What Joy

Just wanted to write a little post about one of the many joys of motherhood.

As many of you may know, Saturday's are Science days in our household. We devote half of our day to learning, investigating, and experimenting in all things science. Lately, our units have had so much cool stuff they've bled over into Sunday as well - so we have two wonderful days of science.

One of the many joys I have is hearing my kids say "This is my favorite science unit so far!" or "This is so much fun!" or "Wow, cool!"  I love being able to pass down the love of learning, the love of experimenting, the love of exploring.  It's something I hope my children never lose and something I am thankful that I have yet to lose myself.

Another one of my many joys is to watch Buddy Boy, who just turned 4, dig in and soak up all things science (or math, or writing, or whatever subject we're into at the moment). He may not fully grasp what we're talking about, he may not have as many worksheets to fill in, he may need a little (or a lot) more help with crafting... but to see him so excited to learn, so eager to explore, just makes my heart burst at the seems.

I've been forunate enough that I've been able to experience that excitement in each of my precious children.  Yes, over the years some of their excitement has waxed and waned - especially as we enter long division, or multiplying fractions - something that requires a little more effort - but they still have that "Oh, this is cool!" attitude with most things.

I know I would still see this attitude had we put our children in public or private school, but being able to experience it all first hand, is just something I cannot even put into words.  It's something so precoius and so tender, I'll keep it in my heart forever, like a secret meant for only us...

Those of you struggling in your schooling, parenting, crafting, whatever... perservere, God has these precious little nuggets just waiting for you around the bend.  Search for them, grab them, and never let them go.

366 days

A lot has happened in just one year... one teeny, tiny, year. 366 days (366 instead of 365 thanks to Lulu's birthday, I mean Leap Day).

Since last October, I have...
Lost one of the main men in my life, my father.  The first one, alongside my mother, to love me unconditionally, the hold me, the mold me.

Graduated from college, with my AA.  Took me 10 years and 50 weeks to do it.  Throughout my journey I started a full-time job, got married, had four children, and moved twice.

Celebrated Lulu's birthday at Disney World (in the Presidential sweet.. I mean suite).

Moved back in with mom and the kitties.

Celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary.

Adopted a dog. Lovable, hugable, adorable beagle/cocker spaniel mix.

Celebrated Doodle Bug's 10th birthday.

Gone through a major transition at work that has resulted in a change in employment.

Celebrated Buddy Boy's birthday.

Served on a jury (very interesting!!!).

Almost broken my ankle... fortunate enough to wear a walking boot for the last six weeks.

Celebrated Little Man's birthday.

and many, many more.

I'm not usually a big proponent of change, but God, like usual, is molding me, shaping me, changing me to become more flexible, more pliable, more bendable.  It's not necessarily an enjoyable process, in fact it's quite painful!  But in the end, He's able to mold me more into the woman He wants me to be.

Looking back, if I were in charge, I'd definitely have chosen some different events to occur this past year.  But His ways are not my own, and I lean and trust that His ways are better than mine. SO much better than mine.  Had I been in charge and chosen different events, I'm sure I would've mucked up at least 99% of said events.   Since He's been in charge, he hasn't mucked up one - not even one.

So, it's with excitement, hope, and yes - a little trepidation, I look forward to the next 365 days and what God has in store for me. I hope you're looking forward to it as well.