Many times in our lives we are asked to let go, and often it doesn’t come easy.

I wrote this poem from a mother’s heart, but I believe that no matter where we are in life the principle of letting go applies to all of us. Ultimately it’s the key to liberating us to move through growing pains.

What I’ve learned is that miracles happen when we dare to let go and let God carry the torch of our burdens.

Letting go isn’t something I master,

But something I have to practice daily.

We just survived a holiday with my in-laws, and when I say in-laws I don’t just mean Daddy-o’s parents – I mean ALL of the in-laws. At the top of the family pecking order is the grand matriarch, Oma. She has five grown kids, one of whom is Daddy-o. The total headcount for this communal holiday was: 1 Oma, 10 adults, and 17 grandchildren under the age of 13 years old.

Almost a year ago to the day I found out I was pregnant again. This was great news. We were trying to have one last baby to finish off our perfect family. At my 6 week appointment they told us it was probably twins. We were shocked. My husband sat and stared with the cliche deer in the headlights look while I started gabbering on and on like an idiot and giggling nervously. I then wrapped up the appointment with a good long cry. We had to wait until the 10 week appointment for confirmation. I knew it to be true, though. I'd been pregnant before.

Thirteen years ago, I had my first child. He arrived into this world all tiny and delicious after a fairly unpleasant delivery.  Our eyes met and I fell in love.  He’s always been my baby boy. Until recently.

I am now the proud mother of a “Man-Boy”.

When I became a parent, I made a promise to myself that my kids would be kids, playing outside daily and enjoying the messiness that comes with it.

But then came the day when I found out my oldest son, Jake, was accepted into an accelerated fourth grade learning program. What an honor and you bet I was proud! But what I didn’t realize was the price both of us were going to pay.

A few months ago one of my children noted that I don’t have any hobbies.

Then a couple of weeks ago, my 6-yr-old asked what I did in my spare time. I wasn’t convinced he understood the concept so asked what he did in his free time  He replied that he enjoys playing tag. Clearly, he did understand. Considering I don’t have an abundance of this “spare time” he speaks of, I was left thinking hard on an answer. To buy some time, I asked what he thought I did in my spare time. He suggested perhaps I knit once everyone is in bed. Knitting – alrighty then.

You see this grainy picture to the right? It’s a picture taken of a hospital in Manila, Philippines, in the late 70’s, and this is where I was born.

That last statement is nothing short of a miracle. Because here are the events that had to occur for me to have been born in a hospital in Manila, Philippines:

• My parents would have to have the willingness to leave their home country of Vietnam.

• My parents would have to escape Communist Vietnam unnoticed.

• My parents had to assume the consequences of being arrested and thrown in a concentration camp if caught.

This morning I woke up excited and looking forward to attending my good friend’s community potluck and documentary viewing when I discovered the keys to my car were in the glove compartment of my locked car and my husband--who had the second set—was out for the morning with our son. Fully dressed, coconut honey-lime fruit salad in hand, I realized my morning plans had just taken a giant nosedive—I was going nowhere.

The holiday period is a lot of fun for families, but ‘tis also a season of stress for parents. This year, try to lower anxiety levels and enjoy all that this festive season has to offer.

1) Stressor #1 – Shopping

• Be an organized shopper – know your budget, make a list, have coupons. Don’t be that frazzled mom with screaming kids wandering aimlessly through the mall. Know what you need and go get it. Have a plan and stick to it.