I can't believe how fast time flies. I know that is such a cliche, but it is so true. Beard and I have had the kids now for 2 full years and we are entering our 3rd year. We now have a 16 year old, 14 year old, and a 12 year old. Can you believe that?! Sometimes I can't believe it.
The past 2 years have been tough. As we begin year #3 it appears that this one will be no different. We have kids that are in the 11th grade, 8th grade and the 7th grade. We have TEENAGERS!!! As if teenagers aren't hard enough, we have our own unique struggles. But then again, doesn't everyone?
I know that it has been a while since I have "updated" everyone, so here is a very quick update. The kid's biological mother took us to court over the summer in an attempt to regain sole custody. She failed to prove "a substantial change in circumstances" (for the better, in her situation). All 3 kids wanted to testify. They did, against our wishes. However, the Judge still ruled in our favor. He was able to see how well they are doing overall, in school, and health. I have to admit it was nice to have some affirmation from the Judge (and objective source) that we are doing what we need to be doing.
So often in day to day life I feel like we are not making any headway. I feel we are just beating our heads against a wall. Beard and I met with the attorney ad litem (the attorney that speaks on behalf of the children) multiple times before our court hearing. Often he would ask us if we saw any changes at all in the children from the 1st court hearing to now. Even small ones. It was a great question and good one to make us reflect on the small things. Thankfully, the answer his yes. We do see small changes and we see that we are making headway. It is hard to remember those things when we are "in the thick of it" every day. As always, God's grace and goodness prevails!
As time goes on, my struggles as a Stepmother tend to be the same as before, trusting God and knowing that He is in control and I am not, trusting my husband and supporting the decisions that he makes for our family, and resting in God's grace and goodness. I don't think these struggles are ones that I will ever "overcome", but hopefully I will learn to rest and trust more readily.
"Lord, what I need is your strength and a new attitude. You say that you will take my hard heart and make it into one that's soft and loving. And you say you will put your spirit inside of me to provide wisdom and truth. I desperately long for your guidance -- your ways. Help me to discern when it's wise and right for me to speak up and when to keep silent. Give my husband eyes and a heart to see and understand the situation clearly. Teach him how to stand beside me and still love his kids.
Thank you for loving me, even when I feel all alone."
~ Ron L. Deal & Laura Petherbridge
"The Smart Stepmom"
By God's Grace,
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