“Under Construction” – a title that fits well for both my blog and my life, no? Which should we talk about first?
How about life.
Yes life, as ever, is “under construction”. In the depths of February, I always begin to contemplate life and what we're doing and if it's working. The cold of this month seems to bring about chapped, raw skin on both my hands and my heart. So I diligent balm them both.
For the home, that balm means my husband once-again has to assure me that what we're offering our children is enough. Enough friends? Enough social time? Enough education? Enough love? Our home is our school room and our lifestyle, in many ways, is our curriculum. Gardening lessons and classic literature take precedence over facts and worksheets. In my mind, I'm the Mom who drills her children into submission and knowledge where they succeed at spelling tests and math quizzes. In reality, I value growing food, being kind, adventuring in fairy tales, and learning to wash your armpits a bit more.
For my heart, that balm means I need to reassess once-again that I'm loving Stuart well. Am I tending to his needs? (He likes quiet time and freshly baked bread,
As if the emotions weren't enough to bare (along with the weight of the snow stuck to my coveralls and boot), the house this time of years feels very “under construction” as well. Many projects are on ‘the list' and yet very few make it to the point of execution. The hum of spring is close enough that it tickles it's way into our minds and budget, making it a bit harder to sink into any heavy indoor projects. So instead of funding a new living room floor, I've instead funded a hefty-delivery of perennials that won't arrive until late March. Despite the fireplace that needs to be resurfaced in stone, and the other that needs to be constructed from the ground-up in the kitchen, the living room floor that needs to be redone in wood, the closet that needs to be broken out, the laundry room that needs to be finished, and the beams that need to be hung, I sit instead of dream of spring and order tomato seeds. Ya can't do it all, folks.
And that's just life. What about the blog?
The blog is very much “under construction” as well, though this is far more literal. For the past few months, we've been pouring into an entirely new Elliott Homestead experience for you all – one that we pray will make it more fun to browse through recipes, learn about farm life, share in our thoughts and dreams, and find exactly what it is you're interested in. My goal for this next year is to pour more words through my fingertips and onto your screen to bring new life and knowledge into your own home. That will be coupled with our weekly episode on YouTube where you can come hang with the family in video-form.
Truth be told, I work best with constructive messes and deadlines and overly-sized goals on the horizon. Even though it's all “under construction”, it's all very clear and beautiful in my mind's eye (at least… it will be). Don't worry – I promise reality will catch up with my imagination soon enough.
kathy
Shea, I understand the “dream vs. reality” stage. I’ve been here a long while, but one step at a time. I sometimes reminisce with our family about how far the property has come. It was sooo bad!!! ? I think I’ll ALWAYS be dreaming! I like pretty flowers and rambling walkways. Time to start planning!!?
Rebecca Smith
As you were listing all the “needs” that you have to do in your home I was struck by the fact that none of those things are really needs. They are wants. I want to do work in the kitchen. I want new beams, etc. Maybe some of them would greatly increase the quality of your life and some, not so much. In the forty+ years I’ve been married we have renovated seven houses. Five of them we were living in and homeschooling three boys. We didn’t have access to internet or ordering online or even a decent library. Everything was done by snail mail. You called to order the catalog, you sent your check in and you waited forever to get the books. I often thought I was failing. Happy to say that two went to college and one is in the trades. When we bought this farm a few years ago my husband was sure I would want to change everything. I didn’t. I learned it was much more peaceful to not press forward at a gallop. Now we walk towards the things we feel are right for us. I know that the Lord is guiding your steps. I know you are listening. I know you and I both are about to shatter if this cold weather doesn’t break into Spring but Spring will bring it’s own level of anxiety. Deep breaths, good tea, cuddles with your husband and a good cookie or two. It will all be great. Your family is great inspiration to many. God bless.
Deborah
All this brings to mind something my Mom told me…more than once. If I was fretting about a need or tomorrow’s worry she would usually give me a hug and tell me to do one thing…
Remember to live today. Keep my mind on today and do my best, love my best. Don’t let thoughts of all those tomorrow things rob me of today’s beautiful moments, don’t let them push any of today aside.
Planning and dreaming for tomorrow is impotant but it should not occupy all of my today. Some things are for lists, leave it on paper and it can free your mind. And everything is for prayer. It took me awhile but I finally understood what she was trying to teach me.
Momma read her Bible daily and was full of love and wisdom. O how I miss her!
Blessings on your day
Karen
The gift you give in your writing is that your life makes people feel less guilty and alone when it comes to their own shortfalls (and unfinished projects!).
And also when it comes to making tough decisions.. new floor or perennials? 🙂 Meanwhile, I marvel about what incredible life experiences you are
providing your children. Can’t think of a better use of your time then what you are already doing with it.
Jenna
Been following your blog for a few years now and love to read the posts. The pictures of your house and the videos you put up I find so relaxing! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us. And don’t underestimate the pure strength of a loving parent. The kids will turn out wonderfully because of the love, faith, and drive for life you and your husband have.