We had a lovely, peaceful snowstorm over the weekend. No high winds or power outages, just lots of snow. Most of the kids have been in and out all day ever since and the drying rack is covered in damp coats and snow pants. I have all the snow time I need each morning when I head out to take care of my animals. Jonny’s been helping me the past couple of days because trudging through snow makes everything take a little bit longer. The goats are better at braving the snow than the chickens, though none of them care for it.
I’ve been in a somewhat depressed and contemplative state for a couple of months now. I have also been a bit unwell. Nothing major, just feeling off and more tired than usual, which is part of having Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. I hesitate to mention it, but I bet some of you are in a similar place. This time of year has a tendency to do this to me. I’m re-evaluating my health situation and looking for areas where change is warranted (mainly diet and exercise). I have the most energy in the early part of the day, and I try to direct that towards homeschooling. I got off track with homeschooling last fall when Jonny left his job. I poured most of my energy in the months that followed into my own work, feeling that was most urgent and necessary at the time. Working also made me feel like I had some control over the situation, so that is how I channeled my anxiety. Now I am trying to recover some balance, and figure out how to homeschool and homemake while working in the margins. I realize that absolute balance isn’t really possible, but at the very least I am getting my priorities in order. Jonny is working part time (from home-we moved his office to my basement studio space), and I am hoping that shifts to full time work in the next month or so.
I did something new to me and bought a goal planner, and I am excited to put that to use this year. Reading through it has challenged me to examine myself and my goals in new ways. Honestly, I wasn’t very aware of my goals previously. I seem to always be chasing the next thing, rather than setting goals and working towards them in an intentional way. I do hope that I am able to really devote time to this in the coming months. It seems every day has a new list of to-dos, and only so much energy to go around. I suspect I will start to feel better as the days lengthen, as I usually do, so I am allowing myself to slowly ease into this new sort of planning.
Seth bought a little pickup truck last week with money he has been saving for the right opportunity, and I started working on the counselor recommendation letter for his college application today. After much deliberation, his plan is to go to school locally for at least the first two years and live at home to save money, so we won’t be saying any goodbyes this year, but it’s still hard to believe that we are already at this place. I was only a few years older than Seth is now when he was born, in college myself, and it’s hard to believe that more than eighteen years have passed. I’m excited for him, and for my other two big boys who aren’t far behind. But, I’m also a bit sad over how the time has flown by. It does help me in my desire to be more intentional with my younger children, because how quickly these homeschooling days will pass!
And because I’ve been going through old photos…
(third trimester, getting my shirt tucked in so I can turn a cartwheel…oh, to be 22 again!!!)
The next two babies that I will be writing letters of recommendation for… These two are still just as cute and sweet (most of the time), only a lot bigger.
Bethany Hudson says
Gabe’s face in that chicken picture at the bottom, tho ?
Laura says
Beautiful photos – as usual!! I loved seeing the progression of your family growing. You’ve got such a beautiful family! Congrats to Jonny on the job. I am sure that is a relief. Prayers for your health and that his job evolves into full time work!
Heather says
My fourth is getting ready to begin his college journey soon. It’s bittersweet; my youngest is three, so these older children leaving the nest don’t leave me without chicks, but still… the letting go!
Nathana Clay says
Your photography is always such a joy to see–and an inspiration to myself! We had a big snowstorm last weekend–and it slowed down our plans in the best of ways. We enjoyed board games, putting up our tent inside, eating warm chili, pizza, homemade kolaches, shoveling with neighbors, lots of playing and tunneling in the snow, experimenting with fully learning manual on my camera–thank you for the book suggestion “Exposure”. 🙂 I am glad you guys had wonderful snow days! Here are our pictures: (https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/543124d830ec4e5b9169ec54fc296547). This was my first time shooting in full manual, and I still have a lot to learn.
Ginny says
Your pictures look great! That’s so exciting to be learning something new! And that’s a lot of snow you guys got!
Catherine says
Hi Ginny!
