Just start it already!

Drew said I was over-thinking all this and just need to start. So with that word of wisdom from my oldest child to inspire me, here goes. . .

My life revolves largely around my wife and mom duties. I imagine that's pretty normal among many of the women I know. Now that I have kids old enough to be giving me advice-- and with three teenagers in the house now, trust me, there's plenty of that going on-- it's making me stop a bit more and think about just what I am passing on to them. Obviously not all things we pass on to our kids come as formal advice. . .a lot is just picked up from the things we say over and over. I had a perfect example of that with Sarah the other day. . .

I was watching a DVR'd episode of Lost (I love the DVR and all the time it saves and the ability to watch when I want to) and I said some character was going to kill someone else. Sarah was coming down the stairs and said, "Mom, don't say that. That's a calling name," in her most reproving voice. I had to really try not to laugh out loud. How many times have I told her or the boys, "No calling names!" or some version thereof? She may not have had it exactly right, but her reaction definitely showed she understood the spirit of what I'd been trying to teach: be nice (and killing isn't nice, is it). So I guess that one worked out well. I'm pretty sure I could come up with some phrases the kids have repeated at some point over the years that I'd rather they hadn't picked up. Better to focus on the positive!

So that's where I'll end for now. . .being mindful of the "informal" advice I'm giving my kids (and everyone else) each day. And focusing on my successes more that my shortcomings. I hope you all do the same!