baby brother.
As a family, we rallied around Zoe when she needed us and we’ve come out shining. The future is bright for her. As a mom, I’ve learned we cannot EVER take our children for granted. EVER. We may get angry with them, they may do things we won’t like or agree with, but they are ours and they are all we are given on this earth.
I’ve had my own personal struggles with family members and threatened with lawsuits. Which in the end, only my kids will suffer (and already have greatly). it’s caused relationships to end while others have grown stronger. It’s taught me that sometimes, blood really isn’t thicker than water and your family may not always be the people who share your genes. (This is one of those things I’m still processing in my head).
I’ve watched my children grow older and I’m on the verge of seeing two more cross the threshold of growing up (January brings birthdays). It never gets old and I never tire of seeing it.
I gained a new job that embraces being a parent and all that it means. There is so much potential (both as a parent and in the job) that 2009 makes me dizzy thinking about it.
Yes, there’s more I could tell you, and just might as the year begins. However, these things stand out in my mind as the most important. Some I’ve blogged and some you are only seeing a glimpse of. As the year unfolds, I’m blazing a new path – not just for myself but for parents everywhere. My journey isn’t over – even when the kids have grown and left me (peace and quiet baby!) it won’t be over and neither will yours.
I know my year in review doesn’t compare to other peoples’ but it’s my year.
Please, feel free to share your year in review with me. Leave a comment, drop a link – share the parenting love (and guilt).
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I can so relate. Yesterday, I was thinking about how fast my kids are growing up and noted that on my blog. For me, last year tested my marriage and in the end, I am still being tested, but I know that my faith is strong. Financial issues also topped my list of woes, which added to our marriage issues. All in all, I wanted to put last year behind me. However, my son was born in September and that is the blessing that came out of 2008 for me.
I also learned, as you have, that blood is not thicker than water. It has been six months since I have talked to my brother or his wife,not by my choice, unfortunately. Not talking to them means not being in my nieces’ lives, but it was a decision I had to make. I stood by my ground when it cames to protecting my nieces and thus, my brother and his wife stopped talking to me despite their actions that let to that.
I also had a lesson in bullying. In my case, my son was the one being bullied and ended being the bully for defending himself, which I stood by and made a lot of school administrators angry.
I found out my younger sister, my BF growing up, has Hodgkins lymphoma and we are slowing, but surely, getting through that.
But the biggest eye opening episode for me of 2008, was finding out I had RA. The world suddenly stood still. I have learned to appreciate my strength, my support links, my family, God, but most of all, my children.
God bless and Hope 2009 is a great year for all.
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