The Year In Review
(My favorite calendars (yes mark my word I refuse to go digital!) are Susan Branch’s)
2013 just about did me in. Honestly, that is the first thought that comes to my mind when looking backwards over the year. Heck it was busy. Heck I was tired-Janey is sweet as pie but wasn’t and isn’t “easy” as far as babies go. I had to push myself physically and mentally and emotionally every day to attempt to meet the needs of my family with all the different ages and stages, and I had to do that on little sleep. I feel like there was very few days when I felt on top of it all. I feel like I could count on two hands the days I did my hair, or put on makeup. I am still wearing the same yoga pants I wore after Janey was born-and she’s 16 months old! I still have baby weight to lose, and still nursing, it seems like it’s been forever. I haven’t left this house for more than two hours without a child with me. I cooked, and cleaned and straightened, and solved and helped, and scolded and snapped and hugged and talked to teenagers late into the night and nursed a baby early in the morning, and wondered if I was doing enough ever.
I know things will get easier, I just know they will, that is the good part of aging. You see the ends to the beginnings and know that the middle won’t last indefinitely, and one day soon the hard stuff looks sweet and loses it’s sour. I also know that with each addition to my family there has been a period of uncomfortable but necessary growth-growing pains aren’t just for children. I’ve had to shed some part of me that needed shedding, and gain new “skin”-new knowledge, new ways of doing things, a new normal.
Janey is growing so fast, and it hurts my heart to put outgrown baby clothes away. I have them boxed up, and there they sit. I say I am going to go through them and sort and five times I have sorted and then just put them all back in. I am not going to push myself. She might move out one day with ten bins of her clothes, dolls, books and mementos and think, “My mom has gone a little crazy.” It shocked me to write her 2014 birthday down with the number two after it. I was shocked when I wrote each of the brithday’s down, mine included! 🙂
Isaac is a sophomore in college and we just sat down before break and planned out the courses for the next two years, now that he decided on a major and minor. I know how fast two years fly by. I am so happy that he is happy and thriving in college and growing up (literally!) into a great adult. We had a nice talk late Christmas Eve night and I told him how proud we are of him. I should tell him that more often I’ve decided because I don’t say it enough.
(I don’t know if I blogged this already, but I documented Abbey’s announcement just to prove to her that she once said “I hate shopping” one lovely day, music to my ears! I also have a note in my purse when she begged me to buy her a pair of heels she “had” to have and promised/vowed/signed away her life saying that she would never ever ask me again to buy her a pair of heels for anything ever the rest of her life if I bought them-I did buy them and she did sign on the dotted line.)
Abbey and I also sat down and planned out some important junior year pre-college events. Testing classes and then the ACT/SAT, college visits during spring break. I know this is overwhelming for her, but I promised her that one day she will thank me for knowing that it is worth it all in the end. And it seems to me that just yesterday I had the same blue binder out that Isaac’s wonderful high school supplied us, going through each month’s checklist. I feel so much more confident now and understand this (somewhat crazy!) process even more. We’ve had many heart to hearts this year, and boy, it’s a hard world out there for teenage girls. I hope I’ve helped her, I have learned so much about parenting teenagers this year. They need us, desperately, just to listen.
Matthew is graduating from 8th grade this year, and also being Confirmed, and there were lots of important deadlines to mark on the calendar. He will attend the same high school Isaac did and I know he will thrive there. Matt has helped me tremendously this year-he put together the most complicated Christmas present that would have taken me days, and hooked up our new printer just today. He is as smart as they come and I can always count on him for a laugh. I think he is ready for the bigness of high school, but will also always miss his nice little class that he has grown with for eight or more years.
Andrew and Patrick have both grown so much this year. They tried so many new things, like the swim team, and I am so proud of them. They are nice boys and are well liked in school and have nice friends. They play nicely together most of the time (not always!), and are right smack in that really easy stage of parenting that is purely enjoyable. Busy and messy and active, but enjoyable.
