| Author | |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 12:35pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Does anyone else have those weeks where kids help, and things work like clockwork during the day, but by the time Dad comes home, the house looks like it's been vandalized? Did you ever leave your house for an appointment wondering whether robbers entering your house will think it's already been ransacked?  A lot of what I'm saying is tongue-in-cheek, but I think you get the drift.
We are so valiantly trying to prepare for Christmas but I feel so much like we're in quicksand and quickly sinking. Though I sometimes am able to entice an older child to gainfully employ the youngers so taht they don't UNdo what we've been doing, it's not steady and we are up to our eyeballs in papers, clothes, and even some toys (we had long since tossed the toys in a part of the garage we're turning into a toy room).
I try desperately to be organized and celebrate whatever feast we're celebrating ON THE DAY, but 9 times out of 10, we're late. My 13 yos managed to procure a Jesse tree branch. It's taller than my husband, who hasn't been able to cut it down to size, and anyway, the brown headed cowbirds love to perch in it. We were supposed to make a St. Nicholas puppet and I haven't been out to the store to find felt. And our Advent candles will be able to be reused next year, that's how often we use them.
We're finally starting to cut down on activites. We have five kids in piano. Today is the kids' last piano practice for the year. Next week ends boy-and-girl scouts. Any other ideas? Any help?
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Elizabeth
Founder
Real Learning
Joined: Jan 20 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5595
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 12:50pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi, Tina! I feel your pain. On three consecutive Thursdays, I have had a flat tire. And on three consecutive Thursdays, our feast day celebrations and advent preparations have been wedged in between negotiations with AAA, towing companies, and automotive people who don't have the right equipment to get the tire off the van. I'm not sure I should be giving advice, but I've resigned myself to making Plan A and actually doing Plan B or C. Today was supposed to be St. Lucy fun and picking Michael up at college and driving around to look at lights tonight. We were supposed to finish making Karoline's doll and start stringing rosaries. Instead, I keep giving out "fun cleaning ideas" while I wait on hold, mostly because idle kids are driving me nuts. And right now, I'd give my right arm for a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte.  Poor Michael is sitting there packed and ready for home, with no one to get him.
I think the thing with plans is that we never manage to do all that we want or even think we should do. So, for moms of many, trying to live life in the domestic church, we really do have to prioritize. We do the first things first and trust God to sprinkle grace over the rest.
Anyone want a bolt of green felt? I don't think I'll be getting to making those new St. Lucy crowns this year 
__________________
Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We're having a week of stress, too. We are all getting sick (colds, hopefully); both cars need to be fixed and one can't be driven until repairs happen. This is the Mandatory Navy Fun weekend (party - it will probably actually be fun but with the predicted weather, I will worry all the way out to Arlington). Dh took time to put our snow tires on the van this AM but it took so long that I had to drive him all the way to work (an hour) and will probably have to pick him up during Boy Scouts instead of staying at the library and doing Christmas cards. I have an article due tomorrow and one Monday, neither started. No presents have been wrapped and they all need to be shipped to California.
School? What's that? (Ds finally decided he's helping with so much car repair we should track his hours as Automotive class...I was too stressed to think of it!)
On the good side, I found "Hanna's Christmas" at our library for today (trying to find science DVD's to help fill the lack-of-school gap, with no luck), and my dd did all but two of her subjects without me while I was driving to the Pentagon.
Sometimes I wonder where the grace is that Elizabeth mentions, but I can only trudge along this path for now, I guess.
We did have a beautiful, quiet, respectful homeschool Holy Hour yesterday. I was so stressed, and so glad to be in church, that I just cried for about the first 15 minutes.
I will hold all of you in prayer this week...
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Lisbet
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2006
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2706
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 1:53pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Tina, Our Advent has been very similar. We've had sick kids since the first Sunday, a teething, cranky toddler, gas/heating issues, nasty weather, and mom dealing with crowd anxiety. My prayer is that God blesses my efforts, my meager efforts.
__________________
Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Elizabeth
Founder
Real Learning
Joined: Jan 20 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5595
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 1:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
guitarnan wrote:
Sometimes I wonder where the grace is that Elizabeth mentions, but I can only trudge along this path for now, I guess. |
|
|
Danielle is fond of saying that if you can't see it, you need to look harder.
guitarnan wrote:
| We did have a beautiful, quiet, respectful homeschool Holy Hour yesterday. I was so stressed, and so glad to be in church, that I just cried for about the first 15 minutes. |
|
|
Yep, see, there is is
__________________
Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 2:08pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Tina I am right there with you. I've only finished one of the 4 major giftmaking projects I have planned, and it isn't in the budget to just skip making them and buy the things already made. My advent wreath activities are a week behind schedule. Still don't have the Jesse tree up. And right now I am surrounded by craft stuff for making CGS presentations which I am 2 weeks behind on. Will I get them done? Who knows?
