Hibernating!

Dylan has two new teeth!!

Alabama and Tia and their new cousin Hannah.

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.  About the reason we are alive!  What is our goal in life? Like my friend Iris said  If I only had 6 months to live, what would I find important?

I find we spend so much of our time on things that don't have value.  I rush around doing things, and neglect the really crucial things.  

I have already weeded out of my life many things that I felt weren't necessary in my life right now. Like, crafts, painting, most scrapbooking, and the list goes on.  But still I question if that is enough.  

Important things like putting God first in everything I do, tends to get pushed aside, I'll spend time with God later, when the work is done.  Things like, playing with the kids, listening to them, and really hearing there heart.  Just tonight, I had an opportunity to listen to Tia, because I took the time to be with her.  Just her.  All the others were sleeping or on their way to bed and she was begging to watch a movie with me.  I didn't want to, but I knew she was really crying for quality time with me.  So we did a few house hold chores before bed, getting the house presentable for morning.  Usually she goes to bed.  But as we cleaned up, side by side, her talking non stop she eventually poured out her heart to me.  Some boys at the pool have been making fun of her crooked teeth.  It was good for her and I to take the time to just talk about how to handle teasing like that.  

I've been reading the New Dare to discipline by James Dobson.  I'm learning so much.  I wish I had it 7 years ago!    

I know I need work on disciplining my kids.  It is such a learning experience being a mom.  

Anyway, I decided, since it is cold out anyway, and I have a baby, I 'm going to take 6 weeks to reevalute.  "fast" from any extra cirricular things.  I'm going to stay at home and focus on our family.  (Like I really go anywhere anyway!)  But I'm going to take the time to read some books about children.  I going to invest some time in the in's and outs of daily time management in our home.  I want to get home schooling ready for a new year.  We aren't on the regular school schedule.  Tia is getting ready to start grade 2 and Bama wants to learn to read!  

I was wondering if anyone out there has some advice on raising four young ones and home schooling.  Plus trying to get fit and eat healthy.  Life feels a bit overwhelming at times.

I know I need to relax....But when I relax, I feel like I'm being lazy.  I get lazy.  I guess there is a balance.  

Anyway, I feel like I'm just babbling, so I 'll quit!  I'd love to hear from anyone who has some suggestions.