I am looking forward to 2014. I always look forward to a new year. Is it weird that when I start to fill out my new calendar I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about how exciting and challenging and beautiful life is? As I was writing down all the important dates, I said to Abbey, “I don’t ever want to die! I want to live on earth forever!” I love the calm days of January, and the fun of Saint Valentines Day and March with it’s thawing earth and foggy cold air and April with the excitement of outside play and sunshine for all of us withered up moms and cabin-fever kids. And on and on…
I feel so much gratitude for my lovely life. I live in a cozy house I love, with a devoted, loving, hard-working husband, and six healthy children who are growing and thriving. I could count blessings from the minute I wake up till I go to bed and still not cover them all. I couldn’t ask for one thing more.
I love your words. You give this young mom someone to aspire to be like 🙂
And I kind of wish I lived next door to your family!
I never comment but have been reading for years. You mentionedhow much you enjoy comments, I thought how could I not let you know how much your posts touch me. You write exactly what I feel but you convey it so well. Your life is so similiar to mine. You often bring me to tears. You make me realise what I know without realizing it. You echo my thoughts about the passing of time, how sad and fleeting things are and the importance of appreciating the present. Thank you again.
I think you've been pretty consistent over the years, but this exact post is why I continue to come back. I love your view on life… Your love for your family. The updates on the kiddos. This post has me smiling… I look forward to many more posts from you, Sarah!!
I started reading your blog a few years ago after my friend recommeded it to me. I have to say thank you. I feel like I am hearing from a good friend when I read your posts, yet I'm sure we live on opposite ends of the country! My baby is just a few months older than your Janey : ) You write about motherhood like you are speaking directly to me. I have taken so much from your wonderful words of wisdom! You have a gift for writing and I love hearing your thoughts on family. Happy New Year!
I love hearing your updates, reading your thoughts, and finding inspiration here. Your blog is what made me start one of my own! So thank YOU for bringing so much joy to the hearts of many of your readers. Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.
Thank you for another year of blogging. Your photos and view of life are a balm in this weary world. I love that you appreciate where you came from and where you are now, and that you're passing that down to your children. I wish the best for you and your family in 2014!
I have gone through the same thing with blogging! Best wishes for a safe, happy and HEALTHY 2014!
I've been a reader for 4 years…I started reading when my first born was a newborn and now I have three little ones! I love coming to your quite corner of the internet and being reminded of what really matters. Thank you for always being so encouraging to us. As a young mom I love reading about your parenting journey and having someone remind me that "this too shall pass" and to just forget about all the noise of the world and culture and to just enjoy my kids and focus on being a good mom to them. Hopefully 2014 will be a bit calmer for you with a little more sleep 🙂
I love reading your blog and being reminded that I am not the only mom going through the normal but exhausting stuff of parenting.
I don't comment on your blog that often at all, but I read each and every post, and sometimes read them more than once. You are my favorite blogger, I have been a faithful reader since your Patrick was a baby, and I am always so happy to see a new post from you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are always straight from the heart, and just what I need to hear. 🙂
I just want to give you a hug. Happy New Year's Sarah!
Sarah, so many moms are touched by your posts about motherhood. I am glad you have kept it up. So glad Isaac is having another great year. Hard to believe it was not long ago we were talking about where our two "might" be going! I hope Abbey has a wonderful year. Junior year is tough!! Matthew, Andrew and Patrick are such sweet boys. You have done a remarkable job raising them. And, then the caboose…sweet Janey…what a blessing she is. Love seeing her sweet smile. Happy New Year my friend.
Your closing two sentences. YES.
ahhh…what a great post!! I hear ya on the new calendar thing~~maybe it's just a nerdy mom thing, but I really get it… I worked on my folder thingy for bills for this year today and got excited! So, I guess that is a nerdy-mom-high…but I think it is always great to feel the happiness with starting a fresh new year. I have really loved your blog since I found it about a year ago, and look forward to each new post. Hang in there~as you know, Janey will be past this sweet stage all too soon!! As a mom to a Senior in High school I get the pre-college stuff too…it goes by so quickly. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, your kids, and your life with us other moms. It helps to have a friend! Praying for more Blessings than you can count in 2014!!
