The everyday details of life. Getting the kids ready, packing lunches, trying not to lose your temper as you try and get the kids to move faster than worms crossing from one side of the sidewalk to the other. “Don’t forget your water bottles! Put your socks on! Don’t hit your sister! Finish your breakfast!” And then finally, the squeaking sound of the door as they are off to school.

Silence. And then you miss you them. lol.

I bumped into a friend while dropping Lei off at soccer practice yesterday. And while we spoke, we talked about all the stress causing things we face on a daily basis. Work, homework, sports, errands…we do it all and as mundane as it may sound, everyday I wake up and am incredibly thankful to do it all over again.

I truly love doing things for my children in the tender way my mother would do them for me when she had the time. My mother loved the grandkids with all her might. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She used to tell me I would never understand their connection, and I sure didn’t. I am very grateful I got to see the way my mother would feed Nate, care for my niece, hold my nephew as if he was a glass ornament ready to slip out of her hand.

In this season of life, I find myself losing my temper a lot, just short fused, and throughout the years, my patience has waned to a sorry looking puddle left over after a big storm. I want to be graceful and I want to celebrate my kids trying to do better every day. In celebrating the things they try to do better, I encourage them to keep growing, learning and not be afraid to make mistakes.

I hope you are able to take a breather, reassess, and be proud of the patience you have and your ability to try again the next day.

XO