I thought that Ben’s surgery would be the tough part of our journey this year. And although that was more stressful, the last few weeks have had lots of little stresses that have added up. Everyone has been sick. School has been really stressful for the kids. Chris has been out of town. My car has died (yes. it was the battery again.). I have made several unexpected visits to schools. There are tons of projects that are coming up (one of the good ones . . . we are taking a huge group of kids to church camp this summer. I started this thinking that Madie and maybe one other would go. Now we have over 15 interested. If even half go, that is awesome! Now on to the fundraising!). I haven’t even found the time to really stop to post pictures or even to see family. We moved closer to see family and we haven’t seen much of the family since Christmas. I was trying to convince Ben to take Karate and at the same time hoping that he would say no. (He did.) Lent hasn’t even started. Add that to our schedule and . . . now it is time to take a deep breath. This too shall pass. I can really get myself worked into a tizzy if I keep thinking about all of this. Sometimes I miss the early years. When the kids were babies and we had no obligations and no where to go. It was lonely and often miserable. But the peace that often came with that was nice (of course, I am conveniently forgetting about the hours of being a human milking machine, the loads of diapers, the cranky babies, the isolation, and on and on. But for the moment I will just think about that peace.).
The girls have finished getting ready for bed and are in need of some books, cuddles, and evening prayer rituals (we would make Martin Luther proud with all of our recitation. the kids actually like it better when Dad-the pastor does bedtime. He doesn’t make them do any recitations.). A good night of sleep will make the whole world better . . . even for mom.
Hey!
Just in case Ben (and you) have an interest in karate again, I wanted to let you know that Caden goes to Eclipse TaeKwonDo. It has been a great experience. The Master is the nicest, most patient person and he is the reason we go there. I’m not sure about Ben doing it since his surgery, but if he is able and interested, I would hope you would give Eclipse a try. He will let you do a 3 week trial just to see if you like it.
For me, we made the decision for several reasons. One of my fears as a mom of a 2 month premature baby, is that he will get picked on or even bullied. He is catching up with kids his age, but it has taken forever. I just wanted him to have confidence, discipline and abilities to protect himself. Clearly, I don’t want him to fight! LOL! And, the sparing took me a while to get used to. But Master Westcott has taught Caden so much -how to get away if someone is pulling him, how to get out of a headlock, lots of discipline and respect, they have a creed they go over every class about not mis-using TKD and he has talks with them all the time. Caden has never had any problem doing his moves anywhere except at class and last year he was in the same class with a boy who also took there! Me and his mom were worried that they would get in trouble at school, but they never did. And the exercise is great! He comes out of the gym a total sweat ball!
Oh, and I love it that it is a rain or shine activity!
Anyway, just thought I would throw you my 2 cents!
Have a great day!! ~Shelley