Hi sarah, I too have followed your blog for years. I love reading about your family and your philosophy on life. I read quite a lot of blogs and to be honest, get pretty bored quite quickly but yours is comforting to me. You seem to have a knack of making the reader feel like we know you and you are our friend. I have three daughters, all at different ages. My youngest being eight months, my oldest being fourteen and my middle daughter being five. I know how hard it is for me to give each child what they need from me on a daily basis so I really admire you for how you raise your six. Amazing! Happy New Year. Xx
Healthy kids and a husband with a good job so I can take care of them. You are right – I could not and should not ask for one thing more!
Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for your blog. Your writing and advice are like the older sister I never had. I admire you for your values and the way that you are raising your kids and having the courage to write about it. I have 5 kids of my own and have thought about adding another one, but I honestly think it would do me in 🙂 I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year!
I love reading your blog. It's always an encouragement to me! And you make me feel normal! Thanks for sharing your heart and life with us! Happy New Year to you!
I love reading your blog. From advice, to recipes-you inspire me to parent like you when I am fortunate enough to start a family (soon!!).
Blessings to you and your family, Happy New Year!
Thank you for continuing to write your wonderful blog and share it with the rest of us. I always enjoy delving into a new post. I think this blog of yours, the memories, the photos and the insights will be treasured by your children in all the years to come. What a beautiful way to chronicle their lives. I love your family, Sarah. You are indeed very blessed. May 2014 bring with it happiness and health to you and your family 🙂
such a beautiful post.
i can relate on so many levels…probably why i love your blog so much.
happy new year!
Thank you for continuing to write your wonderful blog and share it with the rest of us. I always enjoy delving into a new post. I think this blog of yours, the memories, the photos and the insights will be treasured by your children in all the years to come. What a beautiful way to chronicle their lives. I love your family, Sarah. You are indeed very blessed. May 2014 bring with it happiness and health to you and your family 🙂
I love your blog Sarah. Like so many other Moms out there, I can relate to so much of what you write. Happy 2014!
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You are such a " soul sister " and I agree with all the previous comments. I am a retired teacher and grandmother of a three yr. old. Your blog is my favorite for all the reasons stated above. PRAYING your family has a wonderful 2014 .
Your blog is one of the few that I read and I've been reading for years now! So many thoughts that you reflect hit straight to the hip, which is why I keep coming back. I admire your parenting style and reading your blog inspires me to look beyond the everyday 'tasks' and make them into something bigger, called a beautiful life 🙂 I wish your family a wonderful year ahead!
Thank you so much for carving a bit of time in your busy life to write posts. I love that you love and recognize the little things. Keep up the good work. I truley think the Holy Spirit moves you to write exactly what I need to hear.
Thank you from the middle of nowhere, Ohio
I have been reading your blog for a while, but don't think I've ever commented. I love reading your blog because of your honest and practical views on life and motherhood and raising children. I have 3 daughters – ages 6, 2, and 6 months. Your perspective is refreshing. Thank you. Also, I get giddy with a new calendar and the clean slate of the new year as well!
Thanks for sticking around, even if you don't post every day! I love your common sense approach, and the reassurance that it is okay to focus on home and the kids for awhile. Happy New Year!
Hooked on your simple, "makes you feel good" blog for quite a while now. You have a way with words and I admire your honesty and courage in such a public place.
This year as I printed off another paper calendar and got the butterflies I wondered if it would be easier to go to digital, but quickly smashed that down! : ) paper/lists? more power to it!
May this year bring a little more sleep for ya!
