Perhaps this post will cause your eyes to roll, or maybe you can find some “comfort” in knowing that these types of days DO exist , and you may not be feeling so alone.

It occurred to me as I was on the way to an unexpected visit to the Dr. with a sick baby… that this was the day I “had intended,”  to stay home ALL day.

A day with no errands, where I can choose to wear those sweat pants that fit so comfortably, and my hair, make-up, and over- all presence didn’t require ANY attention.

A day, where we home school wholeheartedly all day.. reading, singing, and cuddling.

No distractions, appointments, or fuss.

This was that day.

And there I was… out – in public.. not planned… and yes… you guessed it..

In THOSE sweatpants, no make-up, an over-sized ultra- comfortable cardgian, and a big knit hat to cover my no fuss hair.

And might I add, a few tears from a stressful afternoon, to add to the puffy face that screamed.. “I am tired.”

I looked down at the baby that I had to get to the Dr.. and.. yes…

Two… Mis-matched socks.  To help... The nurse laughs with me..

And says…“I hear that is the style these days.”  She smiles.  Encouragingly.

She knows a tired mom when she sees one.

As I drove to the Dr. I pondered over moms  that read my blog, those that send me e-mails  and those that I meet …that seem to think that..Some Moms have it “all-together.”

HA!

I was thinking,,,

I wish,,, Right Now... I sooo wish that I could run into some of those that read my blog, that send me messages, and let them see that THIS is what my life is like…

In the heart-beat of my days.

In the purposeful moments.

In the days where I really “have it together.”

My family that is. 

To me- to “Have it all Together,”…. is this…

Cuddling, reading, singing, teaching, nurturing, and being a help-meet.

This is My “Together.”

Some days,,,, I have errands, appointments, meetings, music lessons, and more.

I DO enjoy dressing up, I DO enjoy the fellowship outside of my home,

I Do enjoy quiet time to write, and I to enjoy going to exercise.

But, the times that I find the most joy and contentment, I am being a mom- wholeheartedly.

Returning Home, shifting the car into park.. and sighing a deep breath before I enter the zone of teaching, nurturing and noise..

I get this little text- message… from my daughter inside…

“Don’t worry Mom,,, I made dinner while you were gone.  Lasagna, Salad, French Bread, Green Beans, and Fudge Brownies.”

My head rest back on the seat, and the tears flow freely now. 

Thank you Lord… for this family that Keeps ME Together.

So, when others see me out and about, un-touched by the vanity in the mirror, or the cares of the world etched on my forehead, they may know then.. that those are the moments when life is so real- and the Lord has brought me to a good place.

What does it mean to you  to…. ” Have It All Together?”

 

As a mother to 7 Daughters and 3 Sons, I have been greatly challenged as a Woman in Christ,  as my example and role in raising girls.

Not realizing all that marriage would entail, let alone motherhood, I found the discovery of managing  my home and then parenting was a lot bigger job, and more importantly  – a bigger responsibility than I expected.

 

To read more of this Post-

Visit here  - Where I have a Guest Post today:

The MODsquad Blog exists to encourage and inspire moms to raise daughters with purity, character, and hearts for God.

]]> http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2012/01/are-you-raising-daughters/feed/ 3 http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2012/01/are-you-raising-daughters/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OneSeptemberDay/~3/2TujKQAPGDs/ http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2012/01/in-the-side-lines-you-will-be-heard/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:14:33 +0000 September http://www.septembermccarthy.com/?p=898

Do you hear that?

It is a humming and drumming of voices and noises- and they tend to blend together.. where you can barely hear the voice behind it any more.

This is my life – Chattering Children, Cell-Phone’s ringing, baby monitor is buzzing, grocery store check-outs, baby fussing, instruments practicing,  tap shoes on a hard wood floor, and there is no hush.

When there is silence, my ears ring.  They almost hurt.

It would be different if I was attending a Sports Event and had a set of ear-plugs for the occasion- but that would be silly here at home.

Why- The children wouldn’t know what 2 + 2 =, or the baby would be crying for me, and I wouldn’t know.  No ear plugs.

The noise I hear is just a part of what noise belongs in my life.

Did you realize, Moms ? -  That even though we live in the fore-front of every thing in our lives-  Cooking, Cleaning, Teaching, Driving, Husbands, Errands, Friends, and Co-Workers,,,,,

We are making a NOISE of our own.

