I'm Not A Woman Anymore. I'm a Mom.

Fabulous....

The Things That Count

It was a super busy day in the Starnes household....yes....busier than we normally are.

My Mom's Class met this morning and the little ones enjoyed their time at school. Home for lunch time/nap time. Carter walked off the bus, into the 'burb and we were off to church for Religious Education. After that? Dinner out and soccer practice. Jack and Lainey scored two trips to the playground in addition to their playtime this morning at the church. Guess who will sleep well tonight?

I've been thinking all day about a lesson learned this morning from guest speaker, Susan Crook. She spoke about the four basic personality traits in people....and thus, children....and how the knowledge of where our children fall into these traits can help us know better how to communicate with, discipline, nurture and overall, raise them into happy adults. It was very interesting and I left thinking about each of our kids and where they might fit into the diagram.

What stayed on my mind even more was a small side story that described a woman who had first, a set of triplets and then second, a set of twins. Gasps went through the room. How did she do it? Who could tolerate such stress? Can you imagine......the diapers.....the sleepless nights.....the crying and whining and tantrums. I found myself baffled at the idea, considering how flustered I get with my 3.

She went on to talk briefly about her life and then how she started having some minor medical issues. Which turned into pancreatic cancer. Which brought on her death 3 months after being diagnosed. A totally healthy woman....and this tragedy came out of nowhere.

Her point in sharing this sad story was not just to reiterate what I've already been thinking to myself as I pray for my sweet sister fighting so hard against her challenges......which is to grasp life. She went further to point out that we should appreciate all parts of this life we're lucky enough to be living.

Stop waiting for things to get "better". Start appreciating what is already "good".

If we're always consumed with waiting for things to change.....to be done with diapers, to have kids who can take care of themselves, to lose 10 pounds, to make more money, to afford that dream vacation, to have the bigger house and the nicer car, we risk missing the little things. And, those are the things that count.

I was reminded of one of my all-time-favorite quotes that I've posted before, but will again:

"You can shower a child with presents or money, but what do they really mean, compared to the most valuable gift of all - your time? Vacations and special events are nice, but so often the best moments are spontaneous ones. Being there. Every moment you spend with your child could be the one that really matters." - Tim Russert

And, who better to have shared this quote originally with me? Sweet Caroline. She's always been a smart one.

First Day Of Class

Been back for a bit from my Building Better Moms class and am thrilled to share that the kids did fabulously!

First, though, let's take a look at what Jack packed for the day. Nice.

After a thorough inspection of each bag (with a few changes of necessary items), we were on our way. Tried for a photo before we left, and this was the best I got....

Lainey turned on the charm, though, and I captured the following. Can you hear her? "Cheeeeese!!!! Got it."

The drop offs went relatively smoothly considering there were many new people - moms and kids - all in the same place, trying to work together. The church is wonderfully organized and I was very pleased with their classrooms and teachers.

Lainey cried upon my leaving her.....no surprise there.....I've probably left her (with someone other than family) a total of 5 times, otherwise, except for when she was already asleep. Jack marched right in like he owned the place, immediately found the trains, followed directions and even went potty for the teachers. I was so relieved. Now, during music class, he was running around the room and tripped, causing me to sign an accident report, but that is not new to this family. I lost count with Carter during his Preschool years.

After the two of them were secure in their locations, I peaked back into Lainey's room to check on her and she was sitting quietly, reading a book with the director. Another, relief.....now time for Mama to attend her class.

Loved it.

Love the women.

Love the direction we're headed.

Had time for prayer, focusing on special concerns and immediate needs.....signed up for various volunteer opportunities.....became pen pals with a child at an inner-city school in Kansas City.....learned about future field trips...ordered t-shirts.....and got organized for the months ahead.

I was blown away. Not like any Moms Group I have ever heard of or been part of. I'm thrilled!

So, here we go.....a new chapter in motherhood for me.....the children learning while I'm learning.....I couldn't be happier with the organization.