His post made me cry! (In a good, thankful, year end kind of way). You just put into words my last year, especially with never feeling ahead of the game. But I am inspired that life has seasons of easy and hard and that things will get better this year. Cheers to 2014!! Love your blog!
Happy New Year Sarah. I love your blog. Beautifully written post.
I just love your blog so much! Thank you for being real and letting us into your life a little bit. I can't explain it, but your blog is different than all the other mommy blogs out there and I really think it is true and real and I just love it. I'm about to have my 6th baby and I love to hear you have hard days too, but also see the beauty in life and love it so much. It makes me feel better and like I can do this. 🙂
I think it's wonderful to be in one's forties and still feel so excited about life you never want to die! I know it was just a cute little off the cuff remark, but I bet you meant it, and that attitude is so rare, really. I'm just approaching thirty and I already feel like most people I know, myself included, have a slightly cynical edge to them about life in general, and certainly aren't hoping to live forever! I feel like you're a mature woman but also still have this childlike sweetness about life, and that's such a wonderful and unusual thing. Part luck and part character, I imagine. I love coming here to get a dose of it. 🙂 Happy New Year!
I am so looking forward to 2014 as well. 2013 was a hard year for me also – never felt very on top of things and lots of health issues on top of a busy busy husband and 8 kids! It gives me hope that others go through similar challenges and still have hope for the future :). I love reading your blog. You have the best attitude and always encourage me to do better. You are amazing!
I am so looking forward to 2014 as well. 2013 was a hard year for me also – never felt very on top of things and lots of health issues on top of a busy busy husband and 8 kids! It gives me hope that others go through similar challenges and still have hope for the future :). I love reading your blog. You have the best attitude and always encourage me to do better. You are amazing!
I just love your blog, Sarah. That is all!xx
I love your blog and it has helped me so much being a mom of 3 little ones. I hope you never stop blogging! 🙂
You need to get rid of that part at the beginning about not reading to the end of the post because I am SO GLAD I did! You make count my blessings, too!
Thank you, Sarah, for continuing with you wonderful blog. I have been a reader for years now, and yours is one of the very few I have kept constant over this changing blogging world. Your wise, inspiring, and equally tear and laughter inducing posts are true online treasures. May 2014 be a beautiful and peaceful year for you and your family. xoxo (ps I made your feta dip and your slow cooker chili both this past week. My family was delighted!)
I think that's my favorite post you ever wrote! Happy New Year Sarah! I hope 2014 is full of wonderful surprises for you and your sweet family 🙂
Kristen
I adore your blog. Happy New Year!
You're simply an inspiration to me! Love reading!!
I love to read your positive outlook.….so good to read! Thanks for posting!!
I love your blog. Ive been following for about 2 years now since I was pregnant with my son. You are very wise and you words have helped me through the nerves of pregnancy, post partum depression, the craziness of housework, motherhood and being a good person/wife. I hope you always continue to blog. I hope you have a great year 🙂
I love your blog. Ive been following for about 2 years now since I was pregnant with my son. You are very wise and you words have helped me through the nerves of pregnancy, post partum depression, the craziness of housework, motherhood and being a good person/wife. I hope you always continue to blog. I hope you have a great year 🙂
Hi Sarah, I've read your blog for about 2 years now but never commented. I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your blog. It is my favorite blog BY FAR, and I look forward to every single post. Honestly, I would be crushed if you stopped blogging, so thank you for keeping at it, even through a tough year. I love every kind of post – and they all seem to give me the peace and inspiration I need, at the very right time I need it. How do you have this sense of intuition? Or is it that so many of us, as you shared, walk in similar shoes and in similar paths of life and can just relate. I know another commenter said she will read and re-read your posts, I do the same thing. I hope that 2014 is an easier one for you (I too feel the same way – thanks for being so honest about it, I really needed to hear another mom say that.) Happy New Year!
