Share 4 Somethings in September
Since the last Saturday of the month is tomorrow it's just about time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. As always we're sharing some things we loved, some things we learned, some things that went well, and some things we let go of.
Some things I've loved: We obviously LOVED our trip to Glacier National Park since I can't seem to stop talking about it or showing everyone our photos.... sorry, not sorry.
I loved seeing this guy leave childhood behind! There is something very bittersweet about seeing your youngest become an official adult.
I have loved our weather-- it has been a bit warmer than we usually see in September but it's been so clear and perfect for hiking.
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Some things I've learned: Oh so much! Alec and even Ian sort of fell into their first jobs so filling out online applications with Evan was eye-opening and oh so frustrating but we learned a lot. Alec also handled both his college applications without any input from me (JWU & CIA had their own application forms) so I've been Googling thing all month long about the common app and how it works. And we've been pretty frustrated with so many parts of it as well. I guess mostly we've learned to just suck it up and do what we need to get done.
Some things that went well: Evan and I started school and it's going really well. He is loving his Animal Behavior book. We filled out job applications online on a Monday and by that Friday he had a job interview and a job offer the next Monday! So that went well too.
Some things I let go of: We have some family members going through a tough time and I've been feeling such a sense of responsibility for helping them come up with a solution or plan and while I am still very worried about them I have finally come to realize that their life plan is their own and I have let go of this weight on my shoulders. Though I am still praying they land on their feet!
Linking up with: Spread the Kindness,
For sure your realization was a good one! You can still be there to support and love them but they have to come up with a plan since it's their lives. I'm glad that your weather has been good. Ours has been up and down but we're finally getting rain. How cool that the job front is going well for your guys. Good luck with the common app. Maybe ONE good thing about public school is that they must talk about it some there? I don't know but I didn't have to do anything, that's all I know. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe had lots and lots of rain the last 2 days which we badly needed. Ah, as teacher/administrator/guidance counselor there are definitely aspects I have to get involved in. The main problem is the Common App is mostly set up for traditional students to use and is not very homeschool friendly.
DeleteGalcier National Park looks incredible! Don't worry, I'll be forever talking to anyone who'll listen about the amazing parks we visited on our trip. All the best to your family who are going through a hard time. It's hard to step back, but sometimes it's the only solution. You're spot on when you say that they are responsible for their life plan.
ReplyDeleteRuth@playworkeatrepeat
Aw, thank you!
DeleteCongrats to the boys on their jobs! Ahhh the common app....reading this makes me even more grateful that we hired a consultant...I would probably pass out from the stress of it all ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Common app is super simple to use... but it's definitely only meant for tradition students and not Homeschoolers. All the options are drop down menus and don't really "fit" us.
DeleteYou had a good month! I think you are right to take the responsibility of the family members off of your shoulders. You can still be concerned but it's a lot to take on. I tend to do this, too.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard not to!
DeleteIt sounds like such an amazing trip to Glacier National Park. I am really enjoying seeing all the photos!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I am there feeling those feelings about my youngest becoming an adult and yes to the job applications being so frustrating. It is hard word to get a job now a days.
Sending love and hugs. I hope your family start having a better time of it soon.
It definitely stood out far more than other National parks we've visited. I know I didn't talk this much about the ones we visited on Hawaii even though they were really neat too.
DeleteThe last one speaks to me...Dave wants me to be very involved with my parents but it doesn't seem like they want me to be, so it's been difficult!
ReplyDeleteYep that is a very hard line to walk!
DeleteSometimes you have to let go things like that, but I totally get that you want to help them. I have been in the same situation before, but then I look at myself and find I'm no different the other way round. I hope they'll be able to work it out and also ease your mind.
ReplyDeleteVery true; I can be stubborn about finding my own way as well. Thank you for your wishes.
DeleteOhhhh, letting go like that is so hard. That's my hardest thing to do.
ReplyDeleteLove all the national park photos.
XOXO
Jodie
Thank you!
DeleteWow! I am so impressed your son not only had an interview but got the job all in a few days! Congrats to him! It's hard letting go of family things, but I'm trying as best I can.
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
It was such a relief to have everything happen so quickly!
DeleteYou don't have to apologize for all those gorgeous photos...ha, ha! That is awesome that he found a job. I was always kind of surprised about how hard it could be to find a job when the kids were teenagers. It is so hard not to feel responsible for family situations. Hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! I was amazed at how many hoops there are to jump through when applying for jobs. It made me miss the days of walking into a store and getting handed their application forms!
DeleteHappy Weekend! Sounds like a good month of adventure and learning of things. I often had to remind myself to not pick up others issues.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI know what you mean about people in though wheather. You can only be there for them and most of the time that is more then enough.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt has been so unseasonably warm here too. It's good to know you enjoyed Glacier so much. We want to go there too, but I don't think we'll be hiking. I never heard of the common app.
ReplyDeleteMost colleges have you apply through the common app nowadays and it is pretty much what it sounds like. It's an online college application format where you enter all your information just once and you can click on the name of any and all colleges you want your information sent to.
DeleteHappy birthday to the brand new 18 year old! It's definitely a bittersweet moment when your youngest joins the "adult" world - although he (and your other sons) will always be your "babies"! Thinking of your family members... it's hard to watch those we love go through difficult times knowing we can't fix things. Our love and support are important gifts to share.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love all the Glacier photos! Your boys are growing into adulthood with all of these transitions. Where did the time go? I know it's been hard with the family situation, but I think you are right in letting go of what we cannot control, yet it is still hard too. Enjoy your Saturday!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI hope your youngest had the best day! And sending gentle hugs, it's hard seeing our babies grow up so fast!
