I need to be scrubbing the front tub but instead I'm sitting on the couch, watching the girls. It feels nice to take a break. I've been breaking from a lot of things lately, blogging being one of them. I'm sure I'll be back with a vengeance next year. 

This morning reminded me what mornings are like when we are homeschooling. I forgot how nice it is to have slow mornings where things get accomplished. Now I'm anxious for August to get here. 

Except then I remember that in August Elaina will almost be nine, Claire will almost be eight, Eily will be six, and Nora will be halfway to four. And then I decide maybe I'm not so anxious. 

But either way, it's exciting to wonder what 2014 will bring. I hope you have a fantastic New Year's Eve!

The girls had their Christmas Parties at school today. I just kept hopping between the three. It was handy because I could pig out on chocolate candy and no class was the wiser. :)

One more exception

I forgot to add my blog book to the exception. It's a must. (Not really, but kind of.)

Rules for 2014 Resolution

1.  We are not to purchase anything new - unless it is found in new condition at a yard sale/thrift store, etc…

2. There are a few exceptions to Rule 1 :)
    These exceptions are: toiletries, cleaners, Jason's art supplies, etc…, Car parts (hopefully this won't be needed), and shoes.
I have some very strong feelings about wearing used shoes. BUT- the shoes have to be needed and sensible. No more how-adorable-we-have-to-have-them shoe purchases.
Toilet paper (duh)
Groceries (double duh)

3. At the end of each month I have to report how we've done, what money we've saved, etc…

4. Since this resolution is for our family and not yours, if we are to buy a gift for someone in your family, it will be new. Unless I find something totally perfect and in perfect condition at a used item store. Hey- it could happen!

5. Also, I will not tell the girls they can't get new items from others when it's their birthday, Family Day and Christmas. Like I said before, this applies to our family, not your family.


I think that's about it.

The time is drawing near. I'm still just super excited about this challenge and the positive effects I hope it has on my family.  Let me know if you have any other rule suggestions (real ones, Adam). I love having input.

Sunday Morning

A few thoughts before I make myself get out of bed and curl my hair. (Oh, the inhumanity!)

I love to hear all four of my daughters laughing and playing together. In my family, there are four girls. We never played together as a group, though. I was four when Leah was born. Rachel and I had a few games that we played with Leah where we used her as the orphaned child that needed rescued, or the younger orphaned younger sibling that needed our care, but that was really all. And I don't know that we ever played games that involved Sarah. When Sarah was born, I was almost eight and Rachel was almost ten. So to hear all four of my girls laughing and pretending and each of them playing an important role, well, it makes my heart very happy.

I have been in a very funky place, lately. It's been very hard for me to accomplish the little, day-to-day things, much less write a blog post. I can't put my finger on what is exactly wrong, but it seems to be a mix of depression, exhaustion, and sadness. Last night was very, very bad. The lowest of my low's. After we put the girls to bed, I crawled in beside Nora and softly scratched her hair. It was healing to lay beside her warm, little body. Her skin was so soft I could smell it. She would take her hand and gently swirl it on the top of my arm. This morning, I feel renewed, refreshed and re-energized.

I'm not going to lie. Sometimes the girls overwhelm me. At one point this week, all four were wailing -not crying- wailing at the same time. But when they are happy and calm, I'm reminded how amazing it is that I'm in this place in life. And my heart hurts for my family and friends who have lost children, who are praying so desperately to have children, who are still waiting to get married and start a family, or who's children have all grown up and moved away. How blessed I am to be living RIGHT NOW in our little, old house with all four of my children. They still need me. They still want to be cuddled. They still smell like babies. They still fit on my lap. They still mispronounce words. They still think I'm one of the two greatest things on the planet. And they are still so forgiving. Children are the most forgiving individuals. Sometimes I'm amazed at how quickly they forgive and forget. I need to take lessons from them.

And now I need to quit typing and start curling. Do you know how long it takes to curl five heads of hair?!