26 years ago, I became a parent. Kristin celebrated her golden birthday on the 26th of January. John and I made the choice to become parents starting 9 months (give or take a few!) before that day. What a journey it has been. Worthwhile. Challenging. Growing. Rewarding.

Many women dream of their wedding day; having every detail embossed in their minds. I felt that way about becoming a mother. Being the youngest of 5, with 7 years between the next oldest and me, I was able to enjoy the additions of many nieces and nephews to our family. With each one, I took great pride in being their Aunt Karen, Frah and other assorted goofy names bequeathed to me. Connie, my oldest sister was my greatest teacher. She had Amy when I was 11. 16months later she had twin boys, Jason and Scott. What a training ground for future parenting skills! I spent alot of time at their home, “helping out,” or at least I hope it was seen that way! Managing 3 little kids under 2 is a management job that should pay 6 figures!

And so it went, Shawn and Brian, Sara, Hester, Neal, Matthew and Kevin; each one of these kids left an imprint on my heart, creating in me a deep desire to have one of my own. Each of my siblings adding to my knowledge of parenting. Little did I know that God was preparing me.

John and I moved away from our hometown 1 month after being married. Never to live there again. There was no Grandma’s to take the kids to for a break. No sisters near by to bounce parenting concerns off of. But God had provided that training ground earlier that would prove to be vital for our success as parents. We read alot. Studied other parents. Not to be critical, but to see what worked and what didn’t. Are we perfect? Far from it!! But we have pursued the goal of being the best parents we can be. I feel our 4 biological kids are doing ok in life.

But parenting is a job you never retire from. So the journey continues. Maybe I’ll share some more along the way.