Mom vs. the Dot: Making it COUNT!

<Pant pant pant> Whew!  How long has it been since I've posted?  Let's see... Was it before or after Halloween costume shopping, 3 Halloween parties, and trick or treat?  No.  That wasn't it. Was it before or after Hulk Boy threw up in the (new to us) van?  No - that was trick-or-treat night last week.  I think it was a combination of a belly full of candy and big sister's tickle fest that ended up on the big, stinky voms. Pee-Eww - I had to drive the vomit mobile for a few days because I had no time to clean it.  My good husband cleaned it as well as he could in the dark that night.  I just installed "caution" tape (not really), condemning the seat until it could be cleaned properly...and we kept going.  Windows down, of course.  Girls gagging and holding their noses during every trip.  Thankfully, I remembered vinegar's splendid odor-removing powers.   As soon as I had a "free" half hour, I attacked that s...

Well, I did it. I just spent a half hour outside doing nothing. I have laundry that needs folded and dishes that need washed and dinner to make. You know the drill.  The routine.  The lifestyle of the stay-at-home parent. So what did I do? I sat outside for 30 minutes, my dog happily chewing a stick beneath my porch swing. The kids were inside watching Netflix. Mom guilt flickered momentarily, but I laid it to rest. The candy apple red couch on wheels had been going nonstop all week, and this was my first moment to breathe. I knew I needed to head inside and get my work done, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I sat on my swing and breathed in the last warm autumn air. Watched the leaves scuttle along the sidewalk and and flutter through the grass. Listened to the breeze... Let my brain just relax. No thinking about homeschool or groceries or bills. No thinking about church or planning or anything. And you know what? ...

We've had an anniversary getaway, dyslexia testing, puppy training and end-of-year portfolio prep, along with the everyday laundry, dishes, homeschool, standardized testing, errands, doctor's appointments, and church activities.  Throw in a few sicknesses, an ER trip, foster care training (12 hours) and a fender bender, and you've just described our entire April and May. Hence why I haven't posted much.  We've been a little busy. My oldest has informed me I've been yelling a lot lately, and she thinks it's because of the puppy.  I try hard to be gentle and loving toward my children.  The puppy has added a degree of difficulty to our household that we haven't had to deal with in a couple years.  Sort of like having a toddler again...but I don't think that's it.  I'm thinking the probable cause is STRESS !!! I sometimes wish I could hear from you, my readers.  What are you up to?  Are your lives this crazy?  Most of the time I feel...

While washing my dishes this afternoon, thinking how little energy I had left to do anything and how much more I have to do before Christmas hits, I was gently reminded me of something Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30 The world tells me to rush here and there, getting everything done , and Jesus tells me to slow down and rest.   I think I'll take Jesus' advice today.   I encourage you to do the same! For a busy mom, this may mean leaving the dishes and laundry until tomorrow.  It may mean crossing "Christmas cards" off the to-do list this year.  It may mean bowing out of a Christmas party or two.   Which will mean time to snuggle up with your little ones, talk with your spouse, and look fo...