Has anyone else had a difficult year? I know that we have, and I am ready to leave it behind. I want to focus on the positive. It’s in my nature to do so. This time last year I was in the last few weeks of a difficult pregnancy, which was followed by an extremely difficult birth and a long recovery (I’m still not physically 100%!) There were months of postpartum depression. Most recently, I lost one of my best friends. Those of you who have read my words over the past year, and left yours in reply, have been a huge source of encouragement to me. You have all been a part of helping me to move through these things. I know that I am terrible at showing up in the comments and chatting there, but I do read them all, and I am grateful that you take the time to reach out to me. In a perfect world I could carve out the time to interact more in the comments, but gosh, seven kids. The food and the laundry alone…full time job.
Thankfully, I’m not depressed these days. My days are full, but they are good. Of course it can be difficult to raise a large family, and to homeschool so many children (five in school this year!) But, I like a challenge. I end some days feeling like I’ve been run over, and sometimes I mentally calculate just how many years of homeschooling I still have ahead of me and feel a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed. But usually I am able to pull myself together, sometimes with the help of some knitting, and often with the help of this blog. Writing about the positives helps keep things in perspective for me.
So, I’ve been thinking about my blog and what I want to do here. I like to share my hodge podge posts of photos and rambling words, and I’m not going to stop. But, sometimes I think it’s good to be a bit more focused, and I need another challenge, right? I would like for what I share here to benefit others as well.
So what are you struggling with? What inspires you? What do you most come here to read? I want to know.
Friends and readers often remark to me that the community surrounding this blog, those of you who regularly comment, are exceptionally kind. It’s true. You are. Thank you so much for your kindness and your generosity.
I think I enjoy your blog mostly because it is beautiful in its elegant simplicity. You aren’t pretending to know all the answers–something that annoys me about most blogs. Your blog is, in a word, delightful. As a mom who has gone through postpartum anxiety and depression, who plans on homeschooling, who knits, and who is trying to figure out how to make better use of my camera, your blog has spoken to me in so many ways. Thank you!
Ginny-
I rarely comment, but I want you to know how much I appreciate this site. I become a mother late in life and I am now 40 years old with 3 children under 3 (the twins will be 3 next month and the baby is 6 months old). I love my life and my family so very very much but it such a huge transition for me. I had spent years in a doctoral program at Harvard and was in my first year as a professor when I got pregnant with twins. I quit that job and now work part-time from home. This site is support for me somehow – we are all in this together – this journey is beautiful and messy and crazy and wonderful. I am Episcopalian so I also appreciate your faith perspective. I love reading and keep trying to get started with knitting but all of these children . . . and a small house . . . Anyway, thank you for your offering to us.
My very best,
Jennifer
I love your blog just the way it is!
My favorite things to read are the posts like this- pictures of your children as they are. Unposed, unpolished, and very real. I am homeschooling four boys right now, and your thoughts about daily life are very encouraging to me. I would love to see more posts with things like your outdoor mudpie kitchen, or your craft supplies indoors. I love it as is though 🙂
Oh, Dear Ginny! Your blog has brought me so much peace and joy. It makes me so happy to know that your family is a normal, hardworking, deeply loving family doing their best…just like mine. I too have seven children, a fun and interesting mix of 4 daughters, a niece and nephew, and a God son. Ages 19, 16, 12, 11, 9, 6, and 18 months. I am struggling with teenage angst, a nephew with neglect and learning challenges, and a busy toddler boy! We homeschool too. Sometimes I feel like I am stretched too far, but I find peace in prayer and living in the moment. Outside time saves us! As for your blog….I love it when you share what’s on your heart, it helps me more than I can say! Oh, I love your photos and of course KNITTING…I’d be nuts without knitting! God bless you, Ginny…for you do far more than you know. Love, Kate Talley
Ginny – I so enjoy the simplicity of your blog. I never leave feeling inadequate or like i should change something or try something different. I leave with a sense of comeraderie and understanding. A sense that it doesn’t have to be perfect. This lifestyle is messy and complicated and really hard sometimes. But it’s most importantly beautiful. Thank you for simply and honestly sharing your life in the trenches. It is a gift.
