Louisa, my last child at home
The morning sounds in my home are pretty minimal these days. Louisa goes steadily and calmly about her chores. Daddy goes outside—alone—to feed the chickens and gather the eggs . . . chores the kids used to do. I make breakfast without any bawling babies who want to be nursed, no teenagers clamoring with questions about last minute emergencies, nor any toddlers too hungry to wait for it to cook. How things have changed in this house!
As I listened to the morning sounds today, I thought about how I wished I could have told myself, as a young mother, that it would be quiet someday. I think while you are “in the trenches”, it seems like it will never be peaceful, calm and quiet . . . ever! I wish I could say to all mommies that are in the busy time with lots of little ones: “Enjoy! This is but a moment. Look into those little faces and memorize them, because they change so gradually, you won’t even see your little girl transform into a young woman right before your eyes.”
The best investment you will ever make is the time you spend with your children. Rather than time spent on them. Not caring for them, but caring about them. Yes, it is important to do laundry and make meals. But the time spent talking, learning, playing, working together, joking and laughing together—it is precious! It will bind them to you in love, and they will come to honor the things you value, because they are sure of your love.
I have often thought that the most powerful people in the world are childbearing women. They have incredible, God-like capacity to create life! They have tremendous influence in shaping their children’s hearts and minds. The world’s future depends on the childbearing women.
Mommies: enjoy your busy time to the fullest! Your house will be quiet one day.
Though I'm in love with my toddlers, and this wonderful stage, sometimes the fact that I have a 2 year old, 1 year old and number three on the way makes me wonder how I will ever manage even these toddler and baby years, let alone the schooling, teen and young adult years ahead! 
I know God will provide, and with the help of wisdom from the "older and wiser" homeschool Mama's,(like you) God will continue to mold and shape me into the best friend, Mama, and teacher, my little ones know!
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I'd sure love to hear your comment!
Hello Diane,
Thank you for your posts; they are always a source of encouragement and help.
I agree childbearing women are powerful! You say, "I have often thought that the most powerful people in the world are childbearing women. They have incredible, God-like capacity to create life! They have tremendous influence in shaping their children’s hearts and minds. The world’s future depends on the childbearing women." I am a momma; my daughter just turned 5. I was adopted; our daughter was adopted. You see, we could not have children. However, I think you would agree, all mothers — biological AND adoptive — shape our childrens' hearts and minds. Our daughter is such a delight to us. She would not be in our lives without a childbearing woman. We thank God for our daughter's birth mother so often. But, the day we brought our baby home, we began shaping her heart, mind, and future. What a privilege!
Again, thank you for your example. Louisa is a lovely young lady, radiating from the inside out.
Regards,
Sheila Burns
Thank you for sharing. It seems to me that my home will never be quiet with 6 boys 14 years and under, but it is so good to read your perspective and know that this, too, shall pass.
Diane! Thank you so much for this post. I think it was written for me!!
Though I'm in love with my toddlers, and this wonderful stage, sometimes the fact that I have a 2 year old, 1 year old and number three on the way makes me wonder how I will ever manage even these toddler and baby years, let alone the schooling, teen and young adult years ahead! 
I know God will provide, and with the help of wisdom from the "older and wiser" homeschool Mama's,(like you) God will continue to mold and shape me into the best friend, Mama, and teacher, my little ones know!
Thank you for all your posts, you inspire me and I am thankful to God for your example of family life. It can be done!! And you've done very well! Good job!
God Bless You!
Thanks for the encouragement. I really needed to hear that today! I have a 7 yr old a four and a half year old, a two year old and am 8 months pregnant with my fourth child. Last night we carved pumpkins together and I am still cleaning up the mess with breakfast this morning.
Thank you for this timely post. The truth of it brought tears to my eyes. I am currently expecting my 8th child with my oldest turning 13 in a few short weeks. Most days are beyond crazy around here and a lot of things don't get done when they're supposed to, but, it all works out in the end.
Beautifully said, Diane. I am in the "almost quiet stage" with an 11 year old and 13 year old son at home. They study quietly each morning and I love having the time to be with them. I don't know how I ever "homeschooled" the older children with little ones running around, but somehow God made it all work–a real miracle.
Thank you Dianne for not wavering in your years of raising your children. It is a rare family that does not give in to the culture in raising kids. I have appreciated your standard of family values, encouragement and truly living out Romans 12:1-2 amongst out world. May more moms appreciate each day of raising up the next generation for Christ and embrace the high calling of motherhood.
THANK YOU DIANE. I am so, so grateful for your reminders. I need them.
As a mom that has one foot in the trenches and the other starting out the door (our oldest is a senior and will be heading off to college next year and then a misson) I appreciate the reminder. Thank you so very much. Sometimes we forget to stop and "be" because we are so busy "doing". I appreciate your words of wisdom…truly.
Thanks for the reminder. Beautifully said. Your daughter is a very beautiful girl too.