Alive and Blogging

Just wanted to say that I am alive. I have missed blogging. It's such a fun outlet for me, but to be honest I haven't had the time or energy to even put two thoughts together lately! This life with four kiddos is kicking my butt. (I would never say that phrase in front of my children, but I'm assuming that no children are reading this!) That's the truth. This is hard. Four living beings are completely dependent on me day in and day out. And because we have chosen to homeschool, I am not only responsible for keeping them alive--feeding them, clothing them, cleaning them, trimming their toenails--but also for educating them. Continuing to lay myself bare here, I'll admit that there have been days where I feel like I am drowning and I can't even see the surface to get a quick gasp of air. Thankfully, I think those days are starting to be fewer and farther between. Even the days where I feel overwhelmed and a lack of success, I can still see the light at the end of the tunnel. In spite of the fact that in the 11 weeks since Maggie was born I can count on one hand the number of times I have showered, taught the kids, and made dinner all in the same day. (Confession: the showering has been what has gotten bypassed the most often) Thankfully, my wonderful husband is great at reminding me of the things that are most important--teaching our kids character more so than grammar or multiplying, showing them love is more important that showing them that I can keep the toilets clean. He's also very good at helping with those things that I haven't been able to keep up with and at getting the older kids involved in doing more around the house, too. (I think I'll keep him) Between his help and support and chanting scripture to myself: The joy of the Lord is my strength and I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength, I am making it. It has been crazy around here, but it's getting slightly less crazy. I am beginning to think that we might just find a new rhythm. That most likely it will look much different that the one we had before, but I have a feeling it will be even better because it includes this little cutie pie:

and her sweet big brothers, too:

Hope that you're keeping your head above water!