Ginny,
I like to visit your space because it is a place that is somewhat away from the craziness of the world. War, Ebola, Change, this world is spiraling. But Small Things is a place of peace (although you probably don’t feel that way most days, I’m a mom of four too). I value the simplicity, the beauty of nature you share, the love of books, yarn, kids, and Jesus, and I love the traditions of motherhood and family found here. Thank you!
Jeannine
Honestly, I love the hodge podge, especially your gorgeous photographs. I have a great camera that I am still trying to figure out, and your photos are a great inspiration. I’d love to hear more about your beekeeping techniques and adventures, since I just started keeping bees this year, and am nervously preparing them for the winter. By the way, have you ever rendered beeswax? Any tips? I have a small amount from burr comb and hope to use it. Anyway, I love reading your posts every day. Your gentle approach to life and family is always a joy to read, and I want to thank you for letting us peek into your life.
Ginny – I am grateful that you continue to write your blog as you do. So many of the previous comments express my sentiments too. Small Things helps me to begin my day at work; I can’t seem to get anything productive done until I’ve read your days entry. I contributed to Yarn Along once or twice when I had the time to knit – so I hope you continue with your Wednesday posts as well. Even though I don’t comment here often, I often include you and your family in my prayers when things are not going well. Indeed it has been a tough year for you, and I hope that my silent prayers help in some way. God knows when we need help.
I also love the way your photography captures everyday life. It is one thing I aspire to, capturing subtle interactions and facial expressions. I think those are things I like to remember the most, the things others miss and I capture in my mind, if not on film/memory card.
Thank you again ~ Conny
Ginny,
Thank you for your words. I’ve been ‘quietly’ reading your blog for almost a year now but haven’t found the courage to tell you. This post seems fit.
I am a young woman, not anywhere close to the stage of babies and home-schooling, but I long for it. I am drawn to your blog through the rustic beauty of life that you capture.
I’m with you in your thoughts on this year. I too have faced many struggles and weeks of depression. I too, have lost a very dear friend. Most days I am focused on my schooling but many days the darkness of death and loss is overwhelming. Your posts are a small source of light for me, sometimes in the middle of the day or at the end of a long day. Your photos capture so well; the bees, nature, your children – what goodness, what beauty!
Thank you.
Jinny, can you tell we don’t want you to change your blog?? I also liken reading you daily doings to sipping a calming, restful cup of tea, mostly due to your exquisite writing style and beautiful photos. My kids are grown and I work part-time so my life is very different from yours, which makes it all the more interesting to me. I do wonder how you keep up with everything (helpful hubby?) and appreciate knowing you’re not trying to come across as always having it all together. I feel a bit of a voyeur but I love, love a good story, and storytelling is what you’re doing. To your readers, you seem to keep the perfect balance in your blog and I for one, hope you don’t change much. I’m terribly sorry for your loss this year and know you are glad for your busy life and wonderful family as you work through the deep sadness and cope. I wish you a much happier year to follow. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and family with us.
My first reaction is that I don’t want anything about your blog to change, Ginny! I don’t find that you do ramble. I think you have a gift for offering perspective and I visit your blog on all my hardest mothering days. I never feel those guilty or dissatisfied or inadequate feelings after reading your blog that I do after reading oh, most anything else on the internet. As long as you can find time to share this gift of yours in this way, I am truly grateful.
I read your blog regularly. I find you and your family fascinating. 🙂 I like seeing your pictures of your household and kids doing what they do and reading your descriptions of them. I enjoy your blog even though I am a completely different kind of momma. I follow a few blogs in earnest and yours is one that I look forward to reading each new post. I’m grateful that you are willing to share your life in stories on your blog. Thank you!
