It's about TIME!

I know that's what you're thinking... "it's about time she posted." However, I am choosing NOT to feel any guilt about the length of time between my last post and today. It is not worth my energy. Instead, I would like to focus on the importance of where we spend our TIME.

Priorities vary from person to person, and from time to time. For me, priorities change with the seasons of years and the seasons of life. For instance, today we are in the middle of the beautiful change from Winter to Spring. Instead of focusing on staying warm and keeping us people and animals alive and fed, I have begun focusing on garden plans and hiking plans.

My season of life has taken a dramatic change in the past couple years from a mother of little ones in diapers to a Mom of teens, tweens, and somewhat independent school-aged children. This change can create feelings of despair and longing for the days of babies, when I was still somewhat in control. However, I am choosing to focus on all the great opportunities this change affords. Of course we all know that it is inevitable that children grow up. It is important for them to do so; just as it was important for you and me to become adults. It is this cycle of life and seasons that I want to embrace: To just enjoy each moment for what that moment and season of life has to offer.

I am choosing to embrace the fact that I do not own a diaper and will not need one any time soon... until perhaps the time comes for me to wear one again. ;) I am thriving with new found time for one or two of my own interests, something that I gave up at the arrival of my fourth child--out of necessity for the wellness of my family. Interestingly, as I develop my interests and hobbies, I notice my children picking up on my enthusiasm. And without consciously trying to, I am inspiring them to try new things and enjoy them. As I am typing this, I am also answering questions of my 10-yr old daughter about binding a quilt. She told me the other day that if in the future a machine is invented that can make anything we want, she will be sad because she loves to sew. :-) Sewing happens to be a dormant hobby of mine and we had just pulled out the sewing machine and all the mending the day she said that. What a blessing that we can share the joy of sewing.

Another life season change has come in the form of a puppy. Who knew that my dear husband and I would EVER own a dog??? The fact that changed our view enough to allow the kids the opportunity of raising a puppy was something a friend told us, "You don't get a dog for yourself; you get a dog for your kids." We are now in the season of kids, and more than that--kids who want a dog. So, they all signed a contract listing all the responsibilities they wouldn't shirk relating to dog ownership, and permission was granted for them to pool their money and buy a dog from our neighbor. His name is "Chunky Monkey," though I think he looks more like a Roosevelt. (I didn't buy the dog, so it isn't my choice.) The kids call him "Chunk" or "Chunky" and he has become a faithful friend to all of them. They are reading books on puppy care and talking to experts about puppy training and I am very proud of the progress they have made with him. I have to say that I didn't expect it to go so well. (They were put on probation at the onset and we have a back-up owner if they do not live up to the contract.) Time will tell if this is a lifetime commitment they have made or just a temporary situation.

I will post some fun tidbits about Chunky another time because my priorities right now are to help my children with their goals and I have taken enough time writing about time. Tee Hee. Blessings to you as you prioritize and enjoy the moments.

Love,
RadMom