One Down

We made it through week one at school.  The boys are happy with the teachers they got and are excited about the upcoming year, particularly senior project.  Senior Project is a year long project that involves learning something new and telling others about it, starting a non-profit and following through on the donations and funding throughout the year, or teaching someone something they have never done before.  I am so proud that Bryce is beginning the year with a study of Revelation and a series of sermons on the first 4 chapters, along with an in-depth analysis of his own beliefs.  Austin has taken his love of sports to a new level with the proposal of creating a tennis manual, video and actually teaching someone the basics of the game of tennis.  Austin has worked for 5 years on practicing this sport and still has things to learn; so one year, or nine months really, is not alot of time to teach even the basics.  But man, am I a proud Mom!

I have had a great time being off of work for the past 2 weeks.  I look forward to working on Monday with my two little girls.  We actually all went for pedi's and lunch today and I got another taste of what life will be like as their Nanny (or the 'other' Mommy as the 3 year old calls me)!  They are such sweeties and so different from my boys.  Maybe I can enjoy them more...kind of like grandchildren.  I was so busy with LIFE when the twins were little.  Everything that had to be done took up so much time.  I now look back and think that I should have snuggled with them more after their prayers instead of jumping up to watch TV or clean the kitchen.  Or played in the yard with them more instead of telling them I had too much to do or it was too hot/cold.  Why is everything so much clearer in hindsight?  Don't get me wrong; I had 3 and a half years at home with them before I started working and we made alot of fun memories.  But are there ever really enough?

On a final note, my Mom has begun trying her hand at elder care.  She has been the companion to several in the past few months.  This week, she sat with a dear friend's father who suffers from dementia while his wife of 61 years was in the hospital from an unexpected cancer diagnosis.  Mom has taken it hard.  Watching the love they shared over the years, knowing that she is slowly slipping away has taken a huge toll on her emotions.  Sometimes she said, she would just sit in the floor and hold his hand as he cried.  Tonight his wife is home with hospice attending to her and her children gathered around.  The coming days will be difficult for them all.  Mama simply hopes she will be able to help them again; he has been calling her his 'angel' while she was caring for him.  I think that whether you care for babies, children, disabled, or the elderly it doesn't really matter.  You are caring for a precious life.  Trying to make either first days or last days more enjoyable.  I guess I take after Mom more than I thought.  Your prayers for this family would be appreciated.
God Bless!

One more Day

It is Saturday night, the day before Sunday; also known as the Lord's Day.  I love the Lord with all of my heart and soul and would not have anyof the things that I call blessings without His grace. I'm looking forward to the new series that our pastor begins tomorrow.  Living an Authentic Life.  Wow. Very timely.
 I left my job as a preschool teacher at my church on July 29 after 13 years.  A very hard decision, yet something that I feel is the right one for my family.  I will go from teaching 12-15 children, to caring for one 3 year old and one 10 week old; both little girls, both I already love very much.
I am "Mom" to Austin and Bryce.  Also known as Baby A and Baby B just 17 years ago.  Now I am helping them prepare for their last year of high school.  Seems like just yesterday that I was sending them to kindergarten.  I am also the wife of Derk, my husband of 19 years.
The past year has been one of many changes; some good, some bad.  Some from decisions I have made while some are totally out of my control.  I'm certain as the blog continues I will delve into some of these changes.
I decided to begin this blog to journal my feelings of hope, fear, happiness and whatever else may come as I enjoy my children before they leave my 'nest'.  Being a mother has been both my greatest desire and now my greatest accomplishment.  I couldn't have hand-picked two more perfect children---for ME. 
So tomorrow we will go to church, go out for breakfast, read the paper, visit with family and get any last minute neccessities for class on Monday.  I MAY get a few minutes of uninterrupted conversation with each of them to ask about how excited they are for their senior year.  Most likely, I'll learn this second hand by reading it on Facebook.  Maybe on their own, maybe on their girlfriend's.  Either way, I will bask in the knowledge that they are still here, in my house if only for one more year.  I intend to enjoy every single moment of it!