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Lisbet
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2006
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2706
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 2:10pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elizabeth, Thanks you. I know it was directed to Nancy, but it struck a cord with me too. It's there, I just need to look past myself and see it.
__________________
Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 2:37pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elizabeth wrote:
| I think the thing with plans is that we never manage to do all that we want or even think we should do. So, for moms of many, trying to live life in the domestic church, |
|
|
Is this just the plight of home school moms? Because my whole YEAR is a dollar short and a day late. It just takes center stage when there are holy days around which to plan. This is part of the reason why we take massive breaks in schooly school during holy seasons and school during summer.
Thank you, ladies, for your empathy. I think we all could use a fairy godmother.
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
msclavel
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 26 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 781
|
| Posted: Dec 13 2007 at 3:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
lapazfarm wrote:
| Tina I am right there with you. I've only finished one of the 4 major giftmaking projects I have planned, and it isn't in the budget to just skip making them and buy the things already made. My advent wreath activities are a week behind schedule. Still don't have the Jesse tree up. And right now I am surrounded by craft stuff for making CGS presentations which I am 2 weeks behind on. Will I get them done? Who knows? |
|
|
Wow, I could have written your post. Word for word.
Ladies, all my love and prayers, we will get through this. 
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
folklaur
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2816
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 12:07am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I don't know why, but this thread is making me cry.
Ever since my dh had to relocate without us two weeks ago, I feel like I have gotten nothing done. I keep meaning to, I have all these plans (and supplies!), and nothing seems to actually get accomplished. And in my mind, you all are having these perfectly running Advent Seasons, full of peace, and here I am, totally stressed out, totally behind, and wondering why I can't just pull it all together, and what I am doing wrong.
But I guess I might be being a little hard on myself.
Thank you all very much for sharing a glimpse into your days, even the bad ones.
Does this make any sense?
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
graciefaith
Forum Pro
Joined: June 08 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 361
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 1:01am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Our advent is the same so you are not alone. My parents and bro spent Thanksgiving with us and left a week or so ago. I have a newborn as well too, which is why they visited us. It's been hard to get back to a routine, which i wasnt good at keeping to begin with. Wedn and Thurs we were at our old apt. cleaning up for inspection(we live on base) so we spent our days there rather than do any school. And today, i had to pick up my friends daughter from school b/c she had a stomach ache and they couldnt get a hold of my friend and i am the emergency contact so that was an interruption. It just seems like something always comes up.
__________________
Blessed wife and mom of 3 girls, Sept. '01, Dec. '02 and Oct. '07
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lapazfarm
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 21 2005
Location: Alaska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6082
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 7:39am | IP Logged
|
|
|
So here is the thing. Despite the fact that we are all a bit behind, disorganized, or surrounded by chaos, are we all at peace with it?
Can I look around at my less-than-perfect house, my less-than-perfect children, and my less-than-perfect life, and realize that it is all going according to a perfect plan?
Because believe it or not, it is. And that thought brings me comfort in my times of stress and worry. I may not be in control, but SOMEONE is!
Here's hoping we can all de-stress and enjoy the remainder of our advent together, no matter how cluttered and imperfect!
__________________
Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
trish
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 11 2007
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1538
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 7:55am | IP Logged
|
|
|
lapazfarm wrote:
So here is the thing. Despite the fact that we are all a bit behind, disorganized, or surrounded by chaos, are we all at peace with it?
Can I look around at my less-than-perfect house, my less-than-perfect children, and my less-than-perfect life, and realize that it is all going according to a perfect plan?
Because believe it or not, it is. And that thought brings me comfort in my times of stress and worry. I may not be in control, but SOMEONE is!
Here's hoping we can all de-stress and enjoy the remainder of our advent together, no matter how cluttered and imperfect! |
|
|
At this peaceful moment in our house (everyone is still sleeping) I couldn't agree with you more. We'll see how it goes in 2 hours when chaos will once again rear it's head 
I know we all have visions of what Advent is supposed to look like. SO many times it never turns out the way we'd hoped but we make it through. God is always with us guiding us through our trials. (However small or large they may be). And today is always a new day. We can start afresh and do our best. Isn't that what we are called to do?
Easy for me to say today especially after my yesterday! but that's another story. (Something about Thursdays)
__________________
~ Trish ~
Wife to Les
Mom to 8 Wonderful Kids
+AMDG+
Saintly Soaps
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Anne McD
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 21 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 499
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 8:13am | IP Logged
|
|
|
That was beautiful, Theresa-- I think you summed it up for all of us!