I think you are focused. You write honestly about your life, what interests you, what challenges you. Your journey with your family. You seem very real and that’s what I enjoy about coming here.
Ginny I love your blog. I come here to see the regular everyday beauty in your life. The photos of kids having fun, exploring, doing school etc. I miss all of that so very much. Having Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue I don’t get out as much as I would like and don’t get to see my grandchildren nearly enough for me. I wish they lived next door! They do live in town but I am more of a night person so doesn’t help much. Your photos are so peaceful and sweet. They soothe me. Coming to your blog is one of the first things I do on the computer. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Ginny – I have read your blog daily for the past 3ish years. I love the everydayness of it. I love that you so deliberately work hard to find beauty and joy…amidst sorrow, while homeschooling, during your own recovery and trials. For those of us who don’t have much homeschooling community (or maybe for those who do), it’s like sitting and having a cup of coffee with a close neighbour. I love your blog, more than any other. Your faith encourages me, and your joy is contagious and your creativity inspire me.
More about your days! A day in the life… Homeschooling posts….I love your honesty Ginny! Not that I’m glad you struggle, but because you are real, you encourage. I would also live a house tour post. A post on how you came to homeschooling and what you’d tell someone who was terrified to do so, but has been arguing with God about for seven years (throat clearing). Prayers to you as we enter a fresh, new year!
I love your blog just the way it is. Your photos and stories about your family are encouraging in themselves. There are a few blogs I like to go to each day for ideas and encouragement. Yours is one of them.
Ginny, I have been coming here just about every day for about 2 years now because I love the photos of a family that is walking a similar path to our own. Warmth and joy, but also challenges and loss. We had a similar difficult pregnancy, I was left spinning with emotion over mine and I know you were too. I love the knitting photos, and the nature ones, and the children doing crafts… I just love it all. My husband and I are raising 5 children and renovating our old (affordable) home. I quit blogging after baby #3 (he was my very difficult carry and delivery) so I haven’t blogged in about 6 years, but I love staying in touch with other crafty homeschool mamas. So I just love what you do and wouldn’t change a thing, and though I don’t take the time to comment too often, I am thankful that you are here.
I like your blog because you’re doing it. It. Life. With kids and animals, and crafts, and homeschooling, and adoption, and hard times. You’re just living life to the fullest. You’re not pontificating. You’re not trying to make a big statement. You don’t pretend to always have wise words (though sometimes you do). You don’t have to. You’re DOING it. I like that. I’m trying to do it. We’re all trying to do it.
I’m sorry your year has been tough. When I think back on the last couple years of my life (moving to a new country – no language, no friends, no family, 5 kids, homeschooling) all I can do is not start to panic. But those years are done. I don’t have to live through them again.
And this year! This year has been so wonderful so far.
Peace be with you.
Ginny,
I love your blog no matter what you post. And goodness how your knitting prowess has inspired my own life, to the tune that I truly try to carve an hour (at least) each day for knitting! I’ve also favorited many of your patterns on my Rav page. I think the best blogs are those which show so much beauty, but tell of life’s real balance. You are so so real. And I appreciate that, especially in a world of “perfect mama” blogs!
I’ve been struggling a ton this year with working full-time outside the home plus a 30 minute each way commute. I love teaching Montessori but it’s so intense. Now that I’m pregnant with my first, I’m really beginning to research ways I can pursue other creative interests with a potential for making a little money on the side (job pays the bills, but doesn’t pay savings or pay down debt … ahh the joys of teaching as a living). My goal is to not work so darned much someday, to enjoy life more while still helping to support a family. Struggling right now with sticking to a ridiculously tight budget while seeming to continually bleed from it sometimes as we also want to have a little fun from time to time and not feel like money rules every waking minute like a strict parent.
When I had read just the title of this most recent post and was scrolling through your pictures, I hope you realize, as I did, that each of those tiny, seemingly scattered moments that you managed to capture make up a full, very blessed life with your family.
