Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

Fall has been an intense season. From the time we arrived home from Hawaii on Labor Day, life has been swirling around at hurricane's pace. And not just Hurricane Alex, but truly, life in general. So many events, friends and kids compose the make up of our life--at times it's hard to comprehend.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans," John Lennon.

Lennon pegged it right. While I frantically begin to plan and prepare for the holidays, life is busily passing me by. I need to remember to take more time to sit down, think, reflect and most importantly ENJOY what we have. Enjoy my kids. Try not to stress so much over nap times, missed nap times, toys, messes, dishes, dinner, preschool...the list continues, ad nauseam.

So many wonderful things have taken place, whilst I've been stressing. Alex's German has improved so much this Fall. He has made huge strides in comprehending and listening to directions in German. He still isn't responding back to us or his teachers in German but it will come. I know it will. He is talking in English so much more than he ever has in the past--it's wonderful to hear. It is such a relief to be able to communicate and truly understand what it is he wants or needs. This goes without saying, but I'm a talker. I could talk all day long and never tire of it as a sport--Alex is not. A shy and somewhat quiet child, who has taken his time learning to effectively communicate and therefore driven me nearly stark raving mad. I am not by nature a patient person. Alexander has forced me to be patient, as there is no other alternative in watching children grow.

Anna is also becoming such a true little girl--no longer a baby. She is walking, trying to talk and very independent. Attempts to keep up with her brother and gives him a run for his money. Gee, I can't imagine where she gets any of those traits from?! She is a joy everyday and I love watching her attempt to interact and mimic the things her big brother does. She is my cuddle bug, in ways that Alex has never been. Loves her mommy and is freely giving of her hugs. I am excited to see who she will become. While somewhat afraid of having a little girl, knowing all of the pitfalls that might lie ahead of her before she becomes an adult. Girls can be mean. Viciously cruel and the pitfalls that lie before them are innumerable. It is yet another stress for me, raising a smart, strong, and independent daughter who will be able to navigate those pitfalls with grace and dignity. Only God knows the true outcomes which lay ahead. And it is yet another thing I will have to be patient for. An old friend, reminding me of the mistakes I made as a teenager, recently said, something to the effect of, "raise your kids the best you can and support them no matter their mistakes." Sigh, it's easier said than done but so true.