Let me say first how grateful I am that I haven't been put on restricted bed rest.  We have been doing what we can; which includes me taking it as easy as possible with four little ones during the day alone and then going straight to the bed (or couch) as soon as Nathan gets home from work.  This has helped a lot and I have had only one small bout of contractions and not nearly as much pressure.   Today, I felt pretty good  and had a little burst of energy, so I dusted and vacuumed the living room while the kids were tidying up other areas in the house.  I didn't have any physical repercussions yet, so I am taking that as a large encouragement.  I am praying that I don't have any tonight. 

Even with all of this going on, I can't shake the feeling I have that everything is going to be okay and that little Annagayle will come closer to her due date. As of now, she will come via C-section around the 22nd of March.  If the u/s in a week or so shows anything else then we will adjust accordingly. 

In the meantime, I am just going to keep snuggling with the kids in bed for as long as they will let me.  We have played a hundred rounds of the game TROUBLE and have actually seen the kids start learning some very valuable lessons for through the game.  They have chosen graciousness and mercy more times than not rather than bump their brother and sister back to "home". (If you re familiar with the game, then you know what I mean.)  That being said, we have discussed strategy and healthy sportsmanship, but it has been nice to see the kids not automatically "go for the throat" of their opponent/sibling.  This is one of the good games we got the kids for Christmas this year.  We also got them "Let's Go Fishing."This one takes patience for the parents, but I think teaches them patience also. It also seems to help with hand-eye coordination.

So, we may not be cracking the books, so to speak, these days, but we are most certainly learning and teaching the days away. With all of the reading we have done together over the last few weeks and the fun we have had playing games together, the girls especially have learned leaps and bounds.  I can't help but to think that this is EXACTLY what the Lord intended for me to see through this. He knew how much I needed to relax where homeschooling was concerned and recognize His sovereignty over even the education of my kiddos.  He prepares so many teachable moments for us that I am seeing how little I need to stress over WHATEVER route we take.

Have a good day!