After {Mindful Mothering Mondays}

Christmas has come and gone, as has the family that came to spend it with us.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Everyone feels blessed and happy. Oh, it wasn't perfect.  There were moments of chaffing, as there always are, and a few tired and over sugared kids needed a break now and then.  I didn't get a picture of the whole family, or even most of my individual kids. But you know, I lived inside those moments instead and I'm thinking that is just enough.

Since we don't really do anything for New Years, I considered beginning school this week.  We took a week earlier than I had planned due to illness, so it has been a while.  But last night, after the last bit of Christmas celebrating drew to a close, I knew I needed this week.  Being a Mama at Christmas, no matter how small the celebration is, can be exhausting.  And I am plumb exhausted.  I need this week "after" to rest up before launching back into life.  And, after all, it's still Christmas.  The 6th day, I believe.

So today our celebration sees us in jammies all day, eating leftovers and watching movies.  Putting together new puzzles.  Playing Battleship and "Don't Break the Ice!"  Making a million bracelets on the two Rainbow Looms we got for Christmas (and trying to keep all of those little choking-hazard rubberbands out of Rosie's mouth).  Reading new books.  Neglecting the mountain of laundry that has been growing all week for just one more day.  I have hopes and plans to do a massive dejunking overhaul to kick off the New Year, but that can wait.  Needs to wait.  For just one more day.

So that dried out tree is staying up, shedding needles every time someone walks by.  Kids are noshing on chocolate from stockings.  And I'm buried beneath my people on the couch in a room filled (still) with Christmas chaos.  It feels good to just catch my breath and take a few moments to think about what has been and what is ahead.  And enjoy just this moment.

{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes.  A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life.  A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now. 

You might post recent struggles or thoughts.  Maybe just a picture or a quote.  Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post.  Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together.  Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.

I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.

I hope you'll meet with me each Monday!  Here's what to do ~

Link up your post below.  Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us!  And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.

Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!

Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!

Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter.  This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}

Grab the graphic here:

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to future posts.  Thank you.