The digital clock has flipped over to 10:02 pm. Every small person has been tucked into bed with thirteen kisses and a carnival variety of bedtime songs sung by mom herself. As I walk across the floor, gathering a few things to accompany me for the evening, I hear my feet scuff the hardwood. Earlier there were a few stray carrot peels on the floor. Before that, dried cherries. And before the dried cherries, cheerios. Is childhood really childhood without cheerios on the kitchen floor? It is debatable.
During bedtime, all four children gathered around me on my bed like tiny Tetris pieces. It was cozy. There was a read-aloud. Even Bauer joined our gang. At lunchtime, I made a quick PSA: all children are bathing tonight. Prepare ye! It was wonderful to smell their shampooed hair as it dried during our evening reading time. Landon’s fingers were the pruniest fingers I’ve seen in quite some time. He stayed in the bath for an extended session of playtime, which included a hot water fill-up.
Noticing his pruny fingers took me back to each child being born. Such squishy, pink, fluffy skin. Such soft, warm, melt-in-your-arms love bundles. We are gratefully anticipating one more baby delivery of squishy, pink, fluffy skin this July. Five babies, what a dream.
One child, in particular, has a hard time falling asleep at night. This night was no exception. Psalm 4:8 says: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. I love when scripture comes to mind during specific hardships and I can pray it over my children.
Max and I cleaned up the kitchen together this evening. Our reflection in the window in front of me brought me joy. Hearing his feet moving intentionally around the kitchen made me think: wow, we’re progressing! I noticed dots of dried soap bubbles on the glass, proof that things are washed frequently around here – often with swiftness, hence the flying soap bubbles, and often by my children.
I spent the afternoon reading a few chapters from my textbook. Graduate school has certainly increased my library as if I didn’t have enough books. It’s a sure sign you’re a serious book reader when you debate organizing them on the shelf by category or color. Color always wins, but wow it is always a tight race ;) Category would be fun, too.
Prior to the cheerios on the floor and the shampoo smells and the dishwashing and the book reading, I taught my children their school lessons. It was a very sweet morning of lessons read aloud, older children teaching younger children, temperament training, and so on. (Lest you be misled, I’m almost always on the receiving end of the temperament training.)
There is much to be covered as a homeschool family, and there’s great peace in knowing the training happens throughout the day as we’re together. It’s not smushed into one small section of the day.
The training is hard, and seeing 10:02 pm strike while snuggled under my cozy blankets is a balm I’m happy to receive.
Best life ever
Absolutely. Mostly because of you ;)
I can see these in my mind’s eye. Precious memories indeed! Your kids will love to revisit later in life Maggie friend. Prepare ye!
What a treat to read your comment! xoxoxo
Congratulations! As a mama of five babies, welcome. It’s a fun, loud world.
Ohhhh, I believe you! :) it’s already wonderful & precious.
I just received a sweet card in the mail from you and your words and scripture verses were perfect for my mama soul. CONGRATULATIONS on your sweet 5th baby! I think 5 babies is just absolutely DELIGHTFUL and THRILLING. Praying for the next 6 months to be full of grace and His nearness.
Aww, Amanda! Thank you!!! It’s been a real honor to write them and pray for each need. My list of replies is abundant — praise God!
“Like tiny Tetris pieces” ❤️
I have to admit, I really liked that analogy too ;)
Good news! Great Joy! Love you, Maggie.
Thank you, Tracey friend! Love you!!!
Beautiful post. I find myself referring back to many of your inspirational posts often. Congratulations on #5!!! What a blessing. Your family is so lucky to have you!
Really??? That is so neat to hear. Wow :) I received your letter in response to mine, I’m so grateful for your kind words and encouragement. I’ll write you back! :)
Congratulations on baby #5! What a blessing! I always look forward to your blog post, it’s always so inspiring. Blessing to you all ❤️
Thank you, Stephanie! xoxo
Such wonderful news!!! love seeing your sweet face!
Thank you so much, Tiffany! I say this often but it’s true, I really love this community and enjoy (so much) writing on my blog! Thanks for your comment, xoxo
Reading your words is always like a calming balm for me. You know when you receive a sermon and feel like it was dedicated only to you? That’s what I feel about your wonderful words. Also, many congratulations on another wonderful blessing! I’m ecstatic for y’all.
Are you seriously saying such kind words? Thank you. If you have a moment, I’d love to hear what resonated the most. xx
Congratulations Maggie! What wonderful news! I love reading about your simple days with your precious family. I am due with baby #4 in June! A mix of crazy and happy! Like you so often say – children are a blessing!
Such beautiful, happy news for your family, Ashley! What joy to be anticipating another baby! Thanks for commenting, friend! xx
Oh how my momma/grandmomma heart is blessed to see the real life fulfillment of a lifetime of answered prayers and to know the hand picked daughter/mother of my precious grand babies loves them so well. I am thanking God and praying for miracle number 5 daily. May our “village”be forever strong.
Thank you, mom. I’m glad to be recording these memories! xoxo
Maggie!! Congrats on #5, how exciting! And also, I have definitely appreciated a time or 2 the color coordinated books on the bookshelf You write beautifully!
Hiiiiii Kayla!
Oh, this was so wonderful to read. Thank you for noticing the colored bookshelves, haha they bring me a lot of joy ;)
Congratulations on those wonderful news. I have always dreamed of being a mother of five. I just recently realized that I am one to five but they are just not all human beings (two kids, two cats and one dog). I made my peace with God’s plan. :)
Wishing you a beautiful pregnancy and many moments to slow down and enjoy this miracle. Lots of Love, Wiebke
Thank you, Wiebke! It’s wonderful to see your name and comment pop up :) xx
Reading this was so cozy! I felt like I was in your kitchen during that cleanup with you and Max.
Yes! (I did it!) Thanks, Clementine! xoxo