Hello all.
Back, many moons ago, I suggested that I was going to start a Little House Series. Well, I did start it all right. Unfortunately, it all happened in my mind and none of it happened to reach written form of any kind. That’s changing – starting now.
Real life has a way of just happening, you know? Weeks fly by like the it’s the second hand on the clock, and before I know it my little baby, who was just born last week, is suddenly ten months old, and my oldest daughter, who just turned 5, is nine and a half. I mean, whaaaaaat?! Somebody tell me how to slow down this train.
One of the things I love about blogging (and that has made me miss it) is the way it helps me to just slow and take time to remember the beautiful things about right now. Maybe they’re not all beautiful, maybe it’s full of challenges. When I first started blogging, years ago, my life felt full of challenges. But as I re-read my blog, I saw those years through new eyes. Eyes that purposely noticed the good things, the good gifts from the Father. Instead of just racing through my days, I noticed the simple beauty, the little things. And often the little things are the biggest things of all, aren’t they? The little things that remind us that we are loved, that we have a Father who cares about us. And looking back, taking time to reflect, can help us treasure those little things again, like sitting down to write a thank you note as a remembrance of the gift we’ve been given.
Four kids has definitely changed the busy factor for me. I feel like four kids are easier than two (I know, whaaaaaat. But at least it is for me, with the ages my kids were with only two (1 year and newborn), and now the ages they are with four (10 months, 4 & 7 & 9 years)), but it’s busier than two. More people in the household means more laundry (I know intensely practical, but seriously, hashtag laundrymountaineveryday), more people to pile into our one and only bathroom to get ready for the day, more people to tuck into bed and kiss at time (and feel like I’m playing whack-a-mole at bedtimes sometimes. I do love my kids – I promise – it’s just that a meme struck me funny and I can’t stop laughing.), just… MORE. And most days it’s such a good more, a good full. Just FULL.
So I guess this is just sort of a letter to myself. That when those little old ladies stop you at the grocery store and tell you, “Just treasure these days! They go by so fast!” and you think maybe they just don’t remember the meltdowns and the whack-a-mole bedtimes and the non-stop energy… Maybe they don’t remember, but they are so right – the time goes by so fast. I feel like I blink and another year goes by. And these days are days to be treasured. I love this stage with my kids. The meltdowns and bedtimes and energy? That’s just a call for me to press into Jesus, to rely on His strength instead of my own. The food spills and diaper fills just as we’re going out the door? It’s so that I remember I can’t do it on my own.
A choice to be a mother is really a choosing to need more of Jesus than I ever thought possible. And in my weakness He is strong. Amazing amazing reality. Why would He make it that way? That He works not just through our strength, but through our weaknesses even? So that He is glorified. So that He can show us how amazing He is. So that we’re not tempted to think we got this mothering thing down pat, that we know how to raise kids. Not at all. It’s so that we can know we can receive fresh mercy every single day, no matter how challenging it was the day before, no matter how many times we messed up, no matter how many times we’ve had ask forgiveness of our children. It’s so that we can experience Jesus, receive His sweet grace, and then give that to our children as well.
Late night ramblings from a mommy of four while the husband is gone for ten days, XO
// gorgeous photos credit of my sister Claudia //
// I can’t say enough good about the Solly Baby wrap – I’m not paid to endorse it but it’s what I’ve used with little Jack and he and I both love it! //
Once again your words melt my heart to tears! I felt like those words were coming from my heart as I face those very same things…always a dirty diaper when I’m trying to leave the house, and I play “whack-a-mole” every night too 😄 As a Mama to five I wholeheartedly agree that it’s easier than two, but yes, so much busier! Thank you for the wonderful reminder to rest in Jesus’ strength and that he placed me in this humble path for His glory. Blessings to you 😊
Aww, hugs, sweet mama!! <3
Yes! This is why I blogged too. (Cough cough. I still consider myself a blogger, though my last post was in October…). To reflect. But why make it public? Can you answer that? It’s a question my husband asked me after we got married, & I was like, “…because…” I’d love to hear your reasons! Because I can relate to you in so many ways, I feel like your answer will be my answer.
This would be fun to talk about with you! I don’t know that there is one right answer, and I think it’s different for each person. One person may feel like her life is on display if she blogs, while the next person wants to be part of a village, and the community and friendship that comes from sharing. I’m part of the latter group. :) That’s a nutshell version for sure, but I feel like the friendships and encouragement I’ve gained from blogging have been so invaluable! Maybe because we aren’t part of an actually village setting like many people used to be, this sort of helps with that longing to still be connected with each other as mothers and women? I don’t know. What do you think? :)
Hi Clarita. Your last two paragraphs are so true! I am now one of those (not so) little old ladies, a grandmother of six, and sometimes I feel like gathering together all the young mums around me at church and say…”hey, time out, breathe, slow down!! There are a zillion things that children can be involved in today but YOUR child does not need to try all of them!” The preteen years, before they really start to naturally separate from the family more and have lots of “others” having input into their lives, are so precious. Enjoy them, protect those times and yes, press into Jesus!! He is our sustainer, guide, rest, peace strength….through His indwelling Spirit. :)
I love learning from women like you!! I wish I could be one of them you could gather around and tell me what you’ve learned over the years – that is so valuable to those of us just beginning! <3
I just adore these photos. And your words are something I need to come back to and be reminded of time after time. “That’s just a call for me to press into Jesus, to rely on His strength instead of my own.” A hearty amen to that. xoxo
You are an amazing mother. I learn so much from you! xo
Hello Clarita, I’ve followed your blog for a several years. I’ve admired your style and the way you decorate. Also appreciate all the posts on family/motherhood. Your post is very thought provoking, and it’s a wonderful reminder that we need Jesus every day, every moment. His mercies are new every morning.
A Canadian Reader
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! xo
Beautiful post, Clarita. I am one of those oldsters with three very hyper, wonderful grandchildren and I totally agree with the time passing way too quickly. You are right, too, Clarita, that this forum is a wonderful, reflectful way to keep in touch with like minds in this ever-busy world of ours. Always good to hear from you! May God’s abundant blessings continue to flow down on your family!