Life around here!

What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

Speaking of work, we are continuing to work on a plethora of homemaking lessons: rinsing / washing dishes, cleaning off the dinner table, sweeping the floor, hanging up coats and winter accessories, tidying up the school room, folding & putting away laundry, serving each other food or another round of drinks. I am very proud of my children and the way they’re growing into their important roles at home. “We are in this together,” I tell them.

We are a family, and so we are learning together how to care for & keep our home. Baking together is even more fun when I have extra hands to help clean up. Surprise oatmeal cookies (with cherries & dark chocolate chips) or blueberry bundt cake are favorites around here.

Last week we sliced juicy oranges and grapefruits, blotted the extra moisture with paper towel, then slowly baked the rounds as afternoon lessons were taught. Marigold and I hung the finished garlands, one in the kitchen and one in the living room. Most especially this year, I’m leaning into the delights of being a mother logging (so many extra) hours at home.

I think I have cried more tears this year than ever before (which is a grand feat, I do enjoy a good cry). However, crying has always been like the flicker of a candle. It illuminates what’s happening inside my heart and mind, so I welcome the tears  wedged between caring for our home and my self.

In the fall, we ventured out on many local family adventures. We walked, picnicked, and played for hours outside. We celebrated Natalie’s 6th birthday, the losing of (more) baby teeth, and traded a crib mattress for one twin-sized (Landon). My blondes, Maxwell and Marigold, like their siblings, continue to care for others and as they spin tall tales. The laughter in our home is constant. Some days I need their laughter just to keep me going.

And now it is nearly winter. One recent evening, while the four little ones were asleep in bed, I strung wooden beads to twine and then draped it around our Christmas tree. I love the simplicity of the garland. And speaking of simple, I was served cashews on a dinner salad in November, and now can’t stop serving the same to my family. I am obsessed with the saltiness and smooth-yet-firm texture.

Tonight we began a new read aloud: Farmer Boy, the story of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s husband’s childhood. And I’m eager to finish a personal read, Jayber Crow by year-end. What books are you reading, either aloud to your family or quietly to yourself? I already have my next book lined up: Becoming Elisabeth Elliot. I can’t wait to add a bookmark :)

Earlier this spring Zack had an unexpected (yet welcomed) change in his career, and I’m eager to share more details. Together we are counseling two couples, are growing even deeper in knowledge of our faith, discipleship, and mapping out big dreams for 2021.

We have hopeful expectations for what’s to come, and we wish the same for you and your family as you finish out these last few weeks of the year.

xx, Maggie