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JSchaaf
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 3:45pm | IP Logged
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I really didn't know what title to give this post! But "I feel better" sums it up. I've been struggling with the February blues, discontent, depression, burnout and so forth.
Last night I was under dd's bed, looking for Happy (a baby doll) when I found my long lost copy of For the Children's Sake. I got the girls into bed and then settled down to read. It's been a long time since I read this book and it was amazing. I actually have hope about this whole home education adventure. It really is about the children, not about me. This life is going to be hard, but so worth it. I need to have a servant's heart and love and serve my children-not just "get things done around here so I can have some me time".
I stayed up way too late reading, but woke up this morning with a refreshed heart and renewed spirit. We packed up and headed here for a few hours. We walked and touched and smelled. We looked and we found. We took off our shoes and waded in the pond in a Japanese garden. I sat and watched my girls occupy themselves for almost an hour floating leaves down an "ancient Roman aqueduct". I didn't talk on the phone or review my to-do list. I didn't read my homeschooling magazine looking for the perfect book or curricula that would help me do the job God has called me to do. I was present in the actual moment. It was wonderful.
Today my children are people to be cherished, protected and enjoyed. Yesterday they were just my job.
Ok, I'm done rambling. Just wanted to let y'all know I feel better.
Jennifer
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Michaela
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 4:13pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better. 
It sounds like such a wonderful, refreshing day.
I pray this lift continues for you.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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Cay Gibson
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 5:54pm | IP Logged
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I'm so glad you rambled, Jennifer.
What a lovely, inspiring post. 
And I can tell your  is in every word.
Btw, thanks for the link to the gardens. We didn't go there when we went two years ago. My son is going this summer (not that he would appreciate a beautiful garden) but I sure plan to check it out next time. 
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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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humanaevitae
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 6:22pm | IP Logged
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It is such a blessing when our hearts receive a little jolt.
I'm a great one about making resolutions and having a happy/servant heart at night. However I am soooo not a morning person and I tend not to remember or care about my resolutions until noon! 
Good for you to change your attitude!
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Nicole-Zane 10, Elizabeth 7, Xavier 4, and John Patrick 2
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JennGM
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 6:26pm | IP Logged
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Yeah, Jennifer! I'm so happy that things are on the upswing!
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 8:38pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, that is so awesome! I need to pull that book out again!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Leonie
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 8:44pm | IP Logged
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Oh, a true blessing! I love getting re-inspired, by a book or a quote or a website or blog.
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Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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Maria B.
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| Posted: March 28 2007 at 10:11pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, thanks so much for refocusing me. I really needed that. God bless you for sharing!
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Maria in VA
Proud Mom to 10 Great kids!
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ladybugs
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Wonderful, Jennifer!
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Love and God Bless,
Maria P
My etsy store - all proceeds go to help my fencing daughters!
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Dawnie
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I've been feeling the same way lately! I felt so BLAH after Clara was born...we tried to get back into school in January, then my oldest 3 came down with the flu. We didn't get back into school for 3 weeks, and even then I felt so negative about it. I would have sent the kids to our parish school if dh had let me. Really.
Finally, I thought, "Okay, I have to at least finish out this year...I'd better figure out how I'm going to do that." Once I did that (my dh calls it "positive mental attitude), everything started getting better. We're into our 5th week back after our "flu break" and I'm really enjoying my kids. God is good!
Dawn
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Visit my blog!Water Into Wine:Vino Per Tutto!
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Becky Parker
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| Posted: March 29 2007 at 6:57am | IP Logged
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JSchaaf wrote:
It really is about the children, not about me. This life is going to be hard, but so worth it. I need to have a servant's heart and love and serve my children-not just "get things done around here so I can have some me time".
I didn't talk on the phone or review my to-do list. I didn't read my homeschooling magazine looking for the perfect book or curricula that would help me do the job God has called me to do. I was present in the actual moment. It was wonderful.
Today my children are people to be cherished, protected and enjoyed. Yesterday they were just my job.
Jennifer |
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Thanks so much for sharing this Jennifer. It is exactly what I have been looking for / praying for in my own heart. I was thinking about starting a new thread regarding embracing our vocation as wife/mother. For me, that is the whole of it. Embracing, not just accepting or enduring what I have been called to do. Your post has helped me and encouraged me!
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Becky
Wife to Wes, Mom to 6 wonderful kids on Earth and 4 in Heaven!
Academy Of The Good Shepherd
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KellyinPA
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I'm glad things are looking better to you, Jennifer. I read "For the Children's Sake" about 15-16 years ago and it really opened my eyes and renewed my spirit about how wonderful life with children could be. I think I may need to re-read it this summer
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Blessings,
Kelly
mom to 6 blessings
the abundant life
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bfarmmom
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Jennifer,
Thank you so much for writing this. It gives me much to think about, as I once again try to tweek things around here.
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Peace,
Kirsten
ds13,dd12,dd10,ds7,dd6, dd 4, ds 2
Sonlight Garden
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Michaela
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| Posted: March 31 2007 at 4:42am | IP Logged
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Jennifer,
I wanted you to know that your post inspired me to get out with my children and have some fun. We really needed to and had a wonderful time! Thank you VERY much for taking the time to post about your uplifting day.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: I feel better
