The Village

Oh, the life of a mother of littles. Exhaustion. Beauty. Pain. Excitement. Warmth. Tears. Laughter. Doubt. Faith.

I’ve thought back over my mothering years and what I’ve learned, what I’m learning, what I still have ahead of me to learn. Oh it brings on all of those aforementioned feelings and emotions. How does one keep a positive focus, unwavering faith, and a calm presence when one is daily, minute by minute, experiencing all of these things? What does one even say about it? Do I need to? I know there is a huge market out there for parenting advice; for advice on raising perfect little angels. I don’t have that. I can’t say I’m an expert. I can’t tell you that I’m raising perfect little people. What I do know is that we make mistakes. We learn. We live.

EVERYONE has an opinion on parenting these days. Social media has brought on an onslaught of opinions both negative and positive. It has handed us countless articles on how to raise our children and what is wrong with parenting these days. You’ll see or hear the opinions when walking through a store. Just one moment of a kid misbehaving or a parents raised voice in a public setting and there is bound to be a disapproving look or a voiced opinion. Fortunately I’ve had the exact opposite happen as well; a kind and sympathetic smile, a helpful soul opening a door or picking up a dropped item. Which scenario do you think has boosted my spirits and my confidence more? The moment I feel a connection, an authenticity, and a supportive spirit that’s when I feel the burden lighten. That’s when I know I’m doing okay. When I know other parents are doing okay. That while there are many problems, many issues, many differing ideas.. there IS support. There IS community. The village IS still there though not always visible. It hasn’t completely vanished into a vast database of “10 steps to the perfect child” books, articles, opinions. There ARE others out there FEELING and LIVING with the doubts and the joy.

Authenticity. That’s what I strive for in my life. That’s what speaks to the soul of a tired mother. Knowing that there are others who KNOW the darkness that parenting sometimes brings but simultaneously KNOW the joy that the same parenting provides. That’s when the support is real. That’s when the burden lightens. That’s when you know that you’re doing okay.

 

 

 

Breathing room.

Life has been hectic. Busy. Full. A four year old turned teenager. Ten month twins crawling, climbing. Hubby’s work. Buying a house. Moving, but also settling. All the stages and new phases happen so quickly in this season of life. One second I have breathing room, the next I’m going non-stop. The blog, the crochet, even the camera (thank goodness for a phone!).. have been pushed to the side to give complete focus to three little boys. The days. They are tiring. They are rewarding. They are difficult. They are joyous. They are full of life. In it all I try to find the simplicity and beauty of the now, the new, and the what’s to come.

“We want more than this world’s got to offer
We want more than this world’s got to offer
We want more than the wars of our fathers
And everything inside screams for second life”

~Meant to Live, Switchfoot~

O come, O come, Emmanuel..

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Shall Come…. 

 

Playing Catch Up! Part 3- The Hook

Finished project: I’ve been into hats recently, though I have to find just the right pattern otherwise I lose interest pretty quick. This beautiful pattern has been hooked a couple times now. Love the stitch.In Progress/Almost finished: My Granny blanket is in it’s final stages, finsihing the border, weaving loose ends. Hopefully I can have a post dedicated to this little lady in the near future!

Just Begun: On to something new.. I really shouldn’t allow myself to start on another something before I finish the previous somethings.. BUT, I just couldn’t help myself. Not much to speak of or see yet, but here’s the start..

And one item to say goodbye to: We had the unfortunate experience of having our stroller and diaper bag stolen recently. We have forgiven and let be, however we still mourn the loss. In the bag was Isaac’s much loved Spider Man hat I had recently finished for him..

Playing Catch Up Part 2- The family

We’re busy these day. Isaac, Jack, and Ben are all growing like weeds. Lots of fun and challenging. We are enjoying this season and looking forward to coming seasons.

Playing catch up! Part 1- Using the Force…

Back in September my Isaac turned a startling FOUR years old! We worked out a theme with his latest obsession.. Star Wars. Though his introduction and knowledge of Star Wars comes entirerly from Lego Star Wars and Angry Birds Star Wars. Pinterest was my helper. Seriously. What did we ever do with out Pins? My lovely husband and family lent their creative genius too. We ended up with a party that would make George Lucas proud. Even Darth made an appearance.

Plugging along..

Also finished up this little guy for Isaac.. I may need to fix the eyes, but at least it’s recognizable!

Hats are the theme! A few weeks ago I finally finished the boys hats too..

 

Heavenly..

Let the wind fall wild across my path

Even though we barely move, there’s no turning back

There is a river, there is a road, place of holy riches untold

It’s where I’m supposed to be… my heavenly

I know it never feels right to let go of the safety we’re used to holding so tight

But there’s a lion underneath these skies

Though love cries, love will rise… my, my, my heavenly

So fly me higher, higher, hope fill me, keep me here

Love Lion, my, my…

So when I’m lonely or when I’m old, life is more behind me

All the stories have been told

I can fix my gaze up through the clouds
Where I’m gonna be, where I’m gonna be… my heavenly

My heavenly

~”My Heavenly” by Jars of Clay~

I got my mojo back!

My fingers have been itching to feel some soft yarn again. To get back into the groove I’m hooking some big ol’ grannies. Something easy so I don’t have to think and can just pick up and continue if I have a small bit of time. I’m keeping it interesting with a variety of colors. These warm grannies will eventually be joined into a throw for the cold winter months.

Blessed.

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

You’re rich in love, and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name.