Joy in the Whirlwind

What a rollercoaster ride this past year has been for our little family! In July of 2021, we took the plunge and decided to embark on a 7-month family adventure in Florida. Blame it on Covid, or thank it, because for the first time in years, my husband was working 100% remotely, making the timing work out just right. Admittedly, the move felt more like it was "for my husband," but I was on board with it, feeling a sense of peace.

Fast forward to March 2023, and we decided to make Florida our home for a bit longer. It was an emotional journey—being away from family is tough, but there was a relief in finally making a decision. Living in limbo for over a year was challenging; our families kept asking about our plans, and truthfully, we just didn't know. But now, we do. In May 2023, we bought a fixer-upper with dreams of a future flip!

We packed up our rental, left Florida, and headed back home to Maryland from July to December 1. Originally planning for a few weeks, we found ourselves living out of suitcases for months. While it was great to be with family and escape the Florida heat, routine became a distant memory.

In December, we found ourselves in our new home, which was far from finished. Boxes were everywhere, Christmas was around the corner, family visits were scheduled, and there was a neglected acre yard demanding attention. Oh, and did I mention homeschooling the kids, trying to be a kind and gracious parent, a fabulous wife, homemaker, visiting with friends we haven't seen in months, and avoiding a meltdown? It was a lot, and the expectations, well, I put those on myself.

In the midst of this chaos, here are some survival tips:

Jesus Time:

Start your day with a moment of calm. Whether it's reading a quick devotional, praying in the shower, or having worship music on, make time for spiritual grounding. I Am currently reading “Upon Waking” by JHP and really enjoying it. Mom Heart Moments by Sally Clarkson is my all time favorite devotional.

Rest is Essential:

Despite the racing mind and chaos, try to rest. A quick nap, an early bedtime, or even sleeping in when you can – mamas need their sleep!

Apologize and Communicate:

Chaos can bring out the worst in us. If you find yourself short-tempered, apologize to your kids and spouse. Let them know what you're feeling; it helps create understanding. Even let your kids know how you are feeling- it helps them learn that it's okay to communicate your feelings even when your feelings aren't warm and fuzzy. Apologizing to them also reminds them that you are in fact human & apologizing is important. 

Accept Help and Take Breaks:

Recognize when you need a break. If your husband  offers some "me time," take it. It might feel selfish (it’s not but, ya know - mom guilt), but it's necessary for you to be at your best. I usually go get a manicure, grab lunch with a friend or just go grab a coffee at my favorite local coffee shop. 

Seek Encouragement:

If you don't have a close friend or group of friends, I pray you find a sister in Christ that can help you along the journey.  Life is hard, life can really suck and it is so hard to go through that without a close friend or a close few to lean on. I am so thankful for the INCREDIBLE women the Lord has put in my life! 

In the midst of chaos, turn to sources of encouragement. Whether it's podcasts, books, or talks that remind you of your purpose and the beauty of motherhood, keep them on deck for those challenging moments. My go to podcast for biblical, motherhood & homeschooling encouragement is Life with Sally with Sally Clarkson.  1000 hours outside is also a go to! These podcast remind us why we live for Jesus, speak life over our kiddos, keep them home with us & make sure they play outside more than they watch tv. They keep us on that wild path we have chosen on the days that feel just a bit too hard. 

Remember, you're not alone in navigating this chaos, and taking care of yourself is key to taking care of others. Here's to finding joy in the midst of the whirlwind! 

🌪️💖 #ChaosSurvival #HomeschoolMomLife #FamilyAdventure