Proud Moments

One of the great things about being a parent is the strong sense of pride you get to experience as you watch your children reach their goals.  An example I've used in the past is potty training - a big step for the whole family.  Yesterday, after a week off due to illness, Mason returned to karate and earned his next belt.  He worked hard, and it paid off.  Somehow it made all of the hours that I've spent trying to entertain the girls and keep them quiet during karate class seem worthwhile.

Of course, by this afternoon, we managed to run the gammut of emotions as we do every day - there were tears, anger, laughter - and that was just in the first 10 minutes at the park after school.  It's more fun to be proud, so find a reason - instead of being upset by a bizarre clothing combination, feel pride at the display of creativity; celebrate the displays of indepence that your children show several times a day even if they are only 3 years old and some might call the independence defiance.  Enjoy a proud parent latte.