Monday, January 5, 2009

One more day

I just have to get through tomorrow, the kids will go back to school, and I'll be home free. Well mostly. The school has a total of 12 days off scheduled during the months of January, February, and March. (that doesn't include snow days, if we get any) I love having my kids at home, but they tend to make it difficult to accomplish anything around the house, especially when the cold weather keeps them, and all their friends, inside.

Over the past few months I've come to the conclusion that I need to make some changes, both in my life, and in our home. I'm tired of everyone expecting me to deal with every little thing. I need to make some changes and do some re-structuring around here so that my life doesn't revolve around taking care of my family's every need and desire. I need to make it possible for them to take on more responsibilities, and for me to figure out what I need to do for me. Although, I'm not completely sure what that involves. (it's hard to even think straight with a houseful of teenagers and music blaring all the time) Some of the things that I'm considering are, going back to work on a part-time basis, or maybe going back to school, maybe a little of both. I know that I need to get out of the house more, I'm starting to feel very isolated and my thinking is becoming very warped and distorted.

Another one of our goals for 2009 is to find a family church that works for us. Yesterday, we met Nick and Jennifer for the 11:00AM service at Life Church. (that's the church where we used to go, and where I taught preschool.) We haven't been there for almost two and a half years, and there's been a lot of changes; lots of new people, and they've done a lot of construction, but I'm just not sure how I feel about it. The kids are kind of divided on it. Heather wants us to try the church where she and her friend go for Wednesday night youth group, and Jake wants us to try the church where his girlfriend, Chrissy, goes. I have a feeling that we are going to be doing some "church shopping." I'm not looking forward to that, but I guess it has to be done. It's something that I think we all need. Roy and I really need a place where we can meet people and focus on spiritual growth; and I really want Jake and Heather to meet kids, other than their school friends, who are all so caught up in their gossip and cliques. They really need options, and other ways of looking at themselves, their lives, their community, and the world. My biggest objection to public school has always been the mentality that it creates.

Anyway, I know that none of this is going to happen over night, but my brain wants to plan, organize, and act while the thoughts are fresh; but with the kids at home, I have to really struggle to stay focused on anything - there's just too many distractions. I guess that's my ADHD showing.

Well, the kids have finally gone to bed, or at least to their rooms. I need to get myself off to bed too. I can handle just one more day of this - I think. Good night.

Love,
Susan

3 howled back:

Unknown said...

There is a wonderful little (9 week) program that I used to teach entitled "Systematic Training in Effective Parenting" that had great techniques for developing responsibility in kids.

Of course, getting away from them, especially teenagers, is a really effective way of keeping one's sanity!

Anonymous said...

OK,first of all... love the lovely purple background!

Secondly, you want my opinion on the church issue as presented? Good, I thought so. The old church that has changed so much where Nick is attending: it's good for him and will most likely be bad for you. You'll be looking at it as what it used to be and how you guys used to fit into it's structure and hierarchy. You'll end up missing the point of being there and end up miserable. As for Jake's choice to attend where the teenage girl of the moment resides spiritually- Horrid idea. They're young and probably going to not be together but so long and then he'll moan and bitch about having to be in the same church with her. The best option with the most logical approach presented has been Heather's choice. Having a good youth group allows her and Jake both an opportunity to get involved in a positive program and start developing some quality foundation for their future in a church body. Furthermore, it allows Mom and Dad to attend the church and feel confident the kiddos are getting the good mentoring from a youth pastor they need.

However, there's always the next option... none of the above, check the next one down the street out!


As for you and your changes {{insert evil laughter here}} stop smoking, get back into those classes you were so excited about and take the world on by storm babe!

Happy New year!
-C

Anonymous said...

I know that making a few little changes is going to make big differences - because you know that I have also spent years at home just being here and isolated and I definitely had those irrational thoughts and weird head space too. You just get caught up in it all. I hope you guys found a nice church.