Hello?

Hi there, me again!  I know it has been awhile, but I hope you are still there!

We arrived home late Tuesday night from our trip to visit family in Northern Virginia.  While there, the entire family fell victim to a relentless stomach bug.  Here, home in Michigan, we're still recovering, and I'm doing my best to disinfect and come to some semblance of order before we fully emerge back into "real life" come Monday.

During that long drive home with frequent stops to rest, hold each one of my little ones, whisper reassurances and tuck back into car seats again, I formulated a plan for this new year.  One that sees me more present in my own daily life, less distracted, more intentional.  Nursing my little Peter in the front seat during one stop, my eyes filled when I realized how many times I've made this journey with little ones.  5 babies, nursing and playing in between long stretches of highway.  Like these cars zooming along, my life is flying by.  My time here, holding a precious person who has a special smile for me who is just testing out his skills at saying "Mama," this time is moving quickly on.  If I blink, I'll miss it.  This year, I'm focusing on being truly present. 

With the rest of regular life, I'm attempting to kick this off Monday.  It may take me a while to get the hang of it, but the general gist of it is that I'd like to remove myself as much as possible from the internet during the waking hours of my children.  I hope to keep this blog updated as much as possible in the evening hours, and keep my days focused where they need to be - on these little people who need me so much, if only for these few, fast moving days.

I hope all of you enjoyed a blessed, restful holiday season.  Stay tuned for projects and ideas come Monday!