Life seems to have come to a screeching halt around here. Sleep is my friend and sitting on the couch runs a close second! My hips are all loosey-goosey so that it takes me much longer to get from sitting to standing to moving. The contractions have picked up (never fear, though, I NEVER go early!). My sciatic nerve simply refuses to go up and down the stairs or do laundry. I resemble a turtle standing upright with its head on backwards. And heartburn seems to be what’s for dessert.
But, I’m not complaining. I know it sounds like I am, but you really can just state facts without truly complaining…to quote the mice (I think) on Babe: “The way things are is the way things are.”
Yes, I have moments where I look around the house and feel rather discouraged at my inability to do it all, but as my mother-in-law kindly pointed out tonight, “You’re not a health hazard.”
I posted recently on my homeschooling blog about days when you are not Superwoman. As I pointed out there, Superwoman is probably long gone for a while and that is okay. In fact, what truly matters these days is that I am spending my waking moments (though they be few and far between) with my children making memories. Tonight, rather than stress about not having all the laundry caught up, I gathered up my little quiver and we made a Thanksgiving/Blessing Tree.
This is a really simple project that even my 10 year old enjoyed doing. Make a trunk out of brown paper or a paper sack, then have all the kiddos (mom and dad can join in as well) trace their hands on construction paper and cut them out. Then, they write things they are thankful for on the fingers and tape them to the tree. They can add to them as they think of more things they are thankful for.
This is the direction I am heading this holiday season. Less stress, more fun activities. By the way, I’m not a holiday basket case and could never understand why people get stressed out this time of year, but I think that may have something to do with the fact that I am a very asthetic person, so the sights and sounds and smells of the holidays are so scrumptious to me, I could breathe them in forever. And what an awesome time to have a baby! Nothing like adding that fresh baby smell to the pine and cinnamon! lol
So, I’ll just keep to my snail’s pace. The rest of you can run circles around me if you like. I won’t hold it against you. ;o)
The Adventures of a Simple Life says
Amy, I came across your blog about 2 wks. ago. I have been praying for you and shed a few tears. Your faith in Christ during these times is an encouragement to me. You may not see it, but I see Christ’s strength in you. We can not do it on our own, but only through HIS strength! You are a testimony and God is and will use these times for the good of His kingdom.Your daughter, Emily, is beautiful. She won’t be forgotten.I am glad to “hear” you are excited about this next child. I will be praying for you, your husband, and children as this Little One is born. You will have hard times, lots of thoughts, but with Christ…you will make it! He is our ONLY hope and strength in these times. I am pregnant with our 5th child who was diagnosed with Down’s. I know there will be many challenges for us, but this child will be a blessing to us. We go in Jan. to find out if there are heart defects. Our biggest concern. In the end, may we both give glory to God for His faithfulness to us when we are not to Him, for His patience in our sin.I can’t wait to “see” your new Little One! Christine
Fruitful Harvest says
Hey Girl~I’m glad to see…it looks like things are falling it to place. Yah! Great Thankgiving tree. I think we will do one!Yes,I will still run circles around you… and Pray for you and your family. LOL!!! I think you are great!I’m not one to get stressed at the Holiday either! I know you will be very busy after the new baby arrives and blogin may take a back seat for a while,but keep us posted. No pun intended! LOL!I’m truley glad you are in good spirits! (((((HUGS)))))Peace and Prayers,GeorgiannPS I posted My Journey Part 2. I hope you will come say Hi! But totally understand if its Nap time! LOL GIGGLE GIGGLE!
lambechops says
Amy, You just stick to your snail’s pace! You are a great mum, and your children know it. Your blessing tree looks great!
God's Guitar Girl says
First of all, if anyone’s allowed to complain, it’s a woman so close to delivery with a bevy of children preparing for a major holiday and navigating through grief! Go ahead, girl!Secondly, I’m one of those people who will tell things simply as they are, and people constantly think I’m complaining about it. If I ever allowed them to hear me complain, they’d know there’s a huuuuge difference. You’re right — some things just are the way they are, and some people don’t like to focus on that. Whatev!Lastly, kudos to you for capturing a moment w/ the kiddos to focus on the blessings of your life at this time of year. I hope that, every time you see it, it will encourage you and bolster your heart as hard days approach. 🙂
Amy @ Raising Arrows says
Kristy,Thank you so much for your care and concern. Comments like yours are so encouraging.
Kristy says
Amy, I just wanted to say, that I found your blog this morning – knowing nothing of your story. It was only because of what Adventures of a Simple Life wrote, that made me read more on your blog. I have just been sobbing this morning over your loss. I know I left the previous comment, but it was before I read on. I am so touched my your loss and am grieving for your pain. Your daughter is absolutely beautiful. No words could express what I am feeling for your pain. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kristy says
I just found your blog today and just wanted to comment on how much I love your Thanksgiving/Blessing Tree idea! I’m going to have to do this with my 3, that is IF my 13 yr. old will participate! I think the 9 and 3 yr. old will love it.