Follow my blog with Bloglovin It's a new year and that means many of you have vowed to work out more and eat healthier. Noble goals for sure, I'm doing the same (see the Operation Find Our Abs tab). But let my daughter, Brooke, derail your hard work. Girl Scout Cookies are once again on sale. There are all the usual favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs (my favorite) along with newcomers Girl Scout S'Mores and Toffee-Tastic.
Cookies are $4 a box ($5 for the two new flavors) and a portion of the proceeds goes to Brooke's troop. She explains (not in great detail) what she enjoys about Girl Scouts. The program has been great for her for several years.
Overnight at the St. Louis Zoo in 2012
In addition to the fun field trips to St. Louis and right here in southern Illinois, the girls have learned a number of valuable skills. First aid and safety, conservation and crafting are just a few of the things Girl Scouts has taught our daughter.
Serving lunch at The Promise
Her troop has done several community service projects too. The girls have collected coats, hats and gloves for people in need in southern Illinois. Troop members have also served meals at The Promise in Marion.
Last year's sales
By purchasing a box of these delicious cookies you're making a difference in the lives of girls in your community. So whether you buy from my daughter or another girl in your neighborhood, I thank you in advance. My family does too.
The headline probably isn't necessary for readers who actually know me. But this post isn't about my obsession with wrestling or Smurfs or cheesy 80's movies. As I get older (I'll be 40 next month), I realize that the journey of life for my family has been much different than what I experienced growing up. I'm going to attempt to make sense in this blog, but honestly my thoughts are scattered.
My childhood was normal, or at least what I perceive to be as normal. My parents both worked and worked hard. They still do. They loved my brother and I unconditional. They still do and now that they have daughters-in-law and grandchildren there's even more love to spread. They were very involved in our schooling and extra curricular activities, something that I've done (or at least tried to as a parent)
Here's the difference. My wife and I have three kids. We no longer have that "man-to-man defense." We're outnumbered and most nights, I'm really outnumbered. This is a typical week right now: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, gymnastics, dance, martial arts (starting this week), basketball practice/games, and baseball lessons. Then there's homework, the occasional band concert, or competition. I'm not complaining. I really am not. Up until recently I questioned my dedication as a parent and wondered if I was doing enough to be a part of my kids' lives. I've come to the conclusion that I am. I think.
My wife works most evenings, so it's usually up to me to get everyone where they need to be. I love that she's home on Wednesday nights as it gives me a midweek break from the action. Sometimes I have to rely on the help of friends, as it truly does take a village to raise a child. I've had to cut back on the things I do to. My schedule at work has changed slightly, but long story short, I get up at 2 a.m. to be at work by 2:30. The benefit: I'm off usually by 11:15, which allows me time to come home and have some "me time" to write blogs or make YouTube videos. The downside: With most activities going into the early evening hours, I usually only get about 5 or 5 and a half hours of sleep.
I don't want this post to seem like I'm complaining, but I'm not. I love my life and wouldn't change anything (except add more hours to the day so I could get a few more hours sleep). I'm curious to hear how other busy parents do it. I truly feel for single parents or folks with more than three kids. I want to be the best dad I can be to my kids, and I think they know I'm there for them.