It is a rather silent noise.

I call it “A Whisper of  Hope.”

We are in the Side-lines,,, watching this game – called life- with no ear-plugs to drone out the noise that comes with it.

We are cheering on those we love- like a spectator at a game.

Wildly excited for the prospect of success, love and character for our Children, Jumping up and Down with enthusiasm for our Husbands happiness, peace and commitment, and investing hours into the game of Diligence for them all.

It is not heard out loud.  We are not drawing attention to ourselves with Brightly colored Team Shirts that yell- “I am Mom, Wife and Friend- Cheering YOU on.”

We are on the Side-lines…. watching the score as we give everything we have to make a win for our Father in Heaven.

So, While we tune out the noise with a deaf ear… and we carry on with our whispers and prayers of support and Hope….

Remember, that in the Noise and Fluster of the Day- Someone hears you.  And that Score-Keeper is the One that Matters.

Press On- Faint not.  Even in the Side-lines.

I began to realize that YOU would probably love the links that I have been using to make a few changes here and there.  Must needed changes.

I do not really go around looking for things to change in a New Year.  Do you?

I mean, they really just come to me in LOUD VOICES- of NEED.  Screaming- Change me!

In the language of Mess, Frustration, In-Balance, and Crazy Schedules.

Therefore, I tweak.

And here are the links that gave me some relief from Starting from Scratch:

Click the High-Lighted Links to Find your Simple Changes

Help for the Mom of Pre-Schoolers- Chore Chart Changes 

De-Clutter Your Home Printable Calendar- Simple Schedule and Saves you time making your own

Amazing Journey of Getting your heart and home in Order!- In 31 Days!     You can do this!

This is the Read thru the Bible in A Year Plan we are using this year!    Selections are great!

Feed your family for less!  Plan it now- a small investment that saves you money and time for years!

Follow me on Pinterest- Here- and Share in 2012 Books to Read,  DIY Projects to Try, and Books to Read to your Children!

Share your 2012 Links or Ideas Here with us HERE?

In the Heart of my Life for 2011-

I discovered WHO I am in Christ.  Not in the eyes of others, not in who I thought I was, and not in my own strength.  IN Christ.

I left the effort of Self, and clung to the Cross of Hope, Mercy, and Grace.

I found the Discovery of Counting my Gifts – Written records of the moments of Grace- Eucharisto.

I came to a place of Acceptance.  WHO God wanted me to be all along- How far I have to go, and where I have come from.

And more.  Deep crevices notched out- allowing the flood waters of growth to settle in.

In the Hand of my Life for 2011-

I accomplished a list of DIY projects that I set to do, and was given more opportunities to try new ideas.

I read a handful of Books that I wished to get under “my belt..” and created my 2012 Reading Book List as well.

I delivered my 17th baby.  Beautiful Baby Girl.

Finished some organizational projects.

Raised Chickens, Turkeys, and more Chickens.

Re-Designed my Blog.

Made it back to the Gym.

Cut our Grocery Bill in half.

Finished a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Course.

Made new friends.

Learned more about Photography.

Began writing my book, and an ebook.

Started Homeschooling our 8th child ( with the others.)

Held my child’s hand as they rode their 1st bike, nursed my 10th baby, watched my oldest children use their gifts from God, taught my 4yr. old to read, listened to hours of piano practice, flute, violin, and song.  Rocked, cradled and comforted sick babies, happy toddlers, and read to the children about their Savior.

Prayed for my husband as I watched him go through the hardest year of his entire life.  Held his hand as we became the only two people we trusted, counted on, and literally loved for a time.

Waved good-bye to a large chapter in our lives, With Open Arms- embracing the Future.. KNOWING  that what we learn from our lives is more important than where it is.

And more…

The Heart and Hand work Together

If you wish to view some of the ideas, projects, book lists, or experiences above… feel free to click on the Highlighted links( words).. and you will re-discover my 2011 of One September Day.

Do you have a post or a comment on what 2011 meant to you?

Would you kindly link here or leave your thoughts?

]]> http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2011/12/the-heart-and-hand-of-2011/feed/ 6 http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2011/12/the-heart-and-hand-of-2011/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/OneSeptemberDay/~3/oZG4PUwzgvU/ http://www.septembermccarthy.com/2011/12/are-you-really-paying-attention/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:58:05 +0000 September http://www.septembermccarthy.com/?p=842 Just another silly Video we are sharing with you…Today – on A Character Quality we have learned in our home over the years.