I am somewhat new to your blog so pardon if you have already written about this; but I am wondering if you have or if you would ever consider writing about what it was like to start a family while in college. How did you come to that decision? What advice would you give someone considering starting a family at 21? I ask because that had always been my dream. But God had other plans for me as I had some serious maturing to do before he put the right man in my life! And now I am a happy wife and mother (got married when I was 26, which is still young haha!) I guess because I was so unready at 21 (even though I thought I was ready) I stand in awe of people who actually were ready at that age and I love to hear their stories!
Ginny says
Hi Catherine! I haven’t written about that, because honestly, it wasn’t my plan! We had been married for a little over a year when I got pregnant, and before that, we hadn’t really even had any discussion about children. We were very young and impulsive and it’s just by the Grace of God that things have worked out as well as they have! His plans are always better than ours, right?
Catherine says
Very true! 🙂
E Harney says
Hey Ginny! Love all the pictures! You and your husband are such a beautiful couple. It’s amazing to see how your children are younger versions of you both. You haven’t aged, but your photography skills have definitely matured. Thank you for inspiring strength and creativity! You are such an amazing woman and mother!
Federica says
Ciao Ginny, I read your blog regularly, I like your pictures and your knitting ( a lot, really really a lot) I wish I was like you but I’m a bit clumsy 🙂
I have hashimoto too, I struggle with tiredness and weight gain, honestly for this part hashimoto is not the only one to blame, but anyway. The one thing that I can say about the feeling is to check with bloodwork and then adjust the medicine, it’s a life saver, then avoid soy in any form possible and follow your instict, if you are tired then rest. My tyroid worst problem was lack of good sleep. I woke up a lot during the night and I couldn’t go back to sleep immediately so in the morning I was exausted. I divided my medicine in two moments and the situation now is better, plus I check for iron and I was low, very low. So maybe you can check on it too… >Plus I’m a runner, trekker, hiker so when Ihave these down moments I’m a little off because I can’t do what I like most..
But you know, it’s just a moment, I know it’ll pass and I keep going.
Best wishes for a fantastic new year!!!
Federica
Beth says
Yes to exercise and enough sleep!!! I also have thyroid disease and I know that sleep and exercise are crucial during the winter months for me. I purposely put a lot of projects on hold until sunny warm weather when the days seem longer and I can get more done.
In the winter I do 30 min strength and 60 min cardio 6x/week and get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. I’ve been doing this for 3 winters now and it has completely changed my life. Also, no refined sugar (though I know you are careful about things like that already)
Penelope says
It’s such a challenging season for a mother’s heart isn’t it Ginny? I was just telling my rising 17yo that I wished childhood lasted longer. I wish we had more years to cherish this glorious unfolding … he and I are preparing for the university application process which, because of his field of study, means having everything turned in by the end of this calendar year so as to be ready for the January auditions and assessments …. if he were starting at the 2-year college like his siblings (and I) he’d simply be able to walk in in August of 2020 … it seems so soon!!! So on the one hand he and I have a solid year and a half left of homeschooling and yet … it will pass in a heartbeat … {{hugs}} and prayrs for you Ginny!
karen says
I’m hoping that we get some snow this weekend as predicted. Time keeps moving faster and faster as I get older. Loved seeing your beginning days of a family! I also love reading how you savor the days now. I hope you feel better soon, each day gets longer and brighter than the last. The sun was out three days in a row and I was so happy!! it’s been gloomier than usual if you ask me.
Leslie F says
Love the snapshots of younger days – I did a double take when I saw Jonny and had to compare the pictures to your “Resolutions” post of Keats – that boy is most definitely his dad’s not-so-mini-me!
Heidi says
Just feeling a little low this winter myself and yearning for warmth and spring. ?The years go by so fast, I have to remind myself to cherish them more. Savor.
Loved the early photos of you & Jonny & young family. Stay warm & nest for awhile longer.