I love your blog, Sarah! There is not much inspiration out there these days for stay-at-home moms, but I always feel encouraged after reading your posts. So thank you! Oh and I've gone through a similar cycle about loving blogging and then feeling weird/not sure and the past few months just plain not having time! I'm so glad you are going to stick with it…I agree that the relationships, creative outlet, and journaling aspect make it all worth it! 🙂 Blessings to you and your family this new year!
Sarah, I really love your insights and the way you can put words to the feelings that I have so often, but don't know how or don't take the time to express. If I had to stop reading all other blogs and just keep one, yours would be the one that I kept. I'm glad that you are still hanging in there! Here's to 2014 and all the new and wonderful adventures just around the corner!
I love reading your blog!! Thank you for sharing your "life" with us!!! Happy New Year!!
This was lovely, I enjoyed reading it. Thank you for your inspiring blog, I absolutely love it. It's so nice to read a mother's blog who enjoy the role she was called for. You have taught me a great deal in my motherhood walk. Happy 2014 to you and yours!
Thank you for saying "still nursing"!!!! My baby was born about a week after Janey and every time I nurse I have an inner debate that I should have weaned him months ago vs. it is perfectly acceptable to keep nursing for many more! (And yes of course I still have baby weight to lose, too.)
Happy New Year!! Your blog is absolutely one of my favourites 🙂
Sorry for double posting 😉
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Hi – I'm another reader who enjoys each and every post and picture on your blog. I have only commented one other time so thought this might be the time to say thank you. I think you are "spot on" with your thinking and although I am older with three children reared and out on their own now and because of this, not needing your advice now, I do know it's good, sound advice. And you are 100% right about living in, and enjoying the minute, because it will be gone in a heartbeat. You will be so glad you sacrificed "you" in some ways and will enjoy each and every memory your family made together. This has turned into a lecture and I didn't mean for it to! Happy New Year, Sarah, to you and to your family. And you -(all of you!) WILL survive and have plenty of time to sleep later. Trust me on this…
I adore reading your blog. I'm a young mother of a toddler son from the UK and I just feel so connected to your writing and gentle, attachment style parenting, how you shun the 'modern' stuff and love the traditional ways of life for you and your family. I love reading, and I wish you a very happy 2014.
I'm a paper calendar girl too! Will take time tonight to transfer everything to new.
Beautiful post.
Thank you for your blog. I enjoy it very much.
Blessings for you and yours in 2014.
Thank you for blogging! When asked for my favorite blogs, yours is the first I mention! May God bless you and your lovely family in 2014!
Another great year of blogging! Thank you for sharing with us. I appreciate your perspective as a mother. And though you are sharing the story of your family, you are sharing the story of many families. Best wishes to your family in 2014!
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Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family! I have never commented but I really enjoy reading you and I love your perspective on motherhood and life in general. "Only" raising 3 kids (10, 7 and 8 months – still nursing by the way, thank you for sharing this as well, as some people outside the family sometimes frown when I mention it…-) I am really impressed with everything you do for your family and by the fact that you still have time for blogging! THANK YOU for sharing all this. Best wishes from France!
Happy New Year to your family. Thank you for continuing to share your blog with us. You are such an inspiration!
Beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog and watching your beautiful children grow. I love that you are so down to earth and make me feel as if I am not alone in this parenting journey. God bless and Happy New Year!!!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. You inspire me in many ways. God bless you all this year.
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You are the best. So glad you are still blogging. Happy New Year.
Whenever I need a pick me up or even a break from the overwhelming parts of my day, I come to your blog. Thank you for sharing of yourself, your life, your family, beliefs, etc. I know this is way over due but I want to thank you also for the time you responded to an e-mail I wrote you about convincing my husband that adding another child to our family was a good idea. My baby is now 2 1/2 years old and I am grateful every day that she is part of our family. Your counsel has blessed me and my family in amazing ways. God bless.