I am always reminded of two things while teaching Character in my home-

1)  Don’t expect your children to have virtue and good behavior/character if you haven’t fully taught them WHAT IT is.

2.)Just because children are taught what Character/Virtue is – doesn’t mean that your children won’t be children- growing in wisdom and making mistakes with their strong personalities.

Attentiveness-  Showing the worth of a person by giving full concentration to his or her words.

The Five “I Will’s” :

-I Will – Look at people when they speak to me.

-I Will- Ask questions when I don’t understand.

-I Will- Sit or Stand up straight

-I Will- Not draw attention to myself.

-I Will- Keep my eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouth from distractions.

ATTENTIVENESS POEM

I will look at someone speaking

And I’ll listen all I can

I will sit or stand up straight

Like a Soldier in Command,

I will not draw attention;

I will guard against distraction.

I will learn to ask the questions

That will help me understand.

Commitments are important steps

To guard us from disaster.

Looking for a Valuable Character Education Curriculum-  Here is a Link where you will find the Attentiveness material, and more!

Character First Education

One day after Christmas, I find myself sitting in the middle of my laundry room… Knees bent, sleeves rolled up, and ambition marking my forehead.

Problem?  No one else is on the same page.  As a matter of fact – they are not to be seen or heard.  I am pretty sure that they are immersed in their goodies that were unwrapped the day before,,, curled up with a new book, drawing pad, transformers, or baby dolls.

Yes, they are.

Where does this “De-clutter Bug” come from?  Why did I have to get it, and no one else?

Because I am mom.  Goal-oriented, multi-tasker, still learning the art of relaxing… and my mind racing into 2012.

I am slow and steady today.  Of course, my laundry room is totally hauled out, cleaned, re-organized and labeled.  But there is more… Oh.. so much more I want to get my hands into…

But today, I sit and watch this:

**My Little girl laying on her belly,, using her new marker set on her ballerina picture -creating love with color.. for her mama.  I watch.

**My son building- eyebrows furrowed- studying the diagram of this new creation her uses his young mind and hands for.

**Two girls re-arranging their room, neatly folding their clothes into a new dresser, and talking and planning as best friends do.

**An artistic 10 year old watching her new watercoolor DVD and taking notes.  Her mind racing ahead to the paintings she will someday apply to canvas.

**Soup simmering on the stove for another family, and the tree lights still twinkling – whispering to me that I must be slow, and steady- for this will be my year to wait.

**Smaller hands knitting washcloths for me with their new brightly colored yarn.

**Nerf Gun wars in the house- soft, foamy bullets pulling my mind away from all of those busy projects that I wanted to do.

**Quiet chats with our oldest as they pause also this brief week and sit to talk .

Have fun with your family right now- cherish the moments of this week.

It will all be waiting.

He has BIG Plans for us all.

Are we listening and watching?

Tomorrow I will begin a new projects.  One day at a time.

This is what will be here soon:

-Laundry Tips for the Large Family

-Making the Most of your Minutes

-Finding time to read your Bible- and be a Mom

-Hauling out the attic- and your heart and mind…

-Planning more than a day ahead is possible?

Join us again at One September Day… as we Embrace this Journey of Life and Motherhood – One Day at a Time!

For as long as we have been celebrating ADVENT, and focusing on the REAL reason for the Season.

We truly enjoyed this Advent ebook that we used with the children this year!  If you remember,, grab your copy now, so that you have it for next year!  Why wait?

Click the Image for Your Copy for 2012!  

This morning my little girl whispered sweetly to me..

“Mommy, I want to go to Bethlehem!”

Focus on Advent- You won’t be sorry.

Today, we are sharing some Annual Traditions, Recipes, and Fun activities- and hope you will grab some and enjoy them in your home.

Every Sunday Afternoon- We watch a Christmas Movie as a family, and drink THIS:

Egg Nog and Vanilla Ice Cream – with a light sprinkling of nutmeg on top!

Whala!  – treat for your tastebuds!

We celebrated with Special Family and Friends – about 70 people – A Wonderful Christmas Party in our Home-

Here is a recipe  from our Menu that you will want to try for your entertaining platter!

We go caroling to the Elderly Homes in our town, and share the Good News!

