Hey there! I’m Barb of A Life in Balance (http://alifeinbalance.net/), a mom of 5 kids who writes about being a mom, real food, frugality, and healthy living. I’m posting on Rachee’s blog today as part of a fun blog swing put together by some Philly blogger moms.
When I started blogging in 2007 at my old blog, My Daily Round, I had an 11 year old boy whom I was homeschooling, plus a 4 year old son and 2 year old son. My life was pretty full, and it was about to get fuller with the addition of my daughter and my last son. So much fuller that I ended up putting my oldest into Catholic school, and then putting my other children through Catholic school.
This fall, I come full circle with only 1 child, my 3 year old, left at home. We’ll both be adjusting to the change and quiet. Normally surrounded by playmates, my 3 year old has always been part of everything and into everything. My favorite story about Meatball (his nickname) is when he stacked 2 chairs together and climbed on top of them to get to the latch at the top of the pantry door, at the age of 2. The kid is amazing.
At the same time, my oldest son is starting high school and will be leaving for college in only 4 short years. A gifted writer, I can see him pursuing an English or History degree and getting inspired by the self-publishing possibilities available online. Or maybe he’ll become a scholar and study the history of the Crusades, his current interest.
As a mom for 15 years already, I’m adjusting myself to the doors opening up as I leave the toddler and preschool years in just two short years. Financially our family doesn’t need me to return to work, nor do I want to. I tried a home based business for a year, and found that it wasn’t a good fit for me in a number of ways. However, I do like being my own boss and having the flexibility of organizing my schedule in order to volunteer at my children’s school and continue writing my blog.
My favorite mantra as I transition into a new season of motherhood comes from Gary Burke: I will not allow challenges to become excuses.
r’s note: I am so glad you met Barbara. I am guest blogging on Jamie’s blog, Of Politics, Sports and Sex today. I hope you see me there! 🙂
Hi Barbara!
First, thanks for posting here!
Second, great post! I took from this that although chabge comes, it needs not be bad or negative merely it is a change that is happening and one must adapt to it.
I enjoyed your post and am glad that you ‘swung’ with me!
-r
What a fabulous quote, useful just about every day. Thanks for the guest post, Barb!
“I will not allow my challenges to become excuses.” I like that. I have a semi-large family too, with 4 kids. My oldest are twins, and they’re going to 5th grade this school year. I can’t believe how fast time has passed. Then I look at our youngest, who is going to Kindergarten this year. The space between her and the twins seems shorter everyday.
still cracking up that your son;s nickname is Meatball! too cute!
What a neat experience “Meatball” will get in the fall: some one-on-one time with Mom. Maybe he can show you some climbing tricks! 🙂
Hey Rachee! Thanks for letting me guest post today! I’m off to read yours in the blog swing.
I hope you enjoy this new quiet and special time with your lil meatball, of course, I don’t know how quiet things can ever be with a 3 year old. 😉
LOL Especially not with this 3 year old! He NEVER stops talking, or making noises. Just like one of his older brothers!
LOL Especially not with this 3 year old! He NEVER stops talking, or making noises. Just like one of his older brothers!
still cracking up that your son;s nickname is Meatball! too cute!
I hope you enjoy this new quiet and special time with your lil meatball, of course, I don’t know how quiet things can ever be with a 3 year old. 😉