It's a crazy, awesome life we are living right now but I wouldn't change it for the world. I am bursting with happiness and pride. I have said this before but again, I love every stage of parenting...so far and I think Ian and I have done a great job embracing it all. We made it through sleepless nights because we knew the cuddles the next day would be worth it. We went with the flow as the temper tantrums came and went (truthfully I don't remember many). It was difficult but exciting watching each of our children start school but they all love their school life which we are so thankful for.
These days we are not home as much as we would like. Our children have opportunities that we don't want to pass up and despite the amount of commitment required as in time and money, we are more than happy to support them. Each one of our three children has amazing opportunities right now - between competitive dance and hockey we are running the roads most days. Time management is key but you know what? They are learning that skill very quickly. There are actually so many skills they are learning beyond how to dance and play hockey.
We appreciate our days off and relish in it's peacefulness. We are looking forward to our family vacation in January/February (farmers travel in the winter) but surrounding all of that are memories being made and experiences to embrace.
Today we leave on a mini-family vacation aka an "away" hockey tournament. Our first. We have been anticipating it for quite some time. Our bags are almost packed. Alex will work and play hard and the girls will have some good times with the other rink rats otherwise know as the sisters. Ian and I are looking forward to spending time with the team parents whom we are really enjoying their company.
Sometimes I wonder what others think of us; the whole idea of our kids not having the chance to be bored, of our family being so busy and having a schedule that is out of our control. We don't feel any of those things very often. No doubt there are weeks when we feel like we travel the roads too much and some days the kids just want to stay home but then we talk and they decide that they do want to go and they love what they are doing. Alex NEVER complains about going to hockey. Grace loves being part of the dance team and understands the commitment she needs to have. Jean is still young and we are starting slow for her - just a little bit of dance commitment and more time to be at home just playing. The time they decide they don't want to do it anymore is the time we are done.
One more thing: the families that have done all of this; have run the roads like us for years, taking their children from practices to games to competitions... They have no regrets. They tell us those were great years and that they miss those times. They raised some great kids as well!
I am so thankful for our life. Now off to pack!
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