Pam says
Your family and photos are just beautiful. I wanted to share with you something I learned in a yoga class and it’s helped me with the winter blahs. Winter is nature’s way of telling us to slow down, to go inside and nurture ourselves and take time to contemplate and rest. We must take this time to embrace our inner selves so that when the Spring arrives we are all ready to burst out of our shell and blossom once again for in the warm sunlight. We’re feeling low because our expectations of ourselves. Just know you are exactly where you need to be and you must love yourself as if you were one of your precious children. Soon will be your time to shine and blossom. God Bless!
Ginny says
Thank you, Pam! I feel that as well-I know I need to take this time to rest as I can. It’s hard because the schedule/workload seems to increase in winter!!! I think the key for me is giving myself grace! 🙂
Wendy says
Love all of those pictures of everyone’s younger years. I have been praying regularly about Jonny’s job since he finished the last one, so I’m glad to hear he has steady part-time work! Continued prayers that it will develop into full-time!
Unfortunately it took me several years to realize that winter causes me problems, too! ??. Every year now I tweak things and try to develop better habits so that I can exit winter gracefully, rather than in a pitiful heap. ?. Diet, exercise, water, and vitamin D are key for me; I have hope that this winter will be an improvement over last.
Ginny says
I feel like I am getting better and better at handling the realities of winter as well. I am really, really looking forward to spring!
Elizabeth says
I understand so well struggling with balance when one is afraid. I totally get that. thank God that He is merciful to us in our weakness! God bless you dear one and your family! Such lovely pictures! XO!
Elizabeth says
posted without my blog – so posting again! 🙂
Ginny says
Thank you, Elizabeth!!!
Catherine Reno says
Ginny I also have hypo thyroidism, not sure about hashimotos. I feel off most days.
My children are grown but have 5 grandchildren to look after.
I would like to know how you like your goal planner. I bought a planner but have yet to start it.
Like you said I am always doing but chasing after the next thing as well. I would like to have clearer goals to follow. I tend to think at night what I’d like to achieve the next day. I tend to follow that pretty well. So I guess I have small goals. But when I’m not doing that I wander. Don’t know if I should let myself wander. For instance my knitting. I have just done a huge destash. Am selling yarn/patterns to go with the yarn in some cases. I just donated to the women’s fellowship at church and feel good about that. I am only able to manage hats right now. Have a sweater quantity of yarn but have yet to cast it on. Not sure if you read all of these but hope it makes you feel better to know your not alone. I wake up with my husband and then he goes to work.
I don’t know how you have all the people in your family walking around it seems like you don’t have a minute of peace. How do you have a minute to wake up. When i worked I woke up 1/2 hour before the kids to have a cup of tea and feel ready to deal with the rush.
Ginny says
Hi Catherine! I’m sorry you are feeling off as well. Thanks so much for sharing! Destashing is a big accomplishment, I think! And you are right–I don’t get much peace and quiet!
Marilyn says
I loved seeing the pictures of the children when they were younger. Sorry that you are not feeling better. Looks like the children really enjoyed themselves playing in the snow. God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Marilyn
Elizabeth says
Oh young ginny, it’s so nice to see you! You are super cute!
Seriously though, I am amazed how little you have changed. Still as good looking as you were in your twenties. You just look a little less like a big sister, a little more like an actual mom :).
Ginny says
Thank you!!! My little girls didn’t recognize me in the cartwheel photos. They wanted to know who that teenager was! Ha!
Joan says
Love seeing your family as it grew through the years. Thank You for sharing
Joan
Marion says
Ginny I hope you feel better. Love the photos of your beautiful family.
God Bless
Marion
Sandra Davidson says
I to have Hashimoto’s Disease and I find winter extremely hard to navigate especially now that I am in my 70’s. I also just try to go with the flow and am grateful that I can just look after me now. But I remember how difficult it was when I had other responsibilities. Bless you Ginny for all that you do.
Ginny says
Winter is really hard! I wear lots of layers. I’m always cold!
Emily says
Awwwww! You guys are so cute!!!!
Ginny says
We’re babies!
