Back in the saddle...

Its been a while since my last post as my computer has bit the dust. I have mourned it's loss greatly, commandeering zach's iPad when he's not playing words with friends or perusing facebook. The entire family has spent the time since Christmas battling the flu and a cold that wont go away, while also trying to get back into the swing of work and school. I have spent my down time and sleepness nights in regular Mikel fashion, that is dwelling on things outside my control and having imaginary conversations in my head. I have also spent the time surfing the web, at least the web that my phone will allow. There have been many things that I have come across that has spurred the "wheels" into action that I felt warranted a blog post.

 Last night on Facebook I came across a picture that I have seen before and I'm sure you have too. This picture dipicts the difference in education between today and x many years ago, making the point that today's parents are more inclined to blame the teacher when their child fails. The picture I saw last night however, had one addition, the word "Ego" boldly written below the illustrations, as an explanation of the true problem with today's parents.

 Brilliance! That one, tiny little word explains it all. I see it all the time with parents, this unwillingness to admit that their child is in some way imperfect which may imply that they are not, in fact, a perfect parent, as they would like the world to believe. I get it, I really do. There is so much comparison going on among parents, each spouting that their way of parenting is the only way. I say, embrace your imperfections in parenthood. I'm well aware that there are people out there who criticize the way I am willing to vent my frustrations with parenthood. Some may say that i should just be grateful that I have two healthy children and quit my complaining. Well, I complain for a few reasons: first, if I don't vent about them, i run the risk of venting to them; second, it helps to know that whatever problem you may be having, you are not alone; and third, it keeps me grounded, because, no matter how bad I feel my children are being, it could always be worse.

 The past few weeks have been trying for me. I haven't felt well and neither have my kids. Noah has a cold, a terrible diaper rash, and is teething, creating days that are long and exhausting. On top of that, Zach is going out of town tomorrow for the second weekend in a row. Yes, parenting is hard, and I am far from perfect at it. However, I am reminded of a quote I heard some where, "If you don't view parenting as a near impossible task, you probably aren't doing it right."

That said, I want to make it clear that though I know I am far from the perfect parent, I am constantly striving to be better.  I owe my kids that much.  They didn't ask to have us as parents and they deserve the best of us.  Also, acknowledging my own weaknesses means I also have to acknowledge my children's weaknesses, which is necessary if they are to grow and better themselves.

Blessings to you all...