Being Me

God has given me the precious opportunity to be present at home.  Where I used to give my best to others in my full time job, I now give my all to my husband and children at home.

Being a daughter of God.  I continue to learn and grow in my understanding of what it means to know, love, be loved, and to follow Him.

Being a wife.  Specifically, my husband's wife.  Not any other definition of wife other than God's and his.  I research and teach myself to understand as much as I can about his health and how it specifically affects him.  I ask him questions, offer my thoughts and constantly challenge myself with seeking to serve him in the best way possible where I am a help and not a hinderance.  We discuss decisions concerning everything:  our time, our children, our home, our relationship, etc.  The more we can be on the same page, the better I can serve our home and family.

Being a mother.  My children's mother.  Each one of our four has unique needs and personality.  I strive to reach them on an individual level as well as finding routines and habits that serve our family as a whole.  A lot of my energy goes into daily interactions, assessments of circumstances and analyzing the best course of action.  It is a constant balancing act and requires a present and alert mind to interpret and meet a day's variety of needs.  

Being a care giver/home manager.  I have many varying responsibilities and due to my husband's health limitations, the majority of  these are mine to accomplish.  

House work, home maintenance, menu planning, cooking (balanced, healthy meals), gardening, food prep, nutritional needs of each family member, doctor appointments, dental appointments, nutritionist appointments, caring for the dog, balancing enough playtime with giving the children responsibilities, shopping and staying with in budget, the amount of time I am gone (because that creates a burden on my children when my hubby is at work or struggling with his health, even to the point of when to care for my personal needs), etc.

Educating our children.  Choosing curriculum, developing curriculum and lesson planning, assessing individual needs and group needs  A variety of ages, learning styles, and developmental ability makes this one very challenging.  All to be done within a budget and the time constraints of a schedule that works for all of us.  Being flexible is key.  To be able to go with the flow and meet the needs of the children in a given day and not being stuck in my plans.  Having a plan gives me tools.  With flexibility, I have the power to make or break the day's opportune learning moments.

It is often overwhelming and always rewarding.  And I'm always considering more...swim lessons, mom groups, homeschool play dates, etc.  As if my plate isn't full.  It is full, but with room to be flexible and focus on the areas that need the most attention, and sometimes that is taking time for myself or others! :)