Checking in...

Dear friends,

I *think* a lot about this little space over here, but have not been very faithful at actually coming here.  To write. 

Here are my conundrums:

-Most of my kids are at the age where they don't really want me to write about them on the blog (or share pictures) anymore.  I used to write a lot about them, so I'm left (mostly) without at least that particular topic to write about. 

-Very few people comment anymore (and thank you so much if you do!  It is so gratifying to receive a comment and know that someone read these words.)  But it can be discouraging to write posts and then... wonder if anyone is even reading, and if not- why am I writing here?  Might as well just write in my journal, ya know?  But then I have been blessed so much by the blogs of others-- particularly in my early homeschooling years, that I want to be a blessing in any way that I can.  Then again, there are so.many.other wonderful blogs out there that maybe there's not much of a need for that anymore?

-It's been a painful year.  I don't really know what else to say about that. 

Anyway.  Just thinking out loud here.  :)  Perhaps some of you may have checked in and wondered... and I wanted to let you know I'm still here, pondering this space. 

And in real life?  Just loving my wonderful husband and kids, doing school, making meals, doing laundry and tidying the house... thinking lots about spring decluttering, and so thankful for the green I'm seeing outside and the warmth and promise of spring. 

Much love to you,
~Stacy

26 comments:

  1. Enjoyed your checking in! We are eagerly awaiting spring.

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    1. Thank you, Sharon! And yay! Happy spring. So glad it's almost here!

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  2. Glad to see your check-in! I've popped in several times over the past weeks and wondered where you were and how you were doing! I'm anxious for spring, too, although we're expecting another snow/ice storm tonight so we have a little while to wait for spring temperatures.

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    1. Oh, thank you, Kristin! That's kind of you to check in... :) Uh-oh about the snow/ice storm. :( Things are quite a bit warmer here in Washington. ;)

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  3. I was just coming over here to drop a little hello and see how you were after a quiet month or so! It's funny how much blogging has changed in so few years. So many good blogs out there and so much blog promotion in order to ensure yours is "seen". It's funny... I found my mind getting a bit cluttered with all the (good, but voluminous) blog articles out there, and so for a season I've pretty much quit reading all blogs except yours. Yours is still my favorite. :) I totally get where you're coming from though. And I'm so sorry for all your sorrow in the last year. I can't wait for heaven. Hugs, friend. :)

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    1. Oh, Jodi. You're always so encouraging to me. (((Thank you, dear you.))) I agree about the blogging.... in fact, I posted almost your very words in my post (about promotion) but then ended up deleting them. The whole social media/Facebook means of promoting the blog has never really been my thing. It feels so odd (not wrong, just not for me)-- that type of self-promotion, and I don't intend to ever go there. It's never been about the numbers to me. But it can feel a little lonely over here sometimes. ;) Thank you for your kindness, and for caring that I'm sad. I can't wait for heaven, either. Hugs to you and yours, Jodi.

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  4. I love your blog and have missed your posts recently! I wish your kids didn't mind you blogging about them because I love to hear about all of your family. Your blog is such an encouragement to me! Your patience with your kids and unconditional love for them challenge me in a big way. Thank you so much!!!

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    1. Elizabeth,
      Awwww.... look! There are FOUR of you friends who are still reading. That seriously makes my heart happy. :) You're so sweet. Thank you. I KNOW about my kids. One of my older kids wants me to post about them all the time and one of them specifically says: "You're not going to put that on the blog, are you?" But the fact that one so strongly doesn't makes me a little hesitant to do it with any of them. Maybe I just need to be better about asking permission. :) Oh, you're sweet to think I'm patient or have unconditional love. ;) I'm probably more impatient than post people and continue to pray that God will grow me in love. ;) Thank you for your kind encouragement. And thank you for commenting.

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    2. Editing myself: "most" people. Not "post" people. *grin*

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  5. Hi Stacy, I'm a reader from Ireland. I have been reading your blog for a few years. I have only commented once or twice, mostly because I'm shy online :) but I have really, really enjoyed "listening" to your thoughts and stories of motherhood from a good,sound Christian foundation. I found your blog in my early years in college maybe five years ago. There is a lot of stuff on the internet, but not a lot of it feels like home. When I read your stories and thoughts, I feel like I'm learning from a sister in Christ. Your way of processing life is so familiar to me: going to the Scriptures as you pray for guidance, journalling your walk with God, earnestly seeking to serve Him exactly where you are right now... I'm a few life stages behind you, and I am learning from what you share.

    I'm looking forward to someday having a family of my own and I like knowing for example that there are good booklists here that I can refer back to. :) I am a teacher and I absolutely love seeing how you do homeschool. I understand about the children being shy on the blog. That's ok. I prefer to know I have a trustworthy site to go back to every so often than one that spews content at me just for the sake of it!

    Emily Freeman on "chatting at the sky" recently posted about blogging and if it is still "alive". I kept thinking about it for a few days and I put my thoughts on my own blog. I'm like you, in fact I don't tell very many people at all about my blog! Quite frankly that's a bit intimidating to me. I write when I have something to say, and mainly for the sake of expression. That suits me just fine! I'll put the link at the end, not to promote my own blog, but because I want to encourage you that your words have made a difference through the years.

    This comment is getting too long, but I didn't want you to feel discouraged. You have encouraged me through the years, so I guess it's my turn now :) Do whatever God puts in front of you each moment and don't feel pressured . If he gives you something to say online, you know you have this place to post it. If you want to share something the kids are happy to share too, then we will be delighted to read it. If He gives you quietness, don't worry! We (your readers) are experiencing that same cycle as well! I won't be going anywhere. I post once every few months. Because that's real life! And that's the stuff I like to read :)

    Please be encouraged :)

    Hannah Joy from a cold and windy Ireland

    https://horizonappearing.wordpress.com/2015/01/05/on-books-and-blogging-and-reading/

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    1. You dear, sweet girl. Heading over to your blog now to reply. (((hugs)))

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  6. I've been reading your blog for many, many years- I hope you continue to write! You were such an inspiration back when I began my Charlotte Mason journey.

    Kelly

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    1. Kelly~ Thank you, dear Kelly, for saying so. These comments from you ladies have me all newly inspired to keep writing here. Thank you. :)
      ~Stacy

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  7. I still read every post. Love you!

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  8. I'm always glad to come check on you here. Love you!

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  9. Brilliant. My husband cleaned our room this weekend, it was so bad, so now maybe I can get to the closet to purge...

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    1. Move this one mentally over to the Saturday happenings post please! ;)

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    2. Got it. :)
      I ignored the rest of the room and went straight for the closet. Your husband is amazing to clean your room!!!

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  10. hello dear friend,
    I love to read your heart upon the page. Your blog is my favourite of all blogs that I read.
    love,
    Lucy

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    1. Thank you, Lucy!
      You're sweet and so encouraging. :)

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  11. Mud Puddle Soup~
    Thank you for your kind words!

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  12. I used to follow your blog a few years ago and just found you again. I do hope you continue to post. :) Laura

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    1. Thank you, Laura... for checking in. :) Blessings to you....
      ~Stacy

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