Coyle Family: Our Stories and Adventures: July 2014

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

On being refreshed ...

We spent three nights last week at the Oregon Coast with dear family friends and we felt so refreshed by our time there. It has made me realize that I am not being intentional enough about having fun together as a family. Scott and I talk often about the family culture that we want to create -- one that is intentional and relational and prayerful and honest and loving. But, I don't ever want to forget that we should be having FUN with our children. They notice. I want to remember these days of them smashing sand castles and running in the waves and laughing and playing and just being kids. And it's fun for all of us! The adults played games late one night and even though Michelle and I had wanted to go to bed (tired mamas) we both laughed until we cried and I haven't done that in a really long time. Like way too long. Life gets busy -- Scott and I have both started new jobs in the last six months and at points it's been downright chaotic balancing careers and schedules and housework and childcare. And somewhere in that daily grind of life I lost sight of the value of laughing together and making play a priority. It is a tricky thing to do because there are constant needs to be met -- the to-do list of a parent is NEVER done and the fatigue is always there (less so now than in the first few years, but still always present!) and some days it can feel like you are being pulled in 14 directions. Breathe deeply. Prioritize. Be fully present with each need and then move on. And create space for fun! So thankful for these days we had together ...

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Idaho trip ... And a career change!

We took a whirlwind trip to Idaho over the holiday weekend and we all had a blast seeing both Scott and my sides of the family. I love how much joy and excitement kids add to family celebrations and reunions. The kids had fun in the pool, loved the BBQs, fireworks and family time.

This summer feels like it's flying by, mainly because it's meant a big career change for me -- I've been an inpatient nurse since I graduated from nursing school 8 years ago. Last month I started working at a pediatric clinic and have been working full time while I orient -- the balance of childcare and career is a delicate balance that is tricky to navigate. I am so very thankful for a career that is so flexible around family life. I've been processing my career choice this month and thinking about how often I get asked about how I feel about being a nurse and my answer is: there is absolutely nothing else I'd rather do. It is the nitty gritty of life. It is the privilege of getting to enter into peoples' lives in times of great stress and uncertainty and to walk with them through that. It is providing practical help in times of need. It has changed me in the deep places of my soul. When I graduated from school, like many young and altruistic people, I wanted to be a nurse "to help people". I had no idea how profoundly my patients would impact and change me. I have learned more than I ever could have taught. I have cried with mamas who are saying goodbye to their children. I have seen children be so dang resilient it is truly amazing. I have seen families be brave in the midst of so many unknowns. I have seen whole communities come together around one family and carry them through. I have seen parents selflessly and courageously care for children who may never be able to care for themselves. I have learned to listen more than I speak. I have been changed.

Nursing and mothering share so many similarities. This year Mother's Day and Nurse Appreciation Week fell on the same week and I though that was so appropriate. As both a nurse and a mom, so much of what you do is busy and mundane work -- kids need to be fed (again), patients need to be changed (again), meds need to be passed (already?!), laundry and dishes and cleaning are waiting (forever) ... but yet you turn around and realize that all of those ways of serving your children and patients have created space for beautiful and profound moments. In the midst of our tasks, there is a vulnerability that occurs and relationships are being nurtured and grown in deep ways. The two cannot be separated -- the physical and the spiritual.

Enough of my processing my career change. I'm thankful and excited for this new way to pursue nursing. Thankful for a wonderful husband, parents, in-laws and babysitter who have all helped make this change possible. Thankful that I more intentionally enjoy the time I do have with my kiddos. Thankful that I'll be back to part-time soon :)