Yesterday I went to Meijer to get a couple things and noticed the beautiful display of BACK TO SCHOOL items.  Is it really that time already?  This summer is flying by. I went to the BACK TO SCHOOL display and just stared at all the items.  I couldn't get myself to buy a single thing. " I still have time," I thought to myself.
    We packed a lot in this summer and I learned a few things about myself. Here are a few worth mentioning.


1. Make time for yourself.
I have been trying to get up before everyone else and do something I like to do, like write, read my Bible, or just SIT in silence.  It has been golden and totally worth the hour of sleep I lost in the process. I need that to start my day so I can feel like I did something for me today.

2. Take time to slow down and soak it in.
We have been really busy this summer with camps, museums, and play dates.  Honestly, we have had some of the BEST times meeting new people and just living an adventure everyday.  I have to remind myself not to jam too much in because it will be those moments just sitting on the living room floor in our pajamas singing FROZEN for the 20th time I will cherish most.

3. Remember your husband.
Sometimes it is really hard for me to put my husband first when my children are small and still need so much of me.  I am reminded that I need to continue to make him feel that he is a priority in my day and life no matter how crazy life can get.  We are the core of our family and without a strong core things seem to fall apart.

4. Cooking can be fun and taste good.
I really wanted to try to cook this summer.  No, like really cook( not microwave leftovers). Follow a recipe without any subsitutions (for now) and provide a yummy meal for my family.  I challenged myself and I was surprised that most of my meals were somewhat tasty. At least 5 meals were not even good enough to feed to our dog, but I always have a frozen pizza to save the day in case of an emergency.

5. Bad days will happen.
No matter how much I pray, prepare, and try...things will go wrong.  I don't always like when Eden seriously throws away all my make up when I am not looking or when Brielle turns into a teenage girl every morning when getting ready. I know I am not going to be a perfect mother everyday. Sometimes I just want to lay on the couch and watch Ellen and eat a whole box of Fruit Loops, instead of cleaning up poop off the floor because Eden doesn't have on a diaper and Brielle stepped in it and ran through the house. You know, that kind of thing.

6. Three deep breaths can change anything.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself to breath when dealing with ignorant people. Let's face it, they are everywhere. I love getting parenting advice from people with no experience with caring for children. So you think you have this figured out? Good for you, my friend. Call me in a couple years and then we will talk. : )

7. When in doubt smile and nod.
Even in the most awkward and uncomfortable times the smile/nod will ease some discomfort.  LIke the time my three year old tells you that her mom can make magic milk that you can squirt in your eye when it hurts. Yeah, umm...smile/nod and let's go home now.

:) What did you learn about yourself this summer?