Hope this helps, a bit. You are a marvelous human soul. Keep on. xo
I like just hearing what you all are up to. I love seeing what you’re knitting and what the kids are making. I know it probably does not feel like an “oasis of calm” to you very often, but that’s what the few minutes I spend reading each morning are for me. 🙂
Ginny – I love your blog. It is the only one that I go to every morning! I homeschool too – and have a 12 year old boy. I love hearing about all of your kids – but especially about the boys and what they are up to. I count the years of teaching – mainly worrying that my son is learning enough and will get through life. You have used some teaching tools that I have implemented with success – I love “The Write Foundation”. Please know that you inspire many of us with your posts. The Knitting Wednesdays is just for me – a treat in the middle of a week that I treat myself to! So, any teaching of the older boys – or activities – would be great for me (I know they like to be private at this age so I get that it can be limited on your sharing!) Many hugs for your beautiful posts, photos, knitting and kindness that you share!
Julie’s response pretty much sums up what I would say! I LOVE your blog. I LOVE this space and I enjoy checking in on you and your family. You bring me happiness. I will continue to read as I have the last 2+ years. Thank you
I adore this blog. Through you I have made so made changes in my life. I do not have many catholic friends in real life who live their faith much like you do. I find a friend when I come here. I find a real mom who isn’t afraid to show her mess. I mean that in the best way possible. I am not a writer, so I cannot adequately reflect on how much of an impact you have made in my life.
The biggest things I take away are: how to find faith in the little things, how to just enjoy the simple things, how to embrace the mess instead of fighting it, (Pictures help!), and pretty much every recipe you post I LOVE!
Oddly, the post I think of the most is your risotto one. It cracks me up. If my cupboards are looking a little rough, I think I need to make risotto so I can clean them while it soaks. I feel like we are life long friends when I do this.
I read your blog voraciously but I don’t know as if I’ve ever commented. I, like another commenter, come from a Baptist perspective. I love your blog for it’s faith-centered, family-focused, book reading, knitting, homeschooling approach. Your pictures are beautiful, your experiences inspiring, and your words as comforting as a mug of hot cocoa on a cold winter day (which I get plenty of in WI!) I have a biology degree so I love your posts about anything science related including snakes 🙂 I’m a dabbler so I’m interested in everything else too. I’d love to see you keep going as you have. I’m not sure how you improve perfection!
Ginny, your blog is just lovely and a real treasure to many of us. Life can be really hard; I see the evil one often trying to destroy families and see the struggles that are in raising children today. I think your blog is valuable in that you can have real struggles but each day get out of bed and do what you need to do today, to the best of the strength you are given in that day; yes real struggles… and heartbreaks… but with God’s mercy we can do what we need to do today. My heart is heavy with many of the struggles of my dear friends. But we can light candles by our icons, pray, tell our family we love them; these things are huge. Why do I read your blog? I love your pictures, your voice through your words, your effort to create beauty and to be and grow as a Christian. As an Orthodox Christian I really appreciate how many of the same sacramental moments and life lived in the rituals of the / one of the two ancient churches are part of your life. I love how I see that life can be hard, a struggle, a real heart-heartrending struggle, but one with HOPE. I too know how it is to get to the end of a day or week and realize how intense and shattering it was. But yet we have Christ, we have monastics, we have Saints… much love to you. I would not change your blog for anything, by which I mean I love it as it is a reflection of you. 🙂
It truly has been a difficult year for you, but I know that brighter days are ahead. Life is full of different seasons, and these only make us stronger and wiser. I began following your blog some time ago because of your beautiful photography. Your local landscape is so completely different than mine and I love seeing the photos of your lovely walks through nature. I also homeschooled for many years (those were the best years of my life) and I would do it all over again if given the choice. There is nothing that compares to teaching your children how to read, or sitting around the table and watching their faces as the ‘lightbulb’ goes on when they learn something new. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, the values and character that you are building in them through everyday experiences will last a lifetime. As far as what I would love to continually see as I check out your blog are any of your handmade creations ( I am a quilter and appreciate anything handmade), any photography of your beautiful children and your nature shots, and then any good books that your are reading. Best wishes to you. Have a beautiful day.