ReplyDeleteI've loved reading your posts about Glacier National Park, you've captured some fab pics.
I hope all goes well with your family. It's hard to stand by, but you've done the right thing. Sometimes we just have to step aside and let them work it out.
Aw, thank you!
DeleteI would love to visit Glacier National Park, thank you for sharing your pictures with us!!! I understand the college frustrations. My son took 3 years off and is now going to the community college, it has been a nightmare trying to get all the paperwork done. They keep telling us we haven't submitted everything for financial aid, we have, and some things 2 or 3 times. They must not have processed it all. We also have a lot of family members dealing with hard things, and like you, I want to help, and solve their problems, but I am just adding to my own stress. I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Oh don't even get me started on financial aid; we'll have to tackle that one next but I figure I'll wait for a weekend when Alec is home and I can get both boys' forms filled out at once.
DeleteLetting go is hard. But it is up to them to try to figure it out. Praying for them and supporting them is best.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son for getting a job! Yahoo!
And last but not least, your pictures from Glacier National Park are fabulous!
Thank you so much!
DeleteIt's sometimes hard to watch others struggle and we want to help but sometimes they need to be the one's to figure it out. Beautiful photos of your Glacier National Park visit and interesting time for your son looking for a job and getting it!! Yay! Happy Birthday to your 18 year old!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI can see why that would on on the top of your list. It looks absolutely glorious. Well done on letting go. I know how very hard that is.
ReplyDeleteIt really was stunning!
DeleteYour month sounds like its been a great one - love the photos as usual. Whenever I get caught up in another adult's life issues, I remind myself that its not my role to live their life, but I'm here for them, and it always lightens my mood. We aren't meant to bear everyone's burdens, no matter how much we may love them. (:
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
DeleteHappy Birthday to your 18 year old. Glacier National Park looks absolutely stunning.. We need to do more National Parks.. Looks like you had a pretty good month.
ReplyDeleteSo far we've only been to a handful of the national parks and they have been fabulous.
DeleteOh wow, the Glacier National Park photos are BEAUTIFUL! I would love to go there. My youngest is going to be 17 soon and I just can't believe it. She also has her first boyfriend right now. They just grow up so fast!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
It was such a beautiful park. It's amazing how fast it feels like they grow up; there were some years where it felt like that was never going to happen.
DeleteI've always been someone who tried to help my family and friends. I had to learn about setting boundaries and letting go of trying to be responsible for everyone in my family. I'm proud of you and your son. It's bittersweet to see them become adults and you're only left with memories of the child. #MMBC
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThree adult boys - how can that be? Congrats to your newest "man"! He looks handsome in that photo! And hooray for a new job...and a good start to another school year. Where is the time going? I love all your travel photos. Sure makes me want to go!!:)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks!
DeleteI just wanted to say the color of your kitchen is gorgeous!!!! It's bittersweet for the kiddos to grow up, its hard but at the same time its so nice seeing you did a great job and being so proud! Your hike photos are nothing short of amazing! I hope you have the best October!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Funny enough I was inspired by the movie The Whole Nine Yards and the navy kitchen they had. I just loved that color and knew our kitchen was big and bright enough to handle it.
DeleteHi Jo - beautiful holiday snaps and I must say that I loved the "Adult-ish" cake topper - I think I need one for myself! x
ReplyDeleteThank you! I thought that topper was just too cute to past up.
DeleteThe photo of your husband on that big block of ice is beautiful! It looks magical somehow. And also a little bit scary? I find myself thinking: What if it melts? But obviously he would have time to step off.
ReplyDeleteI felt a bit the same way; he offered to take my photo on it too but I was a bit intimidated.
DeleteYou look like a teenager in that first picture. 💜
ReplyDeleteThis must mean traveling is good for our body and soul.
Aw, thank you! Maybe I should wear my hair in a ponytail more often!
DeleteI understand what you mean - that sounds like a trip that I would talk about for years upon years. All of your photos make me want to pack up and go there now. I can also relate to the thing you let go of…I often carry the weight of circumstance with my family. Sometimes, its too much and you have to let it go and let God.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think it's a trip we'll be talking about for years to come. It really was just that pretty.
DeleteI just love all of those pictures from Glacier National Park! it truly looks like a gem. And good for you for letting go of circumstances that are beyond your control. I have a hard time doing that as well - especially when it involves people who I am close with - but people are going to do what they're going to do, so sometimes all you can do is pray for them and support them without trying to "fix" things. We are going through something similar in my extended family and I'm having a hard time letting go of trying to give advice when I shouldn't be.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! It really is a gem for sure. It was hard to do; not so much that they needed advice or weren't taking advice but there is lots of big life things going on that I literally just can not help with other than to support them and let them know that they are loved and not alone.
DeleteAs usual, I LOVED your photos! Glacier is so very beautiful. Glad the applications and start of a new school year are going well, and your "letting go" realization is an important one. I've sometimes found it very hard when I want to help a loved one through a tough time, but it's not MY tough time so I have to take a step back. Keep loving them and keep praying and I hope it's resolved soon. I'm late but I'm finally visiting from SFS today!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you!
Delete