Running the Race

I remember the days when I had toddlers

 and would naively watch those mamas with busy, older children

with schedules filled with sports and activities

and in my head I would say,

 "Never, never will I run like a crazy lady."

Oh my.

Yeah. 

Fast forward ten years and I'm eating my words.

I am quickly learning the reality of

a family with multiple children 

in various activities and sports.

Todd and I desire for each of our children

to be well rounded kids,

to find something they love and

{hopefully} excel at it.

I truly believe involved, active kids are healthy kids.

Trying to balance their 'thing'

with high academics

and enough down time to teach character and bond as a family,

gets harder with each passing year.

Luke is running cross country and is almost an Eagle Scout.

Gracie, our most natural athlete,

 plays basketball, volleyball, and rides for a mounted drill team.

{She has also told me she wants to try out for soccer and be a cheerleader.}

Oh, for goodness sake!

Daniel is also a Scout and has just started lacrosse

and really wants to play football.

I long for those days when they all came home from school,

had a snack, did a smattering of homework,

and played out in the yard.

I think that is SO important for kids.

My hope is that one day we will see all this pay off.

My hope is that they will be excellent people.

My hope is that maybe there might be a bit of a scholarship down the line.

Who knows?

There are so many ways to raise kids these days-

so many options we never had when I was growing up.

Sports have taken on a whole new competitive edge that

I truly don't like.

But what is a mama to do?

My kids will be out in the world with all these other kids

someday and they need to be able to compete - on all levels.

We do our best to take it one year at time,

see what is best for each child, and encourage them on their path.

We hope for the best for the future.

We cherish the past.

And do our best to 

enjoy

 &

 savor

 today.

Belated Birthday Wishes and One Proud Mama

This is SO long overdue it is almost silly.

But it comes with the most sincere intentions 

and best wishes for your 14th birthday.

14.

You are an amazing 14 year old.

You very nearly stand  6' tall and are one of the kindest people I know.

You are ridiculously handsome,

{the above picture is testament to that!}

a terrific big brother,

a great runner,

an excellent student,

and you have more on the ball than most boys your age.

Indeed, dad and I are so blessed by you!

Now,

if you don't care to hear a proud mama go on and on, 

feel free to check out right here.

If you are up for it, then by all means,

continue on

{but you've been warned}

This past school year you graduated from 8th grade.

And, like most schools,

 there is an end-of-the-year awards ceremony.

This year you took home the top prize.

The most prestigious award.

And every bit of it was well deserved and hard earned.

This award highlighted:

academics

athletics

leadership

involvement

and

character.

It is voted on by all the school staff and administration and hands down,

 you were chosen as the 8th grade boy who stood out among his peers

on each of these criteria.

The award you were handed was called 'Most Christ Like'.

And in true Luke style,

you stepped up and received your award with humility,

embarrassed to have

 so much attention focused on you.

And I cried my eyes out. 

So proud of you,

so very proud of you.

High school starts in just a couple of short weeks

and you will be off on a new adventure.

A great adventure.

Continue on the path you are on. 

Stand tall and proud and rise above the crowd.

Serve as an example,

make good choices,

live out your convictions

and live filled with the holy spirit.

I love you, bud!

Happiest 14th birthday...

it's going to be a great year!

XO,

Mom

 

Because We All Need a Little Encouragement

 

Sometimes the waters can be choppy.  

Sometimes smooth sailing is hard to find. 

 Some days we all need to hear 

that someone is in our corner and believes in us,

 and our kids are no exception.

  The quickest way I know

 to turn a frown upside down

 is to bestow some encouraging words of affirmation, 

or tell them something

 that will brighten their day.

Here are some suggestions:

1. I went to the grocery store.

2. I saw how you {fill in the blank} - I'm so proud of you!

3. I want to spend some time together.  What would you like to do?

4. The money you need is on the table.

5. You look great.  I like that {fill in the blank} on you.

6. Want to go get some ice cream?

7. It is so fun watching you grow up!

8. Give me your towel, I'll put it in the dryer while you're in the shower.

9. Compliment a character trait {honesty, generosity, compassion, etc.}

10. That was a really good choice!

11. I got {fill in the blank] for you.  Enjoy!

12. Way to go!  Keep up the hard/good work!

13. What do you think?

14. I made your favorite {insert food}

15. I feel so proud when I am with you.

Take some time today

and let your kids know how much

you love them. 

 It is so important and they will remember it

long after you've said it -

I promise!

Blessings,

{K}