February 05, 2011

Maternity Leave



A homeschooling mother really gets no 'breaks'... even when the kids aren't 'doing school'. Even if mama isn't off duty, there are moments in life when you just have to let go and watch God's footprints as He carries you through.

Have you ever read the 'Footprints' story? I used to tote it around on a bookmark in my Bible as a kid. It made a big impression on me; the image of a God big enough (and one who loved me enough) to carry me through the hard spots in life.

Adding number four has not been an easy ride - but my heart is so full of JOY (there's my word for this year)... and I know that once the kinks are ironed out in a way only God can orchestrate, that we'll be right as rain.

While I watch the footprints and focus on the important little details, you'll probably see less of me. I won't be entirely gone... just refocusing and adjusting. For a while.

I can't wait to see what God is doing in our family this year... and I'm sure that claiming the Joy of 2011 is all a part of His plan. It has already started, and it's barely in to February. My heart is open and full of gratitude.



Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
~ Psalm 34:8

23 comments:

  1. Hooray! Congratulations to you all! And good job, Mama :) JOY!

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  2. Congratulations, Heather, on that sweet new baby! Enjoy your babymoon :-)

    Blessings,
    Tammy ~@~

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  3. I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart! And sometimes you even get to hold joy in your arms. :)

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  4. Heather, Congrats! A blessing from above!


    Melissa

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  5. LOVE these pics of his adorable little self! Praying for you dear friend, and so thankful for how you and your family have been blessed! What pure JOY!

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  6. I am so happy for you and your family. What a beautiful new addition, God Bless you Heather.
    ~Lori

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  7. Heather, I am a silent follower of your blog and truly rejoicing with you and your new bundle of Joy! We are in prayer as you re-settle into life as a family of six. God Bless!

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  8. These sweet pics give me chills! (and now Marsha has me singing that song) :)

    Praying for a smooth transition for all involved in experiencing the new little JOY in your home - You, my dear, are a JOY to so many of us!

    xo

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  9. SO cute!!!!! Have a JOY filled year!!!

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  10. Him's so sweet. He looks like a Bee. We'll be over to meet him once we're all better.

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  11. he's beautiful! congratulations.

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  12. Congrats again Heather!

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  13. Wow, he's strikingly beautiful. He looks so content - almost like he has a smile on his face! Many congrats and blessings to you!

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  14. What precious pictures! Take all the time you need, those newborn moments don't last long. Congratulations!

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  15. Beautiful, Heather!! Enjoy your new baby and your year :-)

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  16. Congratulations & what a beautiful little blessing!

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  17. Heather, congratulations on the new blessing! You NEED to take a break. Don't feel guilty for not blogging. The Lord leads where we should follow. We must put Him and family first. Take care!

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  18. Beautiful boy--I cannot believe how much he already looks like his brothers! Congratulations and rest in your joy. ~K

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  19. You are so right - we mommas don't get any breaks. Congrats on your new baby! We have just adopted from Ethiopia and I am pregnant again...#6. I have read by far one of the best books of the century: The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. Sally has helped me so much in the reminder of laying my life down for my children like Jesus when asked for another piece of toast or putting on shoes or changing another diaper...just doing mommy things. She also has written books about homeschooling. I hope you will be able to pick up one of her books when you are not busy doing mommy things - haha - easier said than done. Enjoy your sweet new baby!

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  20. Nice Article .
    http://mzhuanda.blogspot.com/

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  21. SOoooo precious! Congratulations! And enjoy every moment of that maternity leave!

    ~Lisa-Jo

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