If you read the posts on Monday from Jessi, Casey, and I, it may appear that we have it all together (and are mostly crazy). The first is false and the latter is likely true. ;)
It was super important for me to be able to come back and tell you some of the “takeaways” from sharing a routine day.
1. Every day is different. I don’t shoot for balance in a 24 hour period. Some days are wild and some are sweet. The one thing that is consistent? They are never the same. We simply aren’t in a season of super scheduled routine.
2. Heap grace upon grace on others. See others as more valuable that yourself, assume the best in others, and definitely assume you don’t know the whole story. It’s hard to forge real relationships with people online, and it takes time to draw someone out.
3. Know your rhythm. I know that, in my marriage, my husband loves a lot of time spent together. That means that I can’t be tip-tapping on my keyboard after the kids go to bed. Too many nights like that and we’re at odds without really even knowing why.
4. There are seasons. If this one stinks, it won’t be long before a new season blows in. If this one is lovely, don’t mourn for too long when it’s through–you might miss the beauty in the next season.
5. Independent kids are a good thing. Empowering my kids to get dressed on their own, pour their own cereal, etc. makes my life doable. I have always rejoiced in the small things the boys learn to do themselves (buckling themselves in their carseat!, tying their shoes!, taking their plates to the sink!). Give them plenty of room and time to try, and give them loads of grace and encouragement when they fail. Encourage them to try it again the very next time. Remind them that they are learning, and it’s part of the process to make mistakes.
6. Have a few “static” pieces to your week. I am not a routine person in the slightest little bit. But, I like to have a few guideposts in my week that create a rhythm. Grocery shop Monday morning, Network meetings Thursday night, Small Group Friday night…these things give me a place to hang my hat in anticipation when a week gets hairy.
7. Learn to work with your nature. Sure, you can change a lot about yourself. BUT, a lot of that stuff is good…you just have to learn to leverage your personality. Don’t like routine? Don’t try to shove your self into a schedule. Don’t love the chaos of a lot of noise? Don’t spend the last hour before your husband gets home at the YMCA. Learn what works for you and what doesn’t. Do more of what does work rather than try so hard to change what doesn’t.
And that leads me to #8.
8. Know your limits. For those that don’t know, Mr. #4 is trying to make an early appearance. I went into preterm labor last Wednesday at 33 weeks with contractions every 2 minutes. Luckily, in Labor and Delivery, they were able to majorly slow the contractions and my water never broke. So, since then I’ve been on “best you can manage with 3 boys bedrest”. I’ve hit my limit. My body is telling me to sloooooow down and finish my job of cooking Little Guy well. I have to remain on meds and bedrest until the day before Christmas…and then I want to enjoy Christmas and await our last little guy. To do that, I need to take a breather from Tiny Twig for a bit. I may post intermittently, but there will be no super planned series or huge posts until at least Mid January. This is my last time having a new baby (unless God has other crazy plans) and I want to do it right.
So, I’m instituting a blog semi-hiatus, will not be around Twitter a whole lot, and email will have an auto-responder. I’ll be on Instagram in case you want to catch up with me there. Of course, I’ll update when Mr. New Man arrives…but other than that I’m not promising anything. I need to rest in the quiet of Advent for a bit. Calm and peace are the balm I need.
Giveaways:
Don’t forget to enter the Merriest Christmas giveaway, ending this evening!
Also, because we’re talking about our days and the New Year is coming up–I spoke with Whitney English from The Day Designer and she’s giving away one of her beautiful planners. Y’all. This planner is amazing! If you don’t win this one, I would highly recommend buying one!
