here are the photos I've been promising everyone. If you click on the pictures, it will take you to the actual slidshow website. I've got captions for the pictures explaining them. Go check it out!
The kids did really good with Judo on Thursday! I was so proud of them and Bret! It was a great evening.
On another side note, I got quite the impressive phone call last week. I was invited by the school district to sit on a board to interview and pick a new principal for our school. I think it's only cause I'm one of 4 or so involved parents. :)
We did the interviewing today and I had a really great experience doing it. It was amazing to be a part of it. I'm grateful. And you know, I started being more active at school just thinking it would be me doing simple things at the school. But WOW, can you get more involved than choosing your new principal?! I really do feel lucky and blessed that they asked me.
And I'm not allowed to say anything specific about what went on during that meeting so don't even bother asking! (I'm talking to you Melissa and Jeffrey! Heather you were there, so you know.)
I have had an amazing experience with being more active in the school. Yeah, I've been asked to be more active than I imagined I would be, but to me it's been the little things that have touched me. Simple things like walking into the school and having Jane at the front desk file out my visitor sticker with my name and not having to ask me who I am. Or having the students in my children's classes (or even other classes) smile and wave at me in the pick up line, "Hi, Mrs. Little." I like not being "Jacob's Mom" or Elizabeth's or Elijah's - I'm simply Mrs. Little and that is a good thing. It's comforting to know that when my kid pukes in the hallway (several times) that the janitor really doesn't mind cleaning it up because he knows me. And I really like having my thoughts and ideas about my childrens' schooling count for something and they are valid and listened to! Or having teachers/staff know that I'm willing to do what I can to help them so they are more willing to do what they can to help me as a parent. And honestly, I also like being something other than "Mom" and "Wife." I like being important to someone who doesn't have the last name "Little." I know these things are simple and silly, but that's what I am - simple and silly (more specifically "dorky"). Which actually leads me to my next set of thoughts....
I've been mulling this one over for a while now, and it has taken me this long - I have decided to embrace my dork!
I've always know that I was a Dork. I've tried to hid it in my youth and glorify it in my not so youth. But now I want to embrace it! I've realized that we try so hard to be pretty, or perfect, or some outrageous version of who we really are and its such a difficult struggle. We put so much energy and time into trying to be special. But do you know what really makes someone special (in my opinion)? Being normal and not perfect. I love so many people in my life because of their faults as well as their strengths. When someone truly sees who they are and enjoys (not just loves) themselves regardless, THAT is special!!! I'm so tired of people trying to stand out as the most creative person, or the spiritual giant, or even as the most brutally honest person (that one chick's blog I mentioned before). It's a bit of a slap in the face when I come across those people. As if I'm just not good enough to breath the same air.
I can honestly say that I know how to do some pretty fun things. I've been blessed to be in positions to teach others those things. But I also know completely that I'm not skilled at those things!! I'm ok with that! :)
Now, if you are creative, spiritual, or honest; please don't assume that I'm bashing on you. I'm not - I value your talents. I wish I had them sometimes. :) But understand that those talentS make up a small part of who you are. Don't let yourself (any of us) get caught up in being perfect because you think that it defines who you are! DigiScrapping, Coupons, or helping in school doesn't define who you are! More specifically and personally, it doesn't define who I am. I am also a goofy, clutsy, big hearted woman. I am more concerned about how others are feeling than myself. I like Mt. Dew and chocolate and books. I love piano music and my imagination. I am so grateful for God and who he has made me. My family is amazing and I will take a little credit for that - I make dang cute kids! :) And you know what, I have a great sense of humor!!! Sometimes I go a little overboard, mostly cause I get nervous - but that all plays into the dorkiness which I am now embracing. :)
Well, those are some pretty deep thoughts. I'm sure it didn't make one bit of sense. At least I know that my Mommy will understand. She has always understood me. :)
And that's it for tonight! I'm done.
Hugs!
6 comments:
The Judo pic's look much more intimidating with the Mohawks. I say Elizabeth should get one...
First let me just say that I truly love you!!!! Not to mention your amazing, adorable children. You guys are so cute and I love reading your blogs..your family just reminds me of the love/morals I grew up with. I LOVE the pics...they look like they are having a blast at Judo and not to mention pretty intimidating in their uniforms and all :) My favorite pic was Jake with the little girl...ha his face is great! Girls really do love him.
So can I tell you how relieved I am to have you on the interviewing board!!!! I couldn't think of a better parent to help pick our next principal! I am so happy because I know that you will make the decision that is best for our school and most importantly the children! :) Well, I could go on and on but I'll let you get on to Judo punks! I'm glad your enjoying your summer and I'll talk to you soon!
Thank you! It is days like this that I'm glad you posted and I can read it over and over any time of day. It's crazy how we embrace and appreciate someone else's quirkiness more than we appreciate our own uniqueness. We need to be more gentle with ourselves. Thanks for the reminder. You definitely are a diamond with many faucets.
I don't think you're dorky at all! I admire you so much. I am always wishing I could be more like you. :)
You Go Girl!
I know we've just talked through email and even though I don't know you "personally" I am always amazed at how creative you are! I love reading your blog and can totally relate to everything you said here.. I get tired of the pressures of trying to "be perfect". It's awesome when you can just say - you know this is me.. and I like me and I don't care what anyone else thinks. That's all that matters. Thanks for being you & being such a great friend :)
p.s. your kids are so stinkin cute!
Well I disagree with Becky. You are a dork. But so are most of us, so it's good company to keep. You ready for camp????
Post a Comment