At Home in Georgia

Not Alone in This Struggle

Until today, I thought it was possible that I am the only one who finds myself spending more time blogging or researching online that is appropriate.  I always wonder how all the moms get everything done PLUS blog so beautifully.  I certainly can't!  :)  This an area that I have really been struggling with for quite a while.  I find myself coming down to check email or to blog in the morning before the children get up (a good thing) instead of having devotional time (a bad thing)!  And looking to other women for wisdom instead of asking God.  Or telling my early risers "I'll get you breakfast just as SOON as I check one more thing".   

Now I'm starting to see every day women who have decided to suspend or completely stop blogging because it's taken over their time to an alarming degree.  Here's one that describes the struggle so clearly http://dominionfamily.com/blog/2008/01/buenos-noches-mis-amigas/

Now the struggle is to decide whether to give it all up (not really possible with family and friends all over that US to keep in contact with via email) or to continue to wrestle with my own lack of self discipline to use my time more wisely (SO much harder by far).  Much easier to turn off the dumb thing and leave it alone as if it were a truly evil thing.  And yet, as with all things that take their places above what's truly important, it's NOT evil in itself, but becomes evil when it takes the place of the Lord in my life or keeps me from obeying Him.

Each decision to give up computer time (from women I look up to) shows me that I'm not alone in this struggle.  Thank you to those women who either have the self discipline to use this tool wisely (we still need you!) or who have given it up knowing themselves well enough to know what is best for their families and for their own spiritual lives. 

~Michelle

Back from "Break"

Well, I didn't get nearly as much done as I'd hoped, but that just goes to show that every moment is precious and should be spent wisely.  If I couldn't accomplish everything even with the computer OFF, then I have to really be self-disciplined with it ON. 

The hospital called last night, desperately short on staff, so I worked from 7pm to about 2am.  So that was one evening I lost in a sense.  I'm still just keeping even with school... I like to stay ahead by a week, so I know what's coming up.  I did do some more sewing, though, and have just about finished the shawl I'm making.  I felt like I was able to give the children more of my attention, without another little attention-getter calling me from the computer desk.  I'm definitely going to re-think how and when I use the computer....

I've been asked to post pictures of what I've made, and I plan to do that soon.  So keep checking back.  I made a bloomer/chemise set for my 5 year old, and it is cute.  Very easy, too.  I'd like to make them each a long-sleeved dress, and then I think we'd be set for a while. 

We had 2 beautiful days on Monday and Tuesday.  In the 60s and sunny.  So we were outside for a while each day.  That is always good. 

Carter said yesterday that he will think about clearing a section of a wooded area on our lot (prob 1/8 to 1/4 acre) and fencing part of it in this summer so we could raise a few chicks next spring.  He said that he's never seen me so excited about anything!  :)  I think it would be fun for the children to have something to watch grow and to help care for, and if we by chance got eggs out of the deal, that would be GREAT!  :)

We're also thinking of trying a small raised garden this year.  You can't grow much here in our brick ground (hot, dry, red clay), so that seems to be the only reasonable solution at this point. 

If anyone has hints/tips on chickens or gardening, I'm happy to listen.  I think we need a year and a half to get ready for 2-3 baby chicks!  :)  That's really quite sad....

~Michelle

Good Night!

Good night to all my friends.  I'll "see" you Wednesday evening!  Signing off... ~Michelle

Thinking of Taking a "Computer Break"

The evenings that we don't turn on the TV are such peaceful, enjoyable evenings.  And it's not hard lately, since there are very few shows worth watching.

But I get to thinking that if I didn't have internet service, how much time I would have!  I love keeping in touch with family, sending pictures to them (spread all over the country), etc., and I love my blog world.  I've met so many wonderful, like-minded ladies here.  But.... I get caught up in the computer world and find that time slips by so quickly.  And there is so much to do.

So.... I'm thinking of taking a "computer break" for several days.  My parents are the ones I communicate with the most, and their computer is in the shop, probably beyond help.  So they are computerless right now.  This makes next week a great time to take that break.  I'm thinking of shutting down Friday night, and keeping it off until maybe Wednesday.  I feel very dependent on the internet, but I "know" I could manage without it.  So this is the plan for now.  If you have any reason to think you might need to get ahold of me (want to order a shawl, etc.), let me know today or tomorrow and I will give you my phone number. 

We'll see how we do!

~Michelle