Parenting

I am a mother of 3 and a step-mom of one.  My three are Karlee (14), Kyle (11 will be 12 in Feb) and Sara (8 almost 9 in Dec) and Dillon my step-son is 15 (16 in April).  So there you have it 4 kids in the house, my husband and I, 2 dogs and a cat.  Life is interesting with its ups and downs.  I love all my kids but there are days that its difficult to like what they do or say sometimes.  Being a parent is a challenge at any age.  At this point in my life I'm dealing with the teenager stage.  And at this point I feel like I won't survive and be ready for the next two.

I know I will survive and we will all come out of this stage in the end in a good and loving way but until then...I have to be honest and wonder and do a bunch of praying.  I have been doing a lot deep "sigh" and again "sigh".  I have been frustrated and frowning in one moment and then in the next laughing and smiling with them.  There have been moments of tears and loud voices and maybe a few doors that shut really hard (okay they were slammed) but like I said before there are times that there is laughter and smiles and hugs and getting along too.  Life is a ride and parenting is a roller coaster ride.

I'm not too comfortable with roller coaster rides but this is one ride that I'm on that God can help me with. I will take a deep breathe, a few moments alone to re-group when needed.  I will respond calmly in love.  I will listen then respond.  I will love each one. I will kiss and hug them good night and wave good bye in the morning on their way out the door to school and then start the day again.  I will continue this ride in God's hands.

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.    Philippians 4:6-7