Maybe the reason I do is that we get to dress up and have fun at work. Yes, it really is a part of my job that I came as Miss Texas today, cowboy boots and all. :) I know what you're thinking (Rusty), "maybe that's why the airline industry is in trouble (I work for American) - they're over there playing. Actually, my area is one of the few in the company that is making money. I do think if you can stop and laugh at yourself and have some fun while at work, it makes the day better. So if you didn't get to dress up at work, put on a fun costume of some kind to answer the door tonight when you pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters.
We had a great weekend away together. It's always good to spend time with only your spouse to consider. Rusty and I decided it's not about where you go, but who you goes with you. Over the years we've been to some really great places (Paris, the Frio River, etc.) and some not so great (camping out at various locations). But I had just as much fun camping as going to the museums in Paris (really!). That's because I was able to share all those experiences with my best friend. This weekend was no different.
thanks! 15 years is pretty amazing, considering that i didn't want to date anyone, and put him off for two weeks. in truth, i believe i had previous plans with my brother and sister-in-law...probably a RISK marathon with billy adams! lol
Rusty and I have the opportunity to go away this weekend...just the two of us. Whoo-hoo! Even though Cliff is away at A&M and Jeff is home (sometimes), it's great to get away with my husband. Don't ever forget to take time for your marriage. Getting away from the hussle and bussle of everyday life (even for just an evening) can be a wonderful boost for everybody. If you have kids at home, take the time to plan a day or two with your spouse away from them. If you can't afford to do that, an evening out can work wonders as well. It's a true win-win situation. You and your spouse can reconnect and your kids will have a great time, away from you, with other adults (grandma/grandpa, aunts/uncles or good friends). If you don't have family, work with friends who have children the same age as your kids. You can swap out time and your kiddos think they're just going to play with their buddies.
It’s here again…the first day of school. Mothers everywhere are crying, sighing, laughing, and jumping for joy and a plethora of other emotions. It doesn’t really matter what kind of parenting style you have, the first day of school will always elicit emotions of some type.
That’s where my dilemma comes into the picture. I’m doing the happy dance and the crying thing all within the same week (thankfully, not within the same day :0) since we took Cliff to A&M. Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not like this hasn’t happened before (kindergarten & senior year x2 kids), but it’s the last time it will happen to me as a mother. My role from here on out will be changing dramatically. My subconscious has already been working on this for sometime so I’m sure that’s why there’s more emotion than usual.
Cliff was/is so excited about going to college and I know he will have a great time and meet lots of wonderful new people. This is especially true of the congregation he has chosen to attend, Twin Cities, in College Station. They were very friendly people and they immediately asked Cliff if he would be attending there and gave him an information sheet to fill out when he said yes. The sheet was great because it not only asked for his name/address, but asked what he would be willing to do (singing, prayer, teaching class, etc.). After we left that day, Cliff went back in the evening and then out with several young folks after services. Awesome!
So if you know me at all, you know I’m a big promoter of the “letting the apron strings out” philosophy. If you’re not aware of this deep, physiological theory, it’s where you continuously give your children more responsibilities and you make less of their decisions. Don’t get me wrong. You’re still there for guidance and help, but you’re letting them feel the consequences of their actions and also how to think through an issue/problem. This can be rough on control freaks (me), but I believe it works out best in the long run because, from a very early age, kids are seeing that they can make decisions and be successful. They don’t always have to run to mom or dad in order to get the answer or to solve the problem. Don’t forget, there is also the option that “the strings” can be pulled back at any time should that become necessary.
I think this perspective is even more helpful, though, from a spiritual perspective. If kids are making their decisions in other areas, then they will also learn to make them in regard to their walk with God. Their faith becomes their own because they’ve asked the questions that are important to them. They’re going to services because they truly want to worship God and not just make mom and dad happy.
So with all of that said have a good cry/laugh today and remember, you have a job to do. Even though it can be tough at times, do the unselfish thing and help your kids to grow up and not stay “babies” forever.
it's also challenging when you have one who is running as hard and fast as they can, "stretching the strings" at every turn, and the other one who seldom leaves your side, and wraps the strings tightly around their fist if you give them a little nudge away from you. :)
this is a great post. I want to save it for another year. We have to relearn all these good lessons, don't we? btw, I am jamie from over castleberry way.
I think I'm going to be like Lisa. It was a major accomplishment to get Patrick to go play on the playland stuff at Burger King the other night with only minor prodding. Samantha's the opposite - she never looks back. Good thoughts, Melinda - parenting requires more thought and effort than most of us realize starting out.
Well, it looks like our strings have been let out, Audie LOVES school and goes in happily each morning, even preferred being dropped off than walked in on the second morning!! A year ago he clung to my leg to go in to pre-k. I am so happy for him/proud and happy to see him grow up. The sadness is there as now I am not with him all day and my baby is not a baby but that is all good, he needs his independence!!
yes, makes it easier to let him go...now we are working on letting him make mistakes to learn from them, i had to do that today and did NOT enjoy it!! I will see tomorrow if he learned from this morning's lesson....
For all of you Jeff Miller fans, he's performing at Seekers Coffeehouse in Hurst (1700 Precinct Line Road) this Saturday. The show will start at 7:45pm and there will be 2 other acts performing with Jeff. We're not sure if he'll be number 1, 2, or 3 so come early (plus that way you know you'll have a seat). There is a $7 cover charge, but well worth it. Not that I'm partial or anything. :) If you need further details, directions, etc., don't hesitate to send me a note on Pleo or call the house (817-571-2450).
we'll be at services sun. night. sort of a last hoorah before school starts on the 25th. wow. justus is going to preschool two days a week. i cannot begin to tell you how excited he is.
