April ~ Here we go!

As I sat down to plan the month of April, I knew we were facing a very busy month. However, I must admit that I was a bit surprised and panicked to find 55 events/appointments on the calendar! There are only 30 days in the month, after all.  There is only one day with no plans in the whole month. Some of the events are really special. Three birthdays, Easter, family coming for a visit, some field trips and the last day of this school year all happen in this month. There is also another 8 consecutive day loop of Tomatis therapy, numerous doctor appointments and the kids' classes. Yep, we are going to be really busy....

There are a lot of thoughts floating around in my head ~ finding balance, margin, priorities, homeschooling around the edges of life, child training,  building in downtimes, and how are we going to eat homemade meals every day?! But, the most important thing I want to achieve this month is keeping the JOY in our days. I want to remember what is really important.

Like taking walks and spending time with my family...
We have so much to be thankful for!

But, to keep JOY and PEACE in our days, there needs to be planning and preparedness.

The girls and I made enough homemade laundry detergent for the next 2 months.  We also made and froze six batches of gluten-free pancakes, gluten-free blueberry peach crisp, and gluten-free banana bread We also organized a menu plan. The boys (who are often in the kitchen) wanted to be outdoors on this warm day. They put away all of the winter sleds and gear and cleaned out the van. Cleaning the van was a BIG job! It was a mess. However, now that we have given up fast food (except for cold iced tea now and again), the van should stay cleaner.

I also need a bit of a reality check. A little reminder to me, so to speak.

A stack of papers on the table or the seemingly endless pile of laundry waiting to be folded is not what my children will remember when they are grown. What they will remember is Mommy greeting them with a smile on her face each morning, that Mommy was overjoyed to receive their little notes and artwork, that Mommy had time to listen to them and read to them.  So, I hope I can stay focused on getting through these very busy times with as much joy as possible and give a blind eye to the balls that will fall out of my juggling act. The important things will get done. I am so blessed to be home with my children and to have the energy and health to take care of them.

Blessings, Dawn