Dear Mom,

I understand exactly what you are going through, and how you feel.

You are anxiously anticipating a seventh child, and although you are beautifully open to life, you are wondering how this new blessing will affect your family and the new school year.  "Baby on the way anxiety," housework, academics, and hormones are understandably making you feel TIRED and overwhelmed.

Since you are rightfully looking for encouragement, I will offer a lot of empathy and a touch of advice.  I wore your shoes, at your age, one year ago today.  Just like you, I was beginning another homeschool year, pregnant with baby number six, and trying to complete a full domestic and academic schedule.  I, too, felt TIRED and overwhelmed.  I wanted to quit homeschooling.

So, how did I carry on?  Our family took a very long break from homeschooling after our baby was born.  I won't tell you the length of our homeschool break, because everyone bounces back at different rates.  But, please know that my school aged children will be playing catch up academically this school year, and more importantly, they are going to be absolutely fine, despite their break.

What you and your family need right now, is what you wonderfully pointed out in your letter; nature walks and homemade cookies.  You need time with the baby, and you need family deposits.  Your children will catch up in academics later, and they will grow in helping the family during these lovely, but stressful times.  You didn't mention when the baby was due, but if it's not for awhile, cut your academics down to a minimum, anyway.  At least focus on the core subjects, only.  When the baby arrives, remind yourself that IT IS O.K. TO TAKE MONTHS OFF OF SCHOOL.  Ask God and our Mother in Heaven to chase away all of your anxiety about the children getting behind in school.  Enjoy the baby and your family.

I'd like to comment on your full schedule, "messy house", and need to be Supermom.  After nine years of homeschooling you know the importance of a schedule, but nobody follows a schedule perfectly, especially when they are pregnant and tired.  You also know, after several children, that it will take awhile to settle into a new routine after your seventh baby.  All of us have messy houses when we have too much going on.  If you feel less overwhelmed when your house is tidied up and organized, quit school early every day, and strongly encourage your children to help Mom.  And . . . there are no Supermoms out there!  If you run into a good, strong Catholic woman who tells you she is Supermom, she is not being truthful and she is also being way too prideful.

Therese of Lisieux "had a thirst to suffer for love of God."  She taught us that suffering is a form of prayer, and to give it up to the Lord.  I pray that during this stressful time you will be able to offer it up to Him. May the Holy Spirit guide you to shorten your daily schedule, right away.  And once your new blessing arrives, I pray that you will take a long break from the books, and take things one day at a time.  I pray that you will go for lots of walks and eat lots of cookies.  And, of course, may you and your baby be blessed with a safe, healthy delivery.

Blessings to you and yours,

Julia Johnson