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Sarah, for one second I thought you were going to say you were done blogging! I wouldn't blame you one bit if you decided to, but I'm so glad you're going to stick with it! I had a long hard year too, all worth it, but not easy (including a not-easy 6th baby). I've said it before but I'll say it again – it is so great to know there are other moms out there doing what I'm doing. Happy New Year!
Love this beautiful post. The last few sentences sum up exactly how I feel as well. And with baby #5 approaching in the spring and kids that are at all different ages- the beginning of your post, honesty and all, made me cry. If I get too far ahead of myself, I almost can't breathe so I am really focusing on little things and a one-day-at-a-time mentality…its working ok. I love your blog more than any others out there- your honesty and sense of humor are such a breath of fresh air! Some of these crazy blogs written by much younger mom's (i am almost your age so I can say that!!) with all their focus on their weight, their workouts and making their lives look perfectly perfect kind of make me want to puke. I know I can always come here and get a great dose of perspective and continue to focus on what *really* matters in this life of ours.
I love your blog and treasure your most kind, and honest and real emails. Thank you for being a great writer and a good email buddy-even though we have never met. You, my friend, are a gem!!!!!! Happy 2014!
Love this post! Love your blog! I've been reading for a little over a year now. I can so identify with much of what you write. We have six children. Our oldest is a college sophomore and the baby is almost 16 months. I thought I was the only woman in the world who was 8+ months pregnant and dropping a son off at college! 🙂 2013 was a wonderful year and a challenging year around here, too. My husband reminds me often that it always takes a while to gain our footing after a new little one. The various ages/stages of our children made it even more interesting. I'm up to my eyeballs in dirty uniforms and college applications and Legos and teething rings most days. It's crazy and I'm tired and I love all of it and all of them!
Thank you for taking the time to write. It's been a blessing to me!
Michelle
This post brought tears to my eyes for some reason. It really is all so hard and YET so, so beautiful. So many blessings. It is overwhelming sometimes.
I can't imagine you read all your comments, but one thing I love best about this blog is that to open it – to read it – I just simply feel overwhelmed with love. The love you have for your family is so evident! And it's sweet and refreshing, sustaining, encouraging. Thanks for sharing that with all of your readers! It's calming to come here (yes, you're laughing by now, thinking of all your harried days you blog about and your frustrations, but I'm telling you – it's the love that shines through!)
Happy New Year – looking forward to your blog again in 2014
Thank you for blogging. I know what a time-sacrifice it is. I know how each post can feel like major accomplishment. Pieced together over a matter of days. And I can only imagine how busy and exhausted you've felt this year. Look at what you've made… and done! You are a light to so many. I love growing our family together and staying connected this way. And, I adore Susan Branch's cook books. Love you Sarah.
I'll say it again: thank you!!! You are truly an inspiration on the hardest of days and often an entertainment on the best of days! Happy new year!
I love this! Your blog is my absolute favorite. Thank you for taking the time to share your life 🙂
Janey, so peaceful!
Love the storm watch candle and the mercury at zero.
Our forecast is 78 today, orange county, ca.
happy new year.
Love your blog too…although you always inspire me to spend money! I just ordered the Susan Branch calendar, although I already had one and your toy list gave me tons of new ideas! I love when you share new things and your perspective!!!
Long-time reader but first time commenting. 🙂 I have two children, aged 22 and 4. Both mine, same marriage. What you said about this year almost killing you rang so true with me. Being an "older" mom of a baby is no joke. Everyone says it will keep me young but I just feel really old and tired most of the time. I wouldn't change it for the world and I treasure my time with this little guy but some days I just feel like it's all too much. I don't know how you do it with all of yours in between. Take care give yourself grace.
You are just such an amazing inspiration to me – I'm far away from family who could inspire me to be the mom I should be, but your blog and archives are always just a click away. Thank you for following your heart, being such an incredible inspiration to moms with young kids, and for sharing you life and very precious time with all of us. I hope 2014 will be every bit as blessed as it can be. Thanks again, and God bless you for your voice of sanity in a mommy crazy world.