The Mahoney Bunch

 It's been so long since I've posted anything in here but I've had so much running through my mind lately.  Both of the kids are now teenagers.  Declan is 16, has his own car and a job.  Alaina just turned 14 and still plays soccer and now has a boyfriend added into the mix.  It's been an interesting few years.  Pat and I have been working remotely since the whole Covid thing started back in March of 2020.  It's for sure had it's ups and downs.  I love not having to commute and being home when my kids are here but it can be trying as well especially during the summer when all 4 of us are at home or when the kids were doing virtual learning.  I have to say I'm so proud of the kids and their ability to adapt to change and roll with it. I tell Alaina all the time that I'm amazed and how she works hard and plays club soccer, at one point she was on 3 teams, does extra trainings, gets good grades and still has a social life.  Since Declan quit soccer his grades have been good and he's doing well at work.  He only works 3 days a week (during the school year) but he's now a team lead/trainer and has only been working since July 2021.  It's amazing how much pride you have when your kids do well and succeed in life.

With all of that said, the age that my kids are at now really brings memories flooding back of when I was their age.  The choices that I made, the friends that I had, the things we'd do for fun.  Would I go back, absolutely not.  I really enjoy my life now.  Although, especially with girls, it's so much drama.  No matter how much you tell your kids you love them, you're proud of them, they're awesome, and precious, and valuable they don't seem to get it when it comes from mom and dad.  I think it's so incredibly important for kids to have a coach, mentor (aunt/uncle/etc), boss, whatever that can speak into their lives even if it's saying the exact same thing, it's not mom and dad and will most likely be received differently.  The older I get the more I realize I don't know especially about parenting.

I just wanted to write a quick note to say how grateful I am for my husband and my kids, for the friends that they have made along the way and the friends I've had for many years.  I'm grateful that I get to be home even if it's because of a global pandemic.  I am so very thankful that I have a close relationship with my parents (especially my mama).  I'm just incredibly thankful!