It Is Important To Her, So That Makes It Important To Me

Life has been a chaotic mess. Pretty much all year, but most especially recently. It has left me questioning where I stand on so many issues. Questioning how to navigate and what is called of me as a wife, and as a mom. My most recent challenge? Taking my daughters on a special trip. 

My oldest daughter has started a long-distance relationship with a boy. First (and, hopefully only) one! They met at the Christian summer camp a couple years back. Apparently, he was really taken with her. Since then, they have been talking online. As a mother, that keeps me conflicted. She's so young. But she's growing up. They have to keep it long distance. But that keeps her on the safe side things. It has led to questions and conversations. To growth. To maturity. I see the shift in her. I'm both proud and scared for this girl of mine. But it is about to get more real. He is having a birthday party that he hoped she would attend. They didn't get to go to camp together this year. And he hasn't been able to come all the way out here. So... I'm determined to take her out there. Even if it means going on a 5 or so hours drive one way, stay 2 nights and then make that trip back! 

On the other side, my younger daughter has been begging to see her best friend again. Since the 2 locations for these are about 20 minutes apart, I figured, why not? I'll kill two birds with one stone! I'll also get to hang with my friend and meet the boys family. So win-win, right? 

All this would not have been possible if it were not for the support of my loving husband. He agreed to take over the driving of our sons to and from work. And to help me save for the trip. He asked me a loaded question before agreeing to this. "Are you sure you can handle making this trip alone?" You see, I don't like driving so much these days. People are crazy. Irresponsible. Jerks. Entitled. And it makes me nervous to go so far without him there. He's my pillar. But after putting some thought into this, I came to this strong realization. This is important to both of my daughters. This is a chance we rarely get. This is something both have been really wanting for so long. So, yes. This is something I need to do. For them. And I will step up to the challenge. For them. 

So here is to the planning that I'm going to put into this! Here is to making this weekend trip amazing. For the girls! And here is to being a Mom they can be proud of.  

Introducing My Daughters to Entrepreneurship

One of our favorite shops in town has been planning to have a Vendors Day event. I was truly excited as I looked forward to it. My little hobby, Suzette's Sweets would get to participate. 

But then came a surprise. My oldest daughter decided to learn to crochet and follow new patterns. She even created her own patterns! Suddenly she was making as many things as she could and asking to share my vendor tent. Of course I said yes! I've been trying to encourage her to learn and practice more. To make beautiful things. And maybe make some money on the side. 

Then came the next surprise. My youngest wouldn't have had anything to do that Saturday. At first, she seemed fine with that. Then a lady at church asked her what she could, or would want to, make? What little things would she be able to sell? Hmm... tough question. Originally, the lady thought beaded projects. But my little one doesn't like making jewelry. So to Pinterest I went. I found a board I had made a long time ago of gift ideas. (Back when we were struggling for money.) I revisited this board for this year - that hasn't been our best. And that is where I found bath bombs and melted bead art.

My mother had sent me these glow-in-the-dark beads for just such a project. I went thrifting for some metal cookie molds. I bought some supplies. The lady from church donated some more supplies. And suddenly, this house became a house of creativity! I loved watching them design and show off what they came up with. I am so proud of them! 

So, after the vendor day ends, we will look back and see what worked well and what didn't. Because at the end of this, I want them to think hard on what it means to be an entrepreneur! I want them to be proud of their own accomplishments as well. To have a little more confidence in what they can do.