Comments on Raising Five: In a rut?

Oh....So good to "catch up" with you. I...

2010-03-26T16:41:31.634-05:00

Oh....So good to "catch up" with you. I've missed your posts, they feel a bit like we've just sat down at the clutter-covered kitchen table for a visit over coffee. :) Thanks for your encoragement and honesty.

Best way for me to get out of that rut, it's hard, but to do something unexpected and kind for somebody else. Once I get going, I get excited and the joy rewards are so filling.

Hugs to you Katherine! Glad you're back. You've been missed. :)

I recently read somewhere, "What will it (any...

2010-03-22T14:46:58.992-05:00

I recently read somewhere, "What will it (any given situation) matter in 10 seconds? 10 minutes? 10 years?" I'm on the back side of parenting and only have a few more years of kids living in the home. I want to address the issues that will have importance in 10 years and quit stressing over the 10 second/minute issues. This has given me a new perspective for the home stretch.

As usual Katherine you leave me teary-eyed. I nee...

2010-03-22T13:10:52.742-05:00

As usual Katherine you leave me teary-eyed. I needed the reminder of how fast the years go. Right now w/ the kids ages 12, 11, 8, 6 and 2 I sometimes feel overworked, overwhelmed and under-appreciated. Life is just flying by and I don't want to just "get through" each day. Our pastor reminded us of what it means to be a servant yesterday. I pray to be more of a servant.

To get out of a rut (of which I can get into verrrry easily)...hmmm. I'd say, journaling, taking a walk, change up the routine w/ something fun for everyone, or do something to help someone outside of our own family.

Great to "see" you back. I have really missed you.

Ruttness is no fun,neither is being Rutterless. Be...

2010-03-22T11:51:14.704-05:00

Ruttness is no fun,neither is being Rutterless.
Being an 'old' first-time mom w/very active preschooler, I find really need my quiet time with God!
A time to ask for 'fresh eyes' to see what is truly important and my child's precious character is being formed.
With Christ I can do all things, no matter how 'hard'.
Sometimes I am reminded of old hymns i.e. It Is Well With My Soul, When I Survey the Wonderous Cross, etc...now, THOSE bring perspective!
Even though some days leave me feeling sure that I am closer to being totally bald, i.e. pulling out my hair in frustration, I am reminded....
Our life here is but a teeny tiny blip on the timeline of Eternity, and it reminds me that my child is a Gift from God. Our time together is so very short, so very precious. Never to be repeated.

I'm glad you're back to blogging! I'v...

2010-03-17T22:08:48.167-05:00

I'm glad you're back to blogging! I've been jumping around, reading all sorts of your posts and I needed it! I had three within 15 months (and an older one!) - they're 1, 2, 2, and 7 right now, but I would definitely call the past couple of years "the dark years". Thanks for the encouragement... even the encouragement that actually came a year or so ago. Also, I was quite interested in your potty-training tips, so thank you for sharing. :)

So glad to see you posted again. I don't comm...

2010-03-16T23:19:17.302-05:00

So glad to see you posted again. I don't comment much but I sure do enjoy your words of wisdom. They are always timely and relevant. Thank you for sharing! Definitely have found myself in a mom rut before. I do many of the things you mentioned...read journals (and add to them), find something interesting outside of laundry and dishes (online scrapbooking class?), and pray. I don't want to look back and wish I would've _______ (fill in the blank). I want God's perspective and purpose...reading Ecclessiates is helpful too. A season for everything and to enjoy one's life is the greatest gift...good truths. Thanks Katherine...you've been missed.

Thank you so much for this blog post. I felt I wa...

2010-03-16T21:41:53.127-05:00

Thank you so much for this blog post. I felt I was the only one. I really find my release lately in blogging and most days I feel very discouraged. Its good to be reminded to slow down and enjoy these innocent sweet days of discovery and molding of the two precious gifts God has entrusted me to take care of on earth.

YAY!!! YOu're back!!!!

2010-03-16T19:26:03.065-05:00

YAY!!! YOu're back!!!!

ah, you're back! I love love LOVE your posts....

2010-03-15T10:01:41.723-05:00

ah, you're back! I love love LOVE your posts...and I agree, it does fly by. My eldest is nearly 9, and I'm trying hard to take every opportunity she gives to hold and be tender with her - I know these days are fleeting.

My recharging moments are a bit few and far between, but on those rare weekend nights that the house is totally clean and the kiddos (all 4) are asleep - I take a bath, paint my nails, read a book. This may happen only once a month, but that stillness is pricelsss!

I check in here from time to time and I'm so h...

2010-03-14T19:09:21.261-05:00

I check in here from time to time and I'm so happy you had a chance to post!

As for what I do when I'm in a rut... (I have 3 ages 8, 5, & 3 and we're expecting #4) reading a book in my bedroom with the door shut is how I manage to recharge. Right now life seems pretty much settled into a massive rut but that's OK. It's only for a season.

Thank you so much for this, Katherine. You know I...

2010-03-13T11:07:41.872-06:00

Thank you so much for this, Katherine. You know I needed it! :)
-Melissa

Oh Katherine....I am so happy to "see" y...

2010-03-12T22:15:01.483-06:00

Oh Katherine....I am so happy to "see" you again. Things are so crazy at my house right now...4 kids 12 to 3...there's so much going on that next week I'm closing down for spring break. Literally, no one is doing anything. We are going to pretend like we're on vacation and just spend time together alone. I honestly never knew you could run in so many different directions at the same time. So we're breaking.....from the phone, practices, church, friends, etc. We'll see if we break the rut! So glad to read your post...have missed you unbelievably! Thanks so the encouragement!

Best advice I can give is to change something, and...

2010-03-12T19:29:37.353-06:00

Best advice I can give is to change something, and change it hard ... no matter what it is, it will cause each and every one of your kids to react in new and interesting ways.

In the past, we've moved 600 miles, we've opened, and subsequently closed a shop. We're now fostering, and looking at doing it again. My mother used to re-arrange the whole house! It doesn't matter what, exactly, the change is as long as it's significant. I find that watching my kids react and adapt provides me with tremendous energy. It reminds me of what I got into this game for!

Always love your wisdom and encouragement.:)..than...

2010-03-12T08:32:17.619-06:00

Always love your wisdom and encouragement.:)..thanks.

I try to have a novel I'm reading and either go our for coffee...by myself and let Daddy watch our girls, or I get in the bath once they are all in bed and read:).

First of all...I was just thinking about you this ...

2010-03-12T07:40:28.629-06:00

First of all...I was just thinking about you this morning! So glad to see a post from you!
Hmmm, the mom rut, I'm in one now and I think it may be my first big one. I'm finding myself bored and spacing out a lot. Almost like a mom-ADHD. I'm finding it so hard to concentrate and any "kid-stuff". I'm going to try looking back through photos, lots of prayer and maybe start journaling too. Great and timely post!

Moving? It's just what came to mind since we m...

2010-03-12T07:20:23.560-06:00

Moving? It's just what came to mind since we move so much as a military family. :) Great thoughts here. Thanks for taking the time to write it down for us!