Ginny,
I’m not even sure where I found your blog but I have been following for awhile. I just love the glimpses into your life. I’m a mama of 8 who homeschooled my 4 oldest. But due to circumstances following a divorce my younger children have been public schooled. I am finding my way back into faith and trust with my heavenly Father. It was a long, dark road but at the end of that one God was still waiting for me. He never let go, I lost hope. ~smile~ Your blog is very soothing to read and I feel like your kiddos are my grandkids LOL weird, right. Keep it up, taking one day at a time with your eyes on Jesus. He will give you strength and peace
thank you for always being honest about your struggles. life can be so overwhelming at times. i had a horrible last pregnancy and i am also homeschooling a gaggle of children. it is nice to read/see someone i have so much in common with.
and the knitting <3
I don’t usually comment but always read your posts and wanted you to know that. My heart has ached for you this past year. When I read about your friend Sarah I cried uncontrollably, I can’t even imagine what her family has been through, what you have been through. I keep coming back to your posts for more because you are open and honest and real. Nothing seems staged or fancy. You show real life and messes. Your children always seem to be learning and exploring in photos and I love that. You show beauty and and you show messy. And that’s what life is. I have two little ones, age 3 and 1.5…we just moved into a much smaller home and I’m constantly surrounded by the messy these days. But when I stop and take time to look closely there’s beauty in those messes. This is what you bring to life on your blog and why I come back every morning. So thank you!
I have had a hard year too. My visa ran out, I was unable to work, whilst reapplying for a new visa, I have been unable to go home so I haven’t seen my family in ten months and have at least a year until I will be able to see them again, but there are plenty of these small moments that keep my pecker up in the meantime!
ginny, you bring truth to each post and they are each unique. i thank you for that. i appreciate so much that you are real — that you don’t have focus. my greatest challenge is maintaining focus. if you feel the need to refine things on the blog, go for it! i sense it is an outlet for you to capture yourself for a moment in the midst of wildly busy days. but it’s also a place for you to craft and create. i enjoy the everyday of your posts. i homeschool and have three girls. i am orthodox christian but can relate so much to the honor/cherish that i can tell you have for your catholic faith. and my heart has felt heavy at times for you over the past year as i know it has been a challenge for you. my first delivery was challenging and it took me almost three years to truly heal. i ended up going to physical therapy for women’s issues to strengthen and help mend. it’s all going to be okay.
Hi Ginny! First I must say that I am new here so I don’t know all the struggles you have had this past year. But yes, it has been a tough year at our homestead too. I found your blog through Ravelry. I am learning to knit and I crochet. I have three children, 22, 18, and 16 that I never homeschooled but wished I had. These are kind of tough years even in a christian home. The kiddos want to spread their wings (the first is very hard, the second thinks she’s ready but isn’t quite, and the third thinks he’s a man but lacks the responsibility of). {{sigh}} I also work outside the home, active in our church, help on the homestead, and try to have some “me” time. I admire women who raise large families and get to stay home. I love reading their journey and watching the children grow. You inspire me to be a better grandmother someday, to keep knitting and maybe I can make some of the beautiful things you do. It is hard to always be positive but we can all help each other when those times get tough! I appreciate your openness. God bless you today!
Ginny, when you become overwhelmed just remember to take it one day at a time, that’s all any of us can do. At the end of the day know you did your best and be at peace with that.
I am struggling with the realization that my son is getting married in three weeks, I have a broken toe and still no dress to wear. You have mentioned an online store where you buy clothes, could you remind me of the name?
