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erika
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 8:13pm | IP Logged
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Wow! I have wanted, needed, yearned to be home for the past I don't know how long. This was really unexpected, I was hoping I would be able to make it home by the end of the year (waitng on DH to get a promotion), but I don't have to wait any longer. Last week I was laid off. Now I'm being thrust into the middle of my dreams! (And I'm slighly terrified!)
My children (4yo and 15 mo) will have childcare for 2 more days, then they're all mine! I'm trying to use the time I have to clean things up a bit, and come up with a plan for our family.
Today I was immersed in cleaning out the family closet (still am) and I realized: my 2 kids have too many clothes. I have piles in the closet ranging from infant to size 12! HOw many clothes do little girls actually need?? This is and honest question...
As far as our days go, I'm sure it's going to take a few months to even possibly get in a grove, but any tips from all you pros would help.
I'm trying to get ideas for a family home companion like Kim's and Elizabeth's, and I have Holly's book which I keep going over and over...
Also, as far as faith formation. WHat should I do with a 4yo and a 15mo?
Gotta go... they're screaming (well the little one is and her sister is just provoking her!)
 
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juststartn
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 9:14pm | IP Logged
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Wow, Erika...well, if you have any size 10ish skirts (or size 8s, for that matter), I'd be willing to take them off of your hand. Specially, winter type stuff.
Ahem 
Rachel
__________________
Married DH 4/1/95
Lily 3/11/00
Helena(Layna) 5/23/02
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Ava Maria, in the arms of Jesus, 9/5/08
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juststartn
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 9:15pm | IP Logged
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Oh, as for the Faith formation, read read read read
Rachel
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Married DH 4/1/95
Lily 3/11/00
Helena(Layna) 5/23/02
Sophia 4/19/04
John 5/7/07
David 5/7/07
Ava Maria, in the arms of Jesus, 9/5/08
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mama251ders
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 9:29pm | IP Logged
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I also have clothes from 12m on up to 12y. I have them in large copy paper boxes, sorted by size and season. If I run out of room in a particular box, it's time to weed out. I get lots of freebie clothes since my mom works for our church (she gets first dibs most of the time!) and I hate to throw perfectly good free clothes away, so I keep them. I also garage sale a lot and get stuff there. It helps that our house came with two complete walls of shelves in our basement. Anyway, just thought I would throw that clothing organization suggestion out there. Good luck in this exciting new endeavor!
Blessings,
Betsie
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Wife to Oliver
Mama to 5 Wonders
Benny, Braidon, Olivia, Anna and Saragh
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joann10
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 10:09pm | IP Logged
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Congratulations!!! What an exciting time for you and your family. I am sure you will find a lot of great information from the wonderful, insightful ladies on this forum. I know that I have!
Remember to have fun during this new adventure!
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Erin
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| Posted: July 30 2008 at 11:35pm | IP Logged
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Erika,
Congratulations, welcome home!!! I remember you posting about your longing before. God is indeed gracious.
Well you don't want to try too much all at once as you want to enjoy this time and also its important not to overwhelm yourself. Though it sounds like you mind is racing along. 
I'd think about what sort of flow do you want your day to have, taking into account that its summer. Have you heard of the 'pegs' system Leonie talks about? I think that would suit you. (use the search engine here for pegs)
Perhaps something like you clear away the breakfast dishes and pop the washing on then spend some time with the girls. This may be playing outside or going for a walk considering the weather, then home for some morning tea and share a book together. Afternoons maybe a craft activity then get some housework done while the girls have some quiet time. I would keep it all VERY gentle and enjoy your time together. Believe me it goes way too fast, I wish I had my time with just littlies again. 
So happy for you. 
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 31 2008 at 11:00am | IP Logged
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 Yay! Erika!! I'm so happy for you.
I think I'd echo what others have offered and encourage you to move slowly and savor these sweet days! They're magical.
Maybe get your hands on a copy of Catholic Mosaic and start using that library card! I can't imagine anything better! Maybe a weekly nature walk with the kids as well.
You can start ordering your days to accomodate a bit of tidying and organizing and spend your year thinking about the things you might like to add in for next year. Sounds positively delicious to me!!
What a delight your days will be!  So very happy for you guys!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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trish
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| Posted: July 31 2008 at 1:46pm | IP Logged
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Yay!
What a wonderful feeling!
You can do whatever YOU want with your precious little girls. And have fun too! Make cookies, read, go for long walks.... Good luck!
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~ Trish ~
Wife to Les
Mom to 8 Wonderful Kids
+AMDG+
Saintly Soaps
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DivineMercy
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| Posted: Aug 02 2008 at 9:59pm | IP Logged
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Erika,
Congrats on being at home! Something I want to share because I came home 2 years ago in the exact same way (an unexpected layoff as my husband was still in college) is it is ok to give yourself some time to miss what you had before. I know that sounds crazy because this is what I longed for, but there were days when it felt wrong to be staying home. Maybe that was just me, but I wanted you to know that a whole range of emotions may come up and surprise you. Also, at the beginning I felt more of a need to get out of the house than I do now.
I know you will get a lot of wisdom from reading these boards and the books that are recommended. Keeping a similar routine for your children from what they are used to may help them transition as well. You will find your rhythm and again as others have said feel free to play, read, bake, walk or whatever feels good to do with your girls as this time goes faster every day.
God bless,
Michelle
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: It has happened... I'm home, now what?
