First Days, Last Days

The kids started school on August 16th.  I satrted work on August 14th.  Mya has her first days of kindergarten, Marlee and I have our 1st days of 2nd grade.

I've never been one to look back.  Move forward.

 

This time it's different.  I had the best 7 years of my life staying home with my girls. An era has ended. 

 

This is one of the few times in my life I struggle with change.  But change is inevitable.  Just like the kids getting older.

 

 

 

These past few years have forever changed me.  I will always cherish them.

 

 

Wonder Women

So this was supposed to be the blog post where I bragged about all of our accomplishments this summer. If you look back at a previous post, I had big plans, big adventures.  The summer started off well: swim lessons, daily trips to the pool, craft time at our park, tons of playdates, and vacation.

Everything came to a screeching halt when I developed a fever for a few days.  Luckily my kids were at my parents house in PA for the week.  My big plans were to remodel 2 rooms in the house during my little stay-cation.  After a few days of a high fever, I was tested for every bacterial infection under the sun.  Everything came back negative, and it was concluded that I had a terrible virus and a case of pneumonia. This sickness had me laid up for almost 3 weeks with a fever for 17 days.

Although I know things could have been A LOT worse, (cancer, Lymes, meningitis) that didn't stop me from having a pity party..and let me tell you, this party was a bash!  Even though I knew I'd recover, I still felt guilty of being a "hands off" parent.  This was summer, there was so much to experience with the girls.  They will never be 5 and 7 in the summer again!

Once I got over myself and acknowledged I would live, the gals would live, I started to reflect on all the blessings in my life.  My superman husband is without a doubt the person I am most grateful for. I am so thankful that my parents stuck around for a few days to help with the girls.  What never ceases to amaze me is the powerful network of strong women I have in my life.

My neighbor and good friend Rachel who is raising a small army across the street, took Mya in for countless days and treated her like one of her own.  My friends Maria and Kelly had my back with Marlee after ballet camp was over.  Lauren, Maria, and Tammy provided us with nourishing meals. Carolyn and Katie were constantly checking if I needed anything.  Many lady friends came out of the woodwork with countless visits, calls, and texts. My best friend Jen and my sister Angie were extremely patient with my frantic texts when I felt I was knocking on death's door. Women gather and lift each other in times of need.  I am forever thankful that I am a member of this sisterhood.

As for my summer list with the gals: nothing got accomplished.  But hey, there's always a list to be made for the fall, the winter, spring, next summer...  ;)

Affirmation Board

I have come up with this bright idea to make an affirmation board.  Each week we will put up a new positive affirmation and one goal to work towards.  I am hoping this builds confidence as we enter the dramatic years with our otherwise sweet little group of girlfriends.

The whole project took about 10 minutes to make.  Well, unless you count the 20 minutes it took Mya to pick out the fabric.  Not quite my first choice, but as she said, "It just jumped at me" hmm..

I started out with a cork board ($7.00) at Target and some fabric.

                                  

I simply measured & cut the fabric to the dimensions of the board and stapled it to the board.

The board hangs on their bedroom door. I put up an affirmation for both Marlee and Mya.  They read it three times in the morning and once before bed.  We also work on the goals every day.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”

                                           -Mahatma Gandhi