How Important Is It?

I try to keep this mentality, but it's hard...this article is so good, and how I want to approach life with my kids. I don't always get it right...in fact, much of the time, I get it wrong. Time is fleeting...so I need to remember to ask myself over the little things...how important is it, really? I don't want to miss it.

How important is it???

I ask my kids all the time.

When they’re bickering or having a meltdown I’m always asking, “Honey, how important is it??”

But the truth is I’m 17 years into this parenting gig now, and I’m only just learning what this question really means…

You guys, listen.

I think it means letting the important things be important and then completely letting go of the rest.

Huh.

I rolled this around in my mind today as I picked up a million shoes and socks and empty wrappers and stray toys from the floor then washed breakfast dishes and gathered clothes that are sitting BESIDE the hamper to shove into the washer.

And my eyes came to rest on the empty toilet paper roll.

As a young mom I always thought, “How hard can it be??? To teach your children to do chores and pick up after themselves and get along??? And behave?? And be…PERFECT???”

I had visions of these lovely children who would follow the rules and follow directions and march in line and share MY vision for exactly who they were supposed to be.

You know, top of the class. Best on the team.

But it’s hard, actually.

Harder than I ever imagined.

Because these little people don’t really care much about MY vision. They are too busy living their own little lives.

And it turns out…I’m not in control of WHO they are.

So, I’m constantly asking myself this question, “How important is it???”

And most of the things I used to rant about and get my panties in a bunch over truly don’t matter much at all.

So, my kids bicker a lot. And love video games. And obnoxious humor.

They choose to do their homework in the car on the way to school.

And never practice guitar or soccer on their own initiative.

And steal my phone charger.

And stink at chores (even though I still make them do them!!).

And apparently haven’t mastered how to remove the spring-loaded bar from the center of the toilet paper holder to replace a used roll with a new one, preferring instead to place a new roll on the top like a little shelf!!!

But how important is it??? REALLY??

Because when I watch how they REALLY live their lives, I see mostly nice people. KIND people. Who do their own schoolwork in their own way. Who chase their passions the way they see fit. Who smile and laugh with their friends and show up on time and attempt their chores and tell the truth.

I see caring and empathetic little people who truly have their very own dreams and goals and aspirations. Their very own lives!!!

And while my job is to enforce some boundaries and set some ground rules, I’m not in charge of WHO they’re meant to be.

I’m MOM.

And I mostly just get to cheer for them as they go!!!

And pray for them.

And trust that God has a plan for us ALL.

Oh…and change the toilet paper

3A State Runners-Up

We came home with the 3A State Runners-Up title in competitive cheer! Of course first place would have been awesome, but second is still amazing. The girls stayed in Tulsa Friday night since the competition was early Saturday morning at Union High School. GMa and I drove up early Saturday morning, and Brian stayed at home with the boys this time. It was so fun that Katelyn & Kinley came! We were the first team to perform, and they had trouble getting tickets to get in, so they didn't actually get to see it. I felt so bad about that, but they were there for awards and to see the girls afterwards. Katelyn had to get back, but we got to have lunch with Kinley at Qdoba afterwards. Then we stopped by to see the rest of the Easterwoods before driving back home. I get so nervous before these competitions that you would think I was the one going out there to perform! I know Madi was a nervous wreck too, but she seemed to handle the nerves much better than when she was in junior high cheer. It's really just about going out there and having fun and doing your best! So proud! 

Good job sister!! 

The girls sent me this pic of them riding in the bus from the hotel to the competition. Mackenzie's red lipstick was MIA and she was still looking a little sleepy! 

Hawaiian Night & State Send-Off

Cru made her first appearance of the season at this weeks football game! It was still so hot, and I really am amazed that Mackenzie can stand to have this helmet on for any length of time at all. She's awesome!! This was Hawaiian night, and also the night before the girls' State competition. They were introduced at halftime & then they got to leave the game early because they had to drive to Tulsa to spend the night. The competition was early the next morning, so they really didn't have a choice but to do it this way. The parents made a little tunnel for them to walk through & they each got a send-off gift that we all gave money to purchase for them. 

Can you tell that cheer completely dominates our life right now?! Well, it does! That whole slogan #cheerislife ... well, that's pretty accurate right now. That's not a bad thing, just a busy thing!

We loved having Poppa & Louise there to watch the girls cheer!

We tied two lei's together to make one long enough for Cru to wear!

Off they go!! 

Maybe they will follow in their sisters footsteps and be the mascot someday! You just never know!