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I've been so behind on laundry, organizing, and generally everything since baby #4 arrived. We rearranged and I have tons of books everywhere and our school stuff is so disorganized! Then every time I start a task, I'm interrupted by one child or another, or it's time to nurse again! So, I was feeling pretty awful...then bad weather came our way. DH is usually gone all weekend except for church and most of the week studying, in lecture, or at clinicals. WELLLLLL...ice and sleet and snow hit us and DH was stuck at home with us. SOOO...HE did ALL the laundry, has cooked some freezer meals, done some dishes, and even took the kids out and pulled them around in the ice and snow!! I've been dealing mostly with the kids and nursing and putting away some laundry. But, I realized I'm not that bad at housekeeping, I just can't ever start and finish something for all the unexpected kid stuff. And they would have been stuck inside if not for dad being home, b/c I coudln't take them out with the new baby. It was a huge help and a huge confidence booster. I really am working all day even though I don't have much to show for it...LOL.

And the biggest thing now, is I get to spend today organizing our books and getting ready to start Bigger tomorrow!! Thanks to God for the weather and for my DH being such an unexpected helper

So, my decision: I own BHFHG and I have no money to get anything else. I no longer have the LHFHG guide...a friend needed it and I wasn't using it. So, I'm going to start DD8 with Bigger, even though she could do Preparing...she's right on the line and I'd rather add in than have to water down or skip. Plus we're keeping her in 3rd grade come fall. DS6 will cont' his math and phonics and listen in with DD8. DS3 will do LHTH ....start this FIRST so I can have a happy toddler. I feel so excited!

Well, I cannot believe it Tamara, but you have given me good reason to be glad for the SNOW! This is no small thing in the dead of winter in SD, so you know how happy I am for you! I'm so glad to hear you were given some time to refresh and dh was able to be home to help out. BTW - whatta man! He gets the gold star husband award this week, I do believe. I will pray for your plan to go well, but just promise to give yourself some grace as you begin, as it will feel like a lot the first while I am sure. Just keep plugging away at it, and soon it will be your new normal. Said a prayer for you, hon'!

In Christ,
Julie

Thanks Julie! He does deserve a gold star, doesn't he!? LOL Ice is off the roads so after HE MADE LUNCH (and enough for dinner leftovers! ) he went to go study. But, not before helping me get my maps up on the wall where DS3 can't pull them down, helping me move some shelves so I could get school stuff set up, and agreeing the dining room can start looking more like the school room it is...meaning I can put stuff on the walls now and really make it feel fun instead of a "formal dining area". Hehehe.

Anyway, I'm just so thrilled! I'm praying I can get to bed and rest soundly so I can wake early and get started on my day. My goals this week (someone hold me accountable! LOL)
1.wake early, shower, have time in my devotionals while I nurse the baby (one is from HOD and the other is Women of the Bible, both quick!)
2.Wii Fit with the kids and LHTH with DS3 each morning
3. Math and Grammar with DD8 and Math and Phonics with DS6 each day
4. Add in a box of Bigger here and there as we're able (to ease into it working up to half speed, then full in the coming month or two-- enough grace Julie? )
5. Limit my time online to 2 short sessions while the kids are up (maybe one before they wake, and one while I nurse)

Does this sound reasonable?

I do think your plan sounds good Tamara. It sounds like you are working toward getting in the things you want to and prioritizing some goals, which is always a personal thing that no one else can really definitely say whether it's right or not. Since you are the only person who can put all the different goals and needs of your life together, you will definitely be able to make a more informed list of goals than I could ever give you. The only thing I'd do differently is move #4 up the list more. I'd probably put the Wii Fit pretty low on the list, BUT that's why I'm out of shape! So, you will know best! I'm just thinking the more you can ease into doing Bigger Hearts, the more of it you will get done, and the better you will feel, so that's something to keep in mind. BUT, as I said you definitely know your goals the best, so you can feel so good about making an action plan and moving on with it, Tamara. I will continue to pray for you, but I know you can do this!

In Christ,
Julie

I'm so glad your hubby was able to help you get caught up. I know what a huge help that can be for me! And, I know that for me, if I can take a day to get completely caught up it's easier to stay on top of things.