Tyler-Rose Counts says
As always, thanks for sharing pretty snippets of your life with us, Ginny! I hope the sun comes out and you find some balance soon 🙂
Ginny says
Thank you!!!
Suzy says
I also have thyroid condition and can relate to feeling on a low ebb this time of year. Vitamin D and C seem to help me quite a bit. These pictures are so lovely! I have read your blog for years and watched your beautiful family grow. The time seems to have gone by so fast!
Ginny says
Vitamin D helps me too!! I need to remember vitamin C. I tend to forget that one!
victoria says
I bet those are Oshkosh B-Gosh overalls there. I just loved those. My son always had a pair when he was little (many years ago!). I hated to give them up when he got too old to wear them.
Ginny says
Yes, I loved the little overalls too!
MJ says
You’re right, lots of people get a little down in the darkest part of the year. Have you considered light therapy?
Ginny says
Yes, I think I have one of those lights around here somewhere. Left behind by the previous owner of our house. I should try it!
Lou says
Beautiful family! I thought it was just me needing more sleep, time for reflection and rest this time of year. I, too, have Hashimoto’s Disease. I just lean into it and try to enjoy the time while I have it. I always ramp up come mid-February in anticipation of Spring. The seasons really do have an ebb and flow to them, and the more I resist that the more I struggle it seems. Just food for thought.
Ginny says
Lou, I think you’re right about the seasons. I am getting better and better at going with the flow. Trying to balance the winter need for rest and reflection with the family chaos is hard!
Lou says
Yes it’s really hard to rest and reflect with chaos swirling around us. But little bits of time, here and there, really do make a positive difference. It’s about quality in these small, carved out moments. You can do this!
Ruth says
What a beautiful glimpse of the younger family, Ginny. I’ve been wondering about the bigger ones and it’s so nice to hear that Seth plans to be around for some time yet. I’m looking forward to hearing what Keats and Gabe are doing.
Ginny says
It’s harder to share about the older boys! I try to protect their privacy, but I know folks want to hear about them too!
LeahD says
Oh, Ginny, I just love your writing & photos! Long time reader, first time commenting…You are so real, refreshing & honest! And, there is such beauty in your photos. You definitely make me pause & cherish the small things?❤️
Ginny says
Hi Leah! Thanks so much for your sweet comment!!!
Becky P Slack says
Wonderful pictures of your family!…hard to let our children go…but, then, when they get married and there is grandchildren…it’s worth it all…they put so much of what was learned at home into training their own children, that it’s like looking back in time….the ideas that we instill in them, is showing up in our grandchildren….what a delight!…take care of yourself and rest for the winter….Spring will be here soon!….
Ginny says
Hi Becky! I am really looking forward to grandchildren! I find myself thinking about what sort of Grandmother I hope to be. 🙂
Kate says
Lovely photos! I can’t believe you have a college-aged child either. I’ve been through the college thing 5 times so far. My last two are 16 and 12 and I panic once in awhile thinking how little time I have left with them. I’ve learned a lot from the older ones college experience and I’m not in quite such a hurry to push them out of the nest.
I’ve been feeling run-down and tired since Christmas. I attributed it to too many late nights and activity during vacation. There was also the usual sickness that happens when the weather changes and I was left with a nagging, tiring cough. I’m not getting any real exercise either. I’ve been sleeping in way too late and dragging myself out of bed in the morning. It would be nice of we could all just hibernate for a few months and I could ditch my to-do list.
Monique says
Your pictures are wonderful and so is your writing…as usual. Good luck with the college thing, I now have 1 that has graduated, 2 that are currently in college, and one that is still a ways off ( thank goodness!) You will get through it, but it will be hard. But that is part of raising kids…the letting go part…
Hugs to you and hope you feel better soon!
Rachel says
love all the pictures!
Gwen says
Beautiful pictures of you and your family. I loved every one! Wonderful about Jonny. Yes, I hope he can do whatever full time. We somehow always get through the winter.