Our little headbanger.

And that has nothing to do with music preference : ) She's getting to the age and stage where when she's feeling a little testy, she will knock her forehead on the ground. Such a lovely habit for a young lady ;-)

Grandpa took T&S last night for an overnight visit. Despite the fact that we spent much of our time together as a family of 5 transporting our big ole van to the Ford dealership in CS for repairs, we had a very nice evening. Put Clover to bed at the usual hour and let J&O stay up with us until 10:00. It was so refreshing to hang out with the big kids. Whenever any combination of the clan are taken out of the equation for a while, whether it's for time at Enrichment school or spent with the grandparents, they are missed but the family dynamic is different, much more relaxed. I needed some relaxed moments. Could you tell? Ha!

I think this is just the way it is in the midst of raising a family. Sometimes are quite challenging due to the relentless nature of the workload and the wide array of often conflicting feelings/emotions/opinions/desires/goals of each of the people in the house. When I get run down and don't feel like dealing with all of it, could SO use a break, the children are still here, the labor still required. That is when I struggle most. I know this will ease with time as each of them become more independent. And new challenges will surely emerge.

Been thinking a lot of sheep, myself as the shepherd tending the flock. Bringing them in, rounding them up, over and over again as many times is required for their safety and development. This is a good mental picture for me and reminds me to stay consistent, firm but gentle, not placing expectations on them or myself for when we should advance to the 'next stage'. I just need to take the days and hours as they come, sometimes it's 1 step forward and 2 steps back....or 4 steps back....or maybe 6. That has to be okay. No one said this would be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. Periodically I must express that-THIS ISN'T EASY!

Ahh. That's better.
Happy Mother's Day to you. For real. : )