Laura, what a tough time of year to be away from your hubby! I'll send up and ave for you this morning. I feel the same way you do-- everyone else is doing these marvelous, enriching activities, and I'm just trying to get through the days! I was so proud of myself to start thinking about St. Lucy's feast day weeks ago, and yesterday completely caught me by surprise! I thougth I'd make up for it in the end by driving around after dinner and looking at all the lights in the neighborhood, but with all the discipline problems, it fell by the wayside. Of course, ds4 brought it up as we were heading to bed  . Maybe we'll get to it tonight.
Something a local priest always brings up this time of year is the idea of the "feast beast." Its that which distracts you from the true meaning of whatever holiday is coming-- flat tires (me too, trying to find a cheap Nativity set for the kids so they don't completly destroy ours!), colds, extra bickering between the kids, general bad attitude (seriously, I'm only talking about my self here!! ). Maybe its a gentle reminder to slow down, and just pray more? Hold our babies, and try to imagine Christ this tiny, and sweet? Imagine Mary, holding her only son, who is also God? Again, just thinking aloud here!
Now, I'm off to change my sweet baby into his thrid outfit this morning b/c he keeps poopin' through everything !
__________________
Anne
Wife to Jon
Mommy to Alex 9
James 8
Katie 6
William 3 1/2
Benedict Joseph 1
and baby on the way! 10/14
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CandaceC
Forum Pro
Joined: June 03 2007
Location: Tennessee
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 413
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 9:58am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Well, if you'd like a little laugh at our bad morning, you can read my blog entry for today. I was so grumpy I had to find something to laugh about!
__________________
Candace - wife to David since 2000...mommy to Hannah (Feb. 2002), Emily (April 2003) and Caleb (March 2005)
His Mercy Is New
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mimmyof5
Forum Pro
Joined: June 07 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 156
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 12:11pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
lapazfarm wrote:
| Still don't have the Jesse tree up. |
|
|
I have my Jesse Tree up - from LAST YEAR, partially completed! I remember looking at it last summer and thinking I might as well leave it as it would be a reminder for me to actually complete it this Advent. So far I haven't been successful.
Yesterday my brand new washing machine malfunctioned, and I was told they couldn't repair it until Dec. 27th!  This morning they delivered another brand new one which, thankfully, works. My dh was pulling socks out of the hamper this morning!
I'm trying to be thankful for this 'chaos' because it is such a clear reminder that I'm not in charge, and it is by God's grace that I make it through the day. On the bright side I have a library bag overflowing with Christmas books, a wide selection of Christmas teas and a warm fire my dh started for me this morning. No fancy unit studies or rabbit trails, just snuggling, reading and drinking tea. I didn't plan these simple Advent activities - mine were much more complicated - but God in His wisdom knows what's best.
Janet
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
KerryK
Forum Pro
Joined: June 30 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 265
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 1:28pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you so much, everyone, for sharing so honestly here. I have to admit that like Laura, I sometimes assume that all of you home schooling veterans and moms of many have this picture perfect advent thing going, and here I am with only three kids (and new to homeschooling) and many days I just feel like a mess!! It's hard to feel peace, but I do try. Car troubles, bad weather, illness, financial problems, all of these can really throw me for a loop if I let them.
Well it's back to knitting for me, because my handmade gifts aren't anywhere near done!!
__________________
Kerry
Mom to
Matthew (10)
Mary (6)
New baby Samuel 2/26/07!
and 9 angels in heaven
The Eyes of My Heart
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
lilac hill
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 643
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am warmed by these comment on *those* days. We all have them and sometimes their frequency overwhelms, especially me.
Thank you all for sharing so honestly.You are all such a supportive group.
DO you remember *those* days as a child. the crazier holidays? when cellars flooded or the moving van arrived on the 26th of December when the station wagon was broken and 6 children and 2 parents could fit in a VW bug to go to church, or when there was a blizzard that kept eveyone in for a few weeks and after your younger siblings were home (after the county was opened for a few hours) you ate the most inovative food from the bottom of the pantry? I am sure my mother was ready to pull her hair out and I know she was often exhausted but together it was an adventure for a not very adventurous mother.
I try to remember that *these* are the funny and formative childhood memories that my children will have to tell their children about. My girls will endure some of *those* days and since they intimately experienced them in my home, hopefully they will be able to share their difficulties with me in the future.
I know this thought does not get the laundry done or the car fixed but it helps me sometimes.
__________________
Viv
Wife to Rick (7/83), Mom to dd#1(6/87), dd#2(1/90), and dd#3(6/94) in central PA.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tina P.
