Sometimes normal is just normal

I've noticed a lot of friends on Facebook and in day-to-day life ponder if their child's behavior is normal. (Maybe because sometimes our threenager's behavior is so awful we want to believe it must be a possession, complete with a need for a Linda Blair level exorcism?!) We all want to make sure we're doing the right thing, but also that our kid is, as the docs might say, WNL (within normal limits). Even after 5 kids, I still struggle with making sure everyone is ok, doing the right thing, and within normal limits. 

The same is true for marriage and relationships. But things are also a little different. Children grow, they change. In some ways, so does your marriage. Who you and your significant other were when you set out on this journey has, most certainly, for better or worse, changed. 

For example, when my husband and I met 15 years ago, I was 19 and he was 25. Both of us had not graduated from college, we had no children, all of our parents were still alive, etc. etc. over the course of our relationship, we have both grown and aged as people separate of our relationship and within our relationship, but so has the relationship. We have friends we've made as a couple, friends we had before our relationship, whom we now share and experiences we share that have changed our relationship, for good and for not so good. 

Ultimately, what I'm getting at is that after 5 kids and 15 years of marriage, what I know to be normal is a bit wild and crazy, but it seems to be normal for everyone. Teenagers will talk back, test boundaries, speak more for themselves, slam doors, help with more chores, develop their independence, smell bad, among other things. Smaller people will need to be reminded of boundaries, safety and appropriate coloring surfaces, convinced that it's ok to go to bed first, not watch EVERY SINGLE CARTOON EVERY MADE IN INE SITTING, and that sometimes we have to keep our shoes on. Marriages will be stressful, wonderful, easy, hard, emotional journeys. 

All of this is what makes life worth living. It's a great beautiful world and though my husband and children sometimes (often) help me have more stress in my life than I would alone, they make each day richer. 

So, if you're life feels like your constantly being pulled and you feel like it's a struggle. Please, hang in and hold on. You're not alone. We all feel it. Let your wall down and ask for help, or go to bed with a book and a sink of dishes. It may not seem like it right now, but you're worth the extra 5 minutes. 

I promise, you're doing great and I'm proud of you. 

A mural in downtown Memphis, with the right message. 

Fancy Baby Pictures

Those who know me personally, can tell you that splurging on "fancy newborn pictures" is not really my thing. But when your professional photographer friend wants to take pictures of your sweet newborn, it's really hard to say no!!

So, friends, here is Georgia's photographic debut!

If you love these pictures and want some of your own, please talk to my friend Kellie Conlon!! She does great work, is really sweet and accommodating with the kiddos and really makes beautiful pictures! Here's a link to her site.

Seriously. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Call her. You won't regret it. I only wish I had done maternity pictures with her!! But, hopefully, she will be doing our Holiday Pictures!!

Let me tell you something...about a swim meet

Some of you may know I'm a swim mom. And some of you may now. 

This weekend I was reminded why I do all the things I do. 

Swim meets are notorious. They are notorious for being hot, long, somewhat boring, exhausting, exhilarating, quick, isolating, friendly and so many other things. 

When my daughter asked if she could bring her boyfriend to this particular meet, I was slightly hesitant. Not because I don't like the kid, he's great. 

I wasn't quite ready for that, but I'll be ok. I was hesitant because this meet has some pressure on it. It's called a "last chance" meet for our kiddos because it's their last chance to make the cuts they need before our regional championship meet. (It's a really big deal.)

But this weekend, my kid was surrounded by swimmers she has been training, loving and racing with for nearly 6 years. 

My children all played together and supported their sister, even the little girls yelled for their Annie. And I got to chat with some of the new members of our team and their delightful parents. Our team has some really interesting and delightful people. 

But the best part, and I do mean the best part; was one that didn't have anything to do with my family. It was this, my friend's daughter met and exceeded a goal. 

And I got to witness her special moment with her mom. These two women are delightful. But it's the moment right after this brief millisecond that is so wonderful and has stuck with me. That mom said the 4 most important words that parents can say to their child... "I'm proud of you." These words are so profound. It was a wonderful moment to bear witness to. (And I was thrilled to be able to capture it on camera for them.) 

After this picture, I got to watch my daughter swim and unfortunately not meet the goal she had set for herself, though she did meet a goal today for herself; and I repeated those words; "I'm proud of you". 

Let me tell you, that moment was profound. As it should have been. Her face lit up. As did my friend's daughter. It was wonderful. My heart lifted. I don't doubt her spirit soared. 

Share a moment with your own child today. And tell them how proud of them you are. Enjoy them. 

Rachel

And, I'm back!

I've been gone for way too long! So much has changed since my last post.

1. I now work at Westside Achievement Middle School as part of the Achievement School District.

2. Anna and Jonas are back in school.

3. Annie is now learning to play the violin!

4. Jonas is in cub scouts! :)

5. Lissy started preschool!!! She goes to Buntyn Preschool and we love it! She is so happy and we are so pleased with the love and care that she gets on the two days a week she attends.

Hopefully, I can get back to being consistent with posting and keeping everyone up to date on all the awesomeness happening in our lives.

Thanks for stopping by!
Rachel