Tracey, For women’s clothing I really like Twice (ThredUP is another one, but I mostly order children’s clothes there now.) Here’s my referral link so you can get ten dollars off if you order: liketwice.com/KZzyN I hate that there has to be so much stress for women over what to wear at events! I always have a hard time finding anything that fits my after babies body. I hope you find the perfect dress! Love, Ginny
Thank you Ginny. Shopping, especially for clothes is not something I enjoy at all. Finding something to fit after menopause isn’t any fun either, my body seems to reshape it self at night and each morning it’s always a surprise 😉
My last few years have been such a struggle as well. I lost my beloved Grandmother. My husband was out of work due to complication of Diabetes, so we were struggling financially. My son, who is now, 21 has been quite a challenge. Some days it seems like the poison darts just keep flying at us. Finally, in all of this storminess, I find myself growing spiritually, in ways I would never have guessed.
You and I are very different. I have only one child. We did not homeschool him (but I now wish we had!). I am Protestant and work outside the home, in a cubical, as the primary souce of income for our family.
Aside from all of that, I connect with your photos and your posts about your family and your love for them. I have followed you for almost 2 years now and I can’t seem to get enough of your “real-ness”. Thank you for sharing your life, pain, love, home and photos. Strangely, I feel like you are a sister to me. Our relationship is entirely one sided, but thanks anyway, sister!
A friend and fellow blogger of mine were talking the other day about the question…what blogs do we actually still read? I say yours was one, because you are so honest in your writing. No glossing over with you, just a real life with a family that has ups and down, and faith.
I visit here every day and love reading your words. I like that you are open and honest about your days. Sharing both the difficult days along with those that run smoothly. You are an inspiration to me in your living our faith while raising a house full of children in great love. I glean so much inspiration from you, especially your posts about the little ones. I have a 4 year old that we are “homeschooling” for pre-school and possibly kindergarten, at least. I also have a 10 month old and enjoy readin and knitting. I haven’t commented here hardly at all and I want to get better at that. A lot of the blogs I follow now are a direct result if the yarn along. I have kept you all in my prayers as you go through these hard times. I promise I will be a more active commenter here. You give so much, and I appreciate that!
I am also a homeschooling mama, though I only have two. We entered the world of Waldorf this year and we are Orthodox Christians. I read your blog because it resonates with me. Though we are different, I find we have so much in common and I love the glimpses into another simple, beautiful life much like the one I am trying to create with my family.
I’m struggling with food allergies. In September, Holden did a scratch test and he’s allergic to milk, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. I struggle with disorganization. I’m trying my best to deal with both these, but I agree that it’s been a very hard year (as have the previous 2). I said the other day that I’m declaring 2015 the Year of Fun. Because I’m tired of not having any.
I would like to 2nd the idea of 2015 as the Year of Fun.
Yes, its ok to have a difficult, our children learn from our strength! I to have not had our best home schooling year, however it’s funny,I think my children are benefiting more from the life experiences and watching meal heal. They are learning about emotions and love.
I love to come here for encouragement in homeschooling. You remind me, of why I do it, to love and be with my children. To protect their innocence and encourage their faith. To take time, and just read with them. Love on that last baby I have and just keep going. I am so glad you have this blog. I have gained so much home schooling information and appreciate the adult interaction!
Blessings,
Cynthia
I’m a new homeschool mama to a kindergartener who is on the autism spectrum. Learning to trust her, trust who she is and her learning process, and trust that yes, everything is sinking in and processing even if I don’t understand immediately how it’s happening…it’s hard to let go of my need to control and just let her be. But she’s teaching me, oh yes, and inspiring me every day. It’s a beautiful journey, if filled with some anxiety.
On paper, my life couldn’t really be more different from yours. British, urban, childless, Protestant. But I come here to read because I find much in common. A wanting to know God better, an appreciation of the little things, a joy in life and acknowledgement of the sorrows.
Although I’ve just done a huge cull of blogs that I follow, I added yours to my list because I enjoy the way you write about life, about how it isn’t easy, but how much it is worth it. Like many, I’ve had a tough year, and I really value writers who tell me that’s not unusual, it’s not that I did something wrong or that somehow others are sailing through the stuff that’s bogging me down. Honesty is a rare thing, and I love reading it in your posts, along with your humour :).
