Back from a Blogging Break

An unintentional break. Christmas, kids, and a trip to see family, and Facebook have all kept me away. But now, two kids are at school, a toddler is napping in his crib, and a 7 week old baby girl is snoozing in her swing (love that swing!). So instead of putting away Christmas stuff, instead of doing the never ending laundry, instead of taking a nap myself, I made a cup of coffee, grabbed a couple of cookies from the tin and sat down at the computer.

So much has happened since I last posted. Here's a run-down:

Shopped for and wrapped a gazillion presents.

Hosted Christmas Eve dinner and made a ham for the first time.

Packed for myself and four children for a 7 day trip to our old home town.

Survived a 2 1/2 hour flight with four children by myself. Yes, I survived.

Spent a week in the snowy north (see photos below) battling bad roads, but having a great time visiting family and friends, enjoying my mother cooking for me, and generally being spoiled.

Survived a 2 1/2 hour flight with four children by myself. Again.

Kissed the pavement when we landed. Just kidding. Felt overwhelming relief while my husband drove us home from the airport in our roomy, comfy suburban.

Celebrated my 36th birthday.

Started putting away Christmas stuff, not finished yet.

Started de-cluttering and cleaning the house. Also not finished.

Got hooked on Facebook. Connected with some old friends.

Well, better stop there. Just the highlights of the past couple of weeks. Now, check out my photos of the snow!! I took them from the car on the way to the airport after realizing I hadn't taken a single picture of the record breaking, obnoxious, yet beautiful snow. By the time I left, they must have gotten 3 feet or more. The area I visited had storm after storm, and they are still getting more. I wonder if anyone can guess where I went. It made the national news more than once.

Happy New Year everyone! I'm already looking ahead to spring and gardening since it's so warm here today. Probably a little premature, but it's never to early to start planning!

Before and After

The day before baby was born:

Thanksgiving Day, with baby in my lovely Moby wrap:

(Excuse the goofy grin)

Simple Priorities

It can be a little overwhelming to find myself a mother of four. How can I meet each child's individual needs? It is frustrating when two or more of my children need something from me at the same time. Not a lot gets done during the day with a newborn and toddler in the house. So I've been pondering what's important to me right now. A perfect house? Gourmet meals? Lavish Christmas plans?
Nope.
What is important to me right now are happy, healthy children and meaningful Christmas memories.

So, my to-do list for December:

*plan easy, healthy meals to enjoy as a family
*throw in one load of laundry a day
*keep gifts simple and shop online when possible
*bake cookies with big girls
*play chase with my little man
*dance with sweet baby
*read a Christmas book to the kids at bedtime each night
*tell my husband I love him

Oh, and I can't forget:

*Ask the Lord for help each day, and be thankful for all He has blessed me with

There.
Simple, right? Well, better than trying to do everything.

So Good

Everything went wonderfully well. Sophia was born on Monday at 8:47 am. She weighed 6 lbs, 5 oz--so tiny! We came home Wednesday afternoon and are doing lots of sleeping and eating.

Thanks for all the good wishes!

Birthday

I'm off to the hospital. My scheduled c-section is this morning.
So excited to meet my new baby girl.
I may not be posting for a while, we'll see.
But I will be back with details and maybe a photo or two.
Jen

A Mother

I had a hard mommy day yesterday. Home from school, my six-year-old daughter proved to be as challenging as ever. By bedtime I questioned God's wisdom in making me her mother. I obviously wasn't the right person for the job. Deep down, I know He knows what He is doing, but last night was one of those times that I just couldn't see it. I thought I was doing my best as a worn-out, 38 week pregnant, mother of three could do. But we both ended up in tears, she accusing me of "not even liking" her. All over some trivial little thing. Sigh.

So anyway, I found this post today over at High Desert Home that inspired me as a mother and a homemaker. Just what I needed.

Now, I need to read it a few more times, or maybe everyday.

Gratitude Journal

It's been way too long since I did this. I really need to focus on thankfulness more often. Right now, when I'm discouraged about certain things, this really helps me to focus on the goodness in my life.

I'm surrounded by blessings, big and small:

-hugs from my little man

-kicks from my little lady (eleven days until I hold her!)

-helpfulness and sweetness from my big girls

-hard work and sacrifice from my husband

-phone calls from far away mom, dad, and sis

-blue skies and golden leaves

-warm house

-food in the cupboards

-wonderful dishwasher and laundry machines!

and most of all:

-Faith in my Lord

Even though it seems there may be dark times ahead, I know my God is beside me, He is bigger than any man, and He will not forsake His children. I am thankful to be able to call on Him for courage and strength.