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I have amassed these piles of projects and papers from this almost-done (today is it!) school year.  Usually I keep up with their work (maybe doing a bit of recycling), but this year I haven’t.  Although these forgotten piles make a bigger task, I think it will be good, even fun, to look back on a year and see again what my boys were taught (hopefully what they learned!), what they created, and what they accomplished.

Since my return Tuesday evening, I asked my boys to think about what they learned this year and then share with me.  My youngest had to think a bit (I purposely asked him when his older brother was not around).  I learned how to play new games in P.E. he said.  Cool.

My eldest blew me a way a bit with his response.  Usually his answers have something to do with socializing and friends because that’s how he rolls.  I liked learning about history…about the Romans.  I guess he has a bit of my dad in him too.

My youngest, as he often does, then asked me the same question.  Mom, what did you learn this year? 

Oh boy, why didn’t I think about this ahead of time?!  The usual things, I muttered, to count my blessings, be thankful for what I have…

Those words tasted like chalk in my mouth.  How hollow they sounded.  Were they even true?  Am I learning to be thankful or am I always wanting more?  This year, it seems as if my mantra was I need more time!

What have I learned this year?

• I miss my family when I get too busy
• Friends are important
• I need rest
• Trying to do it “all” is not possible
• When I try to do it “all” I make a mess of things

Things I want to do next year:

• Have my parents over for dinner more (they live 7 minutes away!)
• Schedule 2 photo sessions a month
• Exercise
• Date my husband every week
• Pray for my kids more
• Read a few good books
• Laugh a lot!

Have a great Friday!