Last week, I was asked to speak to a college class as a member of a parenting panel. While I am no way an expert in this field, it was an honor to sit next to two veteran parents and compare/contrast our stories (the good, the bad , the ugly) along this journey of raising little people. One of the commonalities between all three of us was a nightly ritual of talking and listening intentionally with our children about the ups and downs of their days. This ritual not only honors their voice and gives us perspective into their brains, it is hugely rewarding for us adults to reflect and focus on the positives of our day as well (even when sometimes the best part of the day is that it’s almost over).

I thought I would take a pause to do the same reflection on more than just a day, but this season of our life/family as it is right now.

Favorite parts of my life:
– loving and receiving love from my Wonders
– Scott being my number one fan, as a Mama, as his wife, and as a professional coach/counselor
– my volleyball team finding success on the court and being an enjoyable group to be around day in and day out
– partnership and support from fellow teachers at my school
– Inside Out on DVD
– my color coded filing system
– essential oils providing natural and effective cleaning and healthcare for my family

Least favorite parts of my life:
– lack of power in making decisions for my children
– anxieties around WG’s life and relationship skills
– insecurities about my impact at work
– lack of time for dates with my girlfriends
– paperwork, appointments, court dates, repeat…..

Something I need to admit/apologize for:
– backing out of social gatherings for pajama time/recovery time at home
– unkind words towards my husband/kiddos when in my own pity party
– caring about my daughter’s clothing choices way more than I should
– saying yes to projects/events which takes me away from needed family time
– slacking on a lovely project for my friends that I should have had done last Christmas (sorry bests!)

I am grateful for:
– a circle of foster/adopt support that “get it”
– WonderBOY getting into the sport of volleyball (he watched the entire UW/USC game on TV with me the other night!!!)
– my husband supporting me as a volleyball coach that takes so much of my time/energy/patience away from him
– shows like Quantico, Scandal, Modern Family, and my beloved Eleen to give my brain some needed breaks in my days
– Luna bars on sale at Fred Meyer (I stuff these in hidden spots in my car to tide me over during my car rides all over the county – sometimes they keep me from that quick stop at McDonalds, sometimes they don’t)
– grace and forgiveness

I wish for:
– my children to know they are loved unconditionally and special (my answer every single night)