I think I can honestly say we have found our footing again. It's a new normal but still good. I've adjusted to having my four kids with my almost constantly and you know what, they are pretty nice company!
We have been really blessed this fall.
1) Erik tried out for RecPlus Soccer this fall (after not playing soccer for a year) and surprisingly made the team. I happen to know one of the coaches, who was unaware of what had happened in our house, advocated for him to be on her team. This team has been such a blessing! The coaches are wonderful and amazing. Very, very organized (post lesson plans each week) and kind. I've almost never heard them raise their voices. Being on RecPlus, means some travel but it's been almost non-existent this fall. It also means our practices could have been anywhere in the county - guess where our practice takes place? 2 miles from our house. This team will continue through the spring. Thank you Lord!
2) Teachers - I am so thankful that all three kids have wonderful teachers this year. We've had Carson and Lainey's teachers before and I love them both. Erik, who I was most concerned about, also seems to have a great teacher and is back to really enjoying school again. Thank you Lord!
3) Friends - Lainey's favorite activity is gymnastics. I take her one day a week, but the second day conflicts with Erik's games. My friend, who also happens to be a single mom, happily takes Lainey with her each week as one of her girls has class with Lainey. Lainey LOVES this girl time each week.
4) Church- We switched churches right after Daron passed away. This might have been kind a knee jerk reaction out of some frustration, but it has been a blessed decision. There is a family there that knows how much Erik likes to read. They have seven kids (4 whom they just adopted from Ukraine), homeschool them all, and are running our Awana program. Yet, they take time to think of my kids - bringing Erik books to read most weeks. Our pastor has also been a big blessing, helping guide me through this transition gracefully.
5) Work - I've been working part-time for 3 years. I have always loved my job (well there were a few months last fall that were a bit bumpy!) as the doctor I work with is really smart and good at what he does and he really values having me as part of the team. They have always given me a lot of flexibility which has been wonderful. I told my administrator what was going on in my house and asked if I could change my schedule -so I start seeing patients an hour earlier and every 20 minutes, instead of every 30 minutes - so I can still see a fair amount of patients, but be able to get home by 4:00 or 4:30 instead of 6:00-7:00. She had no problem with that at all, even though it required switching around my MA and receptionists hours too. I also have learned that when/if I need to increase my hours so I have insurance benefits for myself/high income, I will only need to work 20 hours a week (I work 14-15 now). That seems manageable to me (won't take place until next fall - hopefully- I will work 3 days instead of 2).
6) Childcare - This is our second year with our current sitters. They are wonderful and go way above and beyond. Most days when I get home from work the floor has been swept, toys are put away, laundry is folded and sometimes put away. They are kind and gracious and love my kids. We have a mom/daughter team who cover my work days and I couldn't be any more thankful for them.
Kids and I are about to join a bible study Friday nights. I/we have been part of different bible studies during the past 15 years and I feel kind of lukewarm about them. Please pray that this new group will be a good fit for me and the kids.
I'm so thankful that God has allowed my to see joy and blessings during this trial. Please pray the bumps along our journey are minimal! Thank you.
How have you been blessed recently?
(photo was taken at Baltimore Childrens Museum)
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