One year ago, I was turning 35, Doug was facing his last day at his job of 16 years, Joel was about to be 3, Gracie was going to be starting Kindergarten. We were excited for where the next year would take our family, with my going to work full-time and Doug being a stay-at-home dad; with Gracie starting the school adventure and meeting new friends; with Joel outgrowing the Terrible Twos and entering the slightly more mature Terrible Threes. We were newly involved in a company called AdvoCare that was helping us be healthier and more social. We were looking forward to true weekends, more family time, a regular sleep schedule for Doug. I was anxiously anticipating what the Lord had in store for the Goodrich 4 in my 36th year of life.
You can read my birthday post from last year here... http://www.sufficientgrace7.blogspot.com/2013_07_01_archive.html
So, here we are, here I am, a year later, now age 36, and all those things we were looking forward to are now past experiences, rather than future anticipations.
And I wouldn't change one single thing about the past year.
It was not without its trials, it was not perfect. It didn't all go according to plan (well, not according to MY plan anyway!).
Kindergarten was a huge transition for Gracie, she struggled, I struggled. We had to learn about her anxiety and how it takes hold of her and freezes her, how it was more than her just being shy, or timid, or stubborn. But she overcame so much, she faced her fears head-on every day and she worked through the anxiety, and she had a fantastic year of growth. She made new friends, I made new friends. She bonded well with her teacher, who was so patient and understanding with Gracie, yet firm at the same time, and who rejoiced in every victory along with us! She learned to "do courage" and to be brave.
Not working was a huge transition for Doug, he struggled, I struggled. It sounds so ideal, like a vacation with no end. But after having a schedule and a place to go for 16 years, after working hard and providing financially, it's not quite so easy to dive into being at home raising young kids and keeping up the house. Kids are work! Probably harder work than any job any of us go to! It's definitely not a vacation, but Doug has settled into it, has had some amazing time with his kids, has gotten many long-overdue projects checked off his to-do list, and has not missed the retail life.
Turning 3 was not a magical turning point for Joel, as all parents of young children know, 3 can be more difficult than 2! Yes, now there is understanding about a lot more, but there is a will as well. A strong one in Joel's case, as should be expected with two strong-willed parents. This is one tough little boy! He loves sports, cars and trucks, playing outside, watching cartoons. He loves antagonizing his big sister (who usually starts it...) and getting his way. He does not love being told no. He does not love sleeping in his own bed. He does not love having to wait. But he has done so much growing this past year, and is such a little boy now! More boy than toddler, and we look forward to his turning 4 this weekend, and starting Preschool in the fall.
Working full-time was fortunately an easy transition for me, as I am so blessed to have an employer who understands the concept of "family first", and allows me to continue to have some flexibility in my schedule. I'm also blessed with amazing Admin teams at both offices, who keep things going day-to-day even when I'm not there. We've adjusted to making less income, and anticipate being able to keep Doug home for at least another year, as we get through Preschool for Joel and First Grade for Gracie (all day school! eating lunch in the cafeteria! all her friends have moved away! new teacher! It will be another huge transition for our courageous girl!). We continue to use AdvoCare's first-class products to keep us healthy, and we enjoy the opportunity to share them with others who are looking for better health and wellness.
I love the opportunity a birthday provides me...a chance to look back over the past year and reflect on the blessings and moments of joy and love. It also provides the opportunity to look forward to the next year, and anticipate the milestones that the year will hold. I am ready for my 37th year of life, and thankful for all that my past, present, and future holds!
No comments:
Post a Comment