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1638
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 2:07pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
So I made a double Lucy crown bread for yesterday. The second tier of the crown was touching the first (didn't realize it when I popped it in the oven) and by the time it had finished baking, it made a figure 8. Over lunch today, the kids are listening to Jim Weiss' Christmas Carol and Other Stories. Later, we'll read The Legend of the Poisettia (we were supposed to read that yesterday) and decorate the house with tissue paper poinsettias. Maybe we'll make each flower a few different colors and put them in the window ... ? Tomorrow, we'll read The Night of Las Posadas and the kids can re-enact it. Besides this, the Advent Calendar with Biblical passages that I picked up at Goodwill several years ago will suffice. We'll begin (now almost at the THIRD week of Advent) lighting our candles and carrying out our Advent wreath routine. We have to just let go of the Jesse Tree this year.
My laundry gets done, it's the putting-away part that takes the rest of the week to finish. Each child older than 8 is responsible for his own clothes. And I don't have a new baby or flat tires as excuses.
Am I at peace with the way things are? As far as Advent preparation, I can do no more at present. As far as cleaning in preparation for Christmas, oooh! I have to get off this computer and get to it!  I think if I concentrate on what I have to do, maybe room by room so it doesn't seem so overwhelming, I can accomplish much more than being overwhelmed by all I have to do.
Elizabeth, is Michael home now? Did you get that Latte? I'd have sent one, but I don't think it would have shipped well.
__________________
Tina, wife to one and mom to 9 + 3 in heaven
Mary's Muse
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Cay Gibson
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005
Location: Louisiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5193
|
| Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 2:54pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Elizabeth wrote:
| Instead, I keep giving out "fun cleaning ideas" while I wait on hold, mostly because idle kids are driving me nuts. And right now, I'd give my right arm for a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte. |
|
|
Oh, if only I had known I would have saved you a sip, Elizabeth. Can I join the harmony here?
Everyday I have looked at our Christmas chaos and sighed. None of it has been organized, crafty, gentle, peaceful, or relaxing. We've had two good school days in the past two weeks. Counting Thanksgiving holiday week and the upcoming Christmas vacation, my children have had no(will not have any) structured school at all. I must be  to be sharing that. I'm praying the truancy officer doesn't come after me.
In my defense, I've been counting 4-H meeting as science, Titanic exhibit as history, reading as language arts, etc. You get the idea. Do parties count for mandatory socialization? 
Anyway, I'm unloading here because today was the day I figured would side-sack me. Instead, I'm catching a breath. We had Little Flowers this morning and I promised three boys a lift to New Orleans tomorrow for the basketball game. Only to have my "check engine" light come on. If we take my dh's vehicle, I won't have enough seats. Girls could have ridden with Oma and Opa but Opa's cousin died Wed. so they left early this morning for New Orleans to go to the funeral before Saturday's game. So after Little Flowers I brought the vehicle in to have it checked on the computer.
Very minor repair needed next week but nothing that will stop us from going to the game. "Worse case scenerio?" I ask, hating the thought of having to tell other families that I can't drive their children and knowing that the rest of the team left early this morning so I'm their only ticket out of Dodge. "Worse case...it'll just run rough."
"But it'll get us home?"
"Oh, yes..." as he clears the "check engine" light.
So I figure we're good to go.
I still have party shopping this evening and a birthday cake to bake tonight. The house has to be cleaned pronto! I got delayed yesterday because my father-in-law fell at the nursing home and we had to go check on him.
I instructed one child to vacuum, one child to sweep and mop, and the small girls (and a friend) were told to dust while I ran to buy more gift wrap. We won't be home at all tomorrow so everything has to be done today because cousins and aunts and uncles and friends will all descend upon the house on Sunday morning...because it's the only day we'd be home to open our doors.
I stopped for cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream for the kids and a quick cup of White Chocoloate Peppermint Latte for myself...and it was yum  . Wish I could have treated you to one, Elizabeth. Really!
Then I raced home to find the vacuum operator on the computer and my two girls and their friend in the bathroom creating Christmas cookies-and-cream potion with my brand-new bottles of Christmas-scented soap which I had bought especially for Sunday morning when guests would be using the guest bathroom.
My bathroom had literally turned into a chemist lab (can I count that for science too??? ) and there were bowls and cups and spoons and open bottles all over the place. And green gook all over the countertop.
Where was I going with this? No clue.
I just know that we've done a lot this holiday but it has all been busy work, outside stuff. And, yes, my kids have enjoyed it. Have I enjoyed it? I do while I'm with friends but, in my head, my gentle, thoughtful, sparkly plans have not been put on the tree yet.
Perhaps I just need to focus that this is the way it is before Christmas...the hustle and bustle and anxiety before a baby is born. If I put my expectations before the reality, I'll be dissatisfied.
My time will come after Christmas Day when everyone and everything quietens down because now there is a baby in the house. And nothing brings a hush, a quietness, a stillness like a newborn baby. I am so looking forward the the King's arrival.
Thank you for listening, all. I feel better already.
__________________
Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: I'm having one of *those* weeks
