Wow. It’s been awhile. Life in general has kept me from the keyboard. I’m sorry. But now, I’m back. I can’t make any promises on how often we shall chat in the New Year, but I’m here now – so yay.

Let me catch you up a bit. Since I have last been here, our family has changed a bit. All good things, I assure you, but the change itself isn’t always easy. Our second oldest has graduated from high school and is now about to start her second semester in college. She and her older brother are both now living in dorms and enjoying the thrills of cafeteria style food and community bathrooms. We still have two left at home – a 13 year old and almost 16 year old, so it’s not a life of leisure for us just yet. Surprisingly, even with 2 less “children” in the house, things have not slowed down at all. What was I thinking? Delusional, I tell you. Why in the world did I believe our schedule would ease up, or allow any additional free time? I’ve raised busy, social young people – and I understand their desire to be on the move, their need to be active, involved and productive. But GEEZ. I’d love to sit down for a hot minute.

As I am learning to parent two young adults that no longer live under our roof, I also decided to throw in an additional major transition.  I rejoined the workforce again after 20 years of “JUST’ being a stay at home mom (don’t even get me started on THAT).  I am now teaching preschool two days a week. Yes. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my main focus is instructing, loving on, and encouraging appropriate social behavior with the cutest group of three year olds around. They are the sweetest littles and they are filling a void that was created when my own darned children decided to grow up. How dare them, right?! So, other than the normal chaos of life, I am learning to balance lesson plans, laundry and trips to Kroger. Each day is a bit of crazy, wrapped up with sheets of success and surprise and topped with a bow of hope for tomorrow. There is always hope for tomorrow.

I have big plans for 2019.  Don’t we all? Because, really, why not?! I have things to do, dreams to chase, and closets to organize. I’d much rather cross things off of my list than sit around bored. So here’s to the New Year! Here’s to me making things happen … writing more on this blog, and living my best life. Or, at the very least, turning in my library books on time and getting my oil changed periodically. Baby steps, friends, baby steps.