The New Normal

Normal, is hard to define and hard to describe as it is always changing.  This principal has held true in our family also.  This year our kids are beginning their "new" normal schedule this week.  As a mother, I am often filled with anxiety and worry about the development of my children.  I want my children to be well rounded kids that are socially, academically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy and growing.  Thus each school year we reevaluate the previous, and look to improve on what we had done the year before. 

This school year once again we have changed our "normal" for our children.  An opportunity was presented to me a little over a year ago to Open a new school (k-9) as an Ast. Principal, here in Kernersville just miles away from our home.  For months, I said No Thank-You, and continue to pray what was next for us.  As time changed my heart changed, and kept coming back to the parable of the sewer.  To those God gave a talent, we are asked to grow it.  So, those who were blessed to lead, should lead. Those who were blessed to grow kids, educationally, and emotionally are asked to grow them.  Both of these I was given the gift, and was asked to go.  Knowing in one short year, I would have the ability to help create the educational environment that Brynn and Madelyn would be apart.  So, late in May I quit my comfortable steady job and took a leap to help make a difference in the community we live in, and to make a difference in our kids lives.

During this time we prayed and prayed about our kids. Where would they go the second half of the day?  God's timing was evident, our sitter quit in May to pursue something with benefits and FT.  Weeks later a neighbor called and offered to help with M, and B's preschool offered PT with the option of after care.  Of course the girls MiMi (Matt's) wanted to help watch a few days.  So, the girls are splitting time apart and then together. 

So. . this week we begin our "New Normal Schedule" For me its a New Adventure, and for the girls a "New Year" 

MICHIGAN

Late in July the girls and I made a trip to Michigan to see my parents, and finish up a work obligation.  We were there a little over a week. Each trip allows the girls to interact with family members that they do not see on a regularly.  Each of these trips are always filled with seeing family, friends, and new places.  This trip was no different as the girls and I saw family, and many friends. Due to this the girls have been very good at encountering new people and situations with openness and always make new friends.  Brynn's favorite part of the trip was spending the day with Uncle Jon and Aunt Heidi picking Blueberries, going to a splash pad, and going to their house.   Madelyn did very well, but her favorite was the Zoo.  Madelyn LOVES animals, and would stay all day at the zoo if we allowed her.