Licensed Driver

It has finally happened.... another big parenting milestone (and individual child one too) - Ellie got her license this past Wednesday and is a fully licensed driver. 

I have mixed emotions. I am proud of her. I am still nervous for her. I wish I could protect her from everyone on the roads. It's so scary watching them grow up and fly, but I know it's part of the journey and I'm thankful she can do it. 

I pray for God's protection on her always. 

Congratulations Ellie! 

Photo from right after she walked proudly back into the DMV and told me that she passed. I didn't stand outside watching because I didn't want to make her nervous. 

Math Girl

 Clair loves math. She has enjoyed competitive math since she was introduced to it in 5th grade. 

This past weekend she competed for the second year in Frederick County's Math Counts competition. Her goal was to be in the top 30 so she could go to states. Last year they allowed the top 30 to go to states. 

This year, unfortunately, they only allowed the top 24 to go to states. Clair was 2 points short of the 23rd place. We are assuming this means she was in the top 30, but unfortunately no states. 

This makes her more determined for next year. She has a practice plan and spends a lot of time talking to me about math. 

Tonight as she was falling asleep she told me that on a recent car ride she spent so much time thinking about math that she accidentally tried to multiple two words together. 

We both had a good laugh at that. I can totally believe it as well. 

Love my girl and her competitive streak. 

Fall flew by

When I started writing down these stories Ellie was young and Max was just born. It feels like it was not that long ago, but yet I know it was. Today Ellie is 18, Max is 15.5 and Clair is 12.75. Another year has passed. Stages and phases come and go. 

I remember often when they were little thinking that something (anything in particular such as Ellie's need for a nightlight that lasted a long time) would never pass. Then, one day, it's gone. This is parenting in a nutshell; this too shall pass. I pray for this in the little daily battles such as Max keeping things moderately clean or Max and Clair learning to use an agenda and organize themselves. I pray that I am being the parent they need and not failing too bad, because I'm certainly flailing in this journey often. 

Last night at the Mom's group at church it was mentioned by one wise mother that she wishes the parent she is today could speak to the parent she was 16 years ago when her first child was born. That statement resonates with me. I wish I could go back and do better; be more patients; teach how to manage emotions; play with them more. 

But I sigh and take a breath and know that I am thankful for this journey - regardless of how well I have handled it. The one promise I will make my kids is that each day I do try to do my best AND I know I mess up a lot. Thank goodness for God's Grace. 

Know you are always loved and always wanted!

Photo from our at home NYE's celebration.