I hope you find the focus you’re looking for. From this reader’s point of view, whatever it is you’re doing, you’re doing it right for me!
I love the pictures of you and your beautiful family, and everything you seem to accomplish…homeschooling, cooking, beekeeping, knitting, sewing, raising 7 kids, cleaning, and all kinds of other miscellaneous things. I know you have a Catholic faith…any chance we could get more of a peak in your church life? I can understand if you want to keep it private. I come from a Baptist background, so I’ve enjoyed many things with Missionaries giving a presentation, pot lucks, junior church for the little kids, Bible camp ministeries, etc. You are the first blog I open up every day! Ginny, you are a beautiful women and a wonderful mother and wife. I applaud you for all you do and accomplish!
Gwen
Sweet Ginny, you are another blogger I can trust to be honest about the dirt, the messes, the vulnerability. I suppose that’s why I come here. You’re not dressing anything up. Love to you.
I don’t comment regularly, but I’ve been reading this blog for a long time (I think since Silas was born?) and I absolutely love it! There’s not a thing I would want you to change. I love how you write from the heart about your joys, struggles, and what inspires you. It makes me feel a little less crazy and alone in this life. Much love and prayers for you and your family.
I agree, it has been a hard year. I’m sorry for everything you have had to deal with. I enjoy your blog so much. I came here via your post about pretty pictures and hard times. It really spoke to me because I was new to blogging and was surprised by the number of people who would stop by, see only what I’d shared, and proclaim my life “Perfect!” or “Adorable!”, just in one fell swoop. It bothered me, and still does. I would never say that to a blogger or anyone else. What we choose to share is a slice of the whole and that should be a given, I think. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that I love your blog for its realness as well as for the way that you’re able to share beautiful images and moments from your life and still maintain that realness. It’s inspiring and I appreciate it a lot.
I just wrote this morning about struggling with finding a rhythm to our days. I love to read blogs to be inspired by all the beautiful things. Knitting patterns to add to ravelry, sewing patterns to look into for the kids and beautiful meals shared by families. I love piecing together a life I want to emulate with my own young family but struggle withe implementation. Finding rhythm and finding time to get everything accomplished.
2014 has also been pretty rough for me as well. In January my niece was born with Down Syndrome. We didn’t know prior to her birth, and of course we love her to pieces, but it was a shock and caused the whole family to take pause. Happy to report she is doing VERY well- super healthy and developing at a quite normal pace. The year progressed with my Grandmother and a beloved Great Aunt both experiencing slow, painful declines that left them both unable to stay in their homes at the end. They passed within weeks of each other. Each of my parents was a primary caretaker, so the year has been very difficult for them. On top of that, my father had a small stroke that he continues to recover from. Ugh. 2015 can’t come fast enough.
I come here for your beautiful photographs, impressive knitting production, your interest in bees, & your generally very interesting family. Your post about fossil hunting was a personal favorite. It’s OK to vent here, even if it feels off-topic. This community is yours- you’ve built it!
A difficult year. Yes. My mother died in July after a difficult fight with cancer. I had my 6th child just a few weeks later. 2 weeks after that our house sold and we moved to a new place — a place we chose — but where we know no-one and have no friends or family nearby. I’m still coming to grips with the fact that I’m 44, and both of my parents are dead. And these children — so difficult and yet so glorious. A 2 year old that is over the top in his two-ness. Children who need me, need me to be fully balanced and energetic when I feel so very lost and tired some days. Yes, a difficult year.
I read your blog because you are so sincere and honest, I feel like we are friends (though you don’t know me!). I read it so I don’t feel so alone in this home school journey, in this big Catholic family journey, in this not-quite-sure about my place in the world some days journey. It helps me to know I’m not so crazy, and not so unique. So thanks for doing it, for putting yourself out there. Someday, maybe I can return the favor…