Here is a sampling of somethings your children can do when visiting the Shut-ins…

Take time to talk with the residents… they get lonely.

Hold their hands, and share the HOPE of the Savior!

After we took time to carol and visit with the residents, we went shopping as a family,,

and in great thought and emotion…

My little son told me that he feels sad for the elderly in the Nursing Homes.,,, and he wants to go back.

Take time my friends.  It stays with them.

Gingerbread Houses are on the Docket every year, and below is the Big contest that it turned out to be..

But FIRST…

Need a good Gingerbread House FROSTING Recipe “

Easy as Pie-  here you go:

We also take a Family Picture and send it to those we love

..and so here YOU are… Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

I am a lover of Christmas, Birthdays,  Baby Showers, and any celebration you can think of.  I celebrate life every day.

I celebrate the JOY my Father in Heaven has given me, and I tuck it deep inside where the spoils of this world cannot reach.

Every day in the last two weeks, I have witnessed, heard, and even experienced myself,  words and emotions that are generally foreign to my ears…

There is a rut and root of sadness, discouragement, weariness, and genuine desire to “push” through this Merry Time… to be on the “other side ” of things.

Do you know what I am saying?

I see marriages breaking apart.. communication between spouses almost nill.

I hear weary moms voice their exhaustion from “all that needs to be done.”

I channel calls for prayer, sickness, pleas for help and encouragement…

Finances are tight, or the storms of life are charging in faster than people can draw their swords.

Cling to the Cradle.. Cling to the Cross  - My Friends.

It is only there that we will find a peace that was brought into the world that night we are celebrating this weekend.

Have you lost your “Ho, Ho, Ho?”

Pray for your friends. loved ones, and family.

Let the JOY of the season come back to you in time – In time – that you don’t miss the GIFT that awaits you.

A Merry heart.  

Wrap it up, and share it with someone else.

Share your JOY ideas here, that we may ALL join in and find a celebration that never ended.

Here are a few links for you to share with someone else!

Merry Christmas!

Think outside “the box,” in the next few days- How to Give SELFLESSly….Visit for Ideas~!

Candle to the Cross Advent Wreath – Buy for a gift for your family’s advent focus next year!

Free Jesse Tree Advent Devotional

Packages wrapped with each person in mind..

So much care, love and thought goes into the gifts we give to one another at Christmas.

It was with this thought that I was struck deep this week –  that at Christmas- gifts are given.. on one day… purchased, wrapped and given with delight, care and love…

But what about the 364 OTHER days.

And… does gift-giving always mean something substantial?

In the last two weeks, I have had heart-to-heart talks with some friends, some acquaintances, and some strangers,… and the main ingredient that comes out in our conversation of the year at a glance…

Is the emptiness in meaningful relationships throughout the year, and then a sporatic attempt at a loving focus one day .. because….

THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

*** A phone -text from a close relative,,, frustrated that another person in their life seems “fake,” and there is a lack of love between them.

***A lonely mom sitting in a church parking lot… teary and wishing she had a friend on the “inside,”… afraid to go in the building.. texting me and wanting to know WHY things are like this.

***A married-mom, whose husband works hard at providing for their family, having to travel, and her bearing the home responsibilities alone…lonely, tired, and waiting for the Christmas spirit to revive her own.

***A woman walking down the road in the freezing wind,,, asking me to help her, for no one else will… where ARE her  family,, her friends??

*** A Teen/Child who has lost his/ her parent this year… alone, confused, angry.

***A Husband/father who lost his job and is going through a rough time.

***Families in the community with very sick children – just waiting for a miracle… simply needing a good nights sleep, or a friend to talk to…

***Couples struggling with their marriage and don’t know where to turn…

***A tired mom.. juggling things alone… wondering where all of the Titus 2 Woman are?

And,,, Christmas is around the Corner… and we all wait.. for…???

THE DAY.. The day to give a gift of…

WHAT is your gift to someone this year?

Will it be something wrapped and sparlkly?

And if so,,, will your gift-giving CONTINUE?

Into the next day, and the next?

The gift of UNDERSTANDING…..

That every day is an opportunity to show someone else..

LOVE

JOY

PEACE

and the Fruits of the Spirit.

Don’t wait for someone to reach out to you this Christmas Season…

Some one YOU know…. needs a gift TODAY!