Just a few short months ago I was reflecting on the fact that I don’t have much time left with my oldest child, because you see, she is 15 years old. And now here I sit 39 weeks pregnant with our seventh.

Many might assume that since I have been through this journey of pregnancy and childbirth a few times that I would have it “down” by now. But truth be told, just as every pregnancy and birth is different, so is every child.

She asked you to bring a dessert and you can’t forget to pick up another pack of Christmas cards. Where in the world are the extra rolls of tape and why didn’t Susie let you know she needed a shepherd’s costume before dress rehearsal day?

Celebrating the holidays is wonderful and meant to be enjoyed. But sometimes the swirl of activities and schedule demands make it anything but enjoyable. If you feel overwhelmed throughout the holiday season, today I’m sharing 5 ways to thrive when the holidays feel overwhelming.

Holiday preparations are in full swing at our home, and while they have been eagerly anticipated, the work that accompanies our preparing is rocking our calendar and zapping our energy. There are lots of things that I am good at, but juggling a schedule is not one of them. When we enchant a shift in routine, or find ourselves in a season where there are countless activities and  how do we cultivate peace in our hearts and in our homes?  So, sweet mamas, I present, a  Five Ways to Find Hope in the Holiday Bustle, or any time when you are overwhelmed, because don't we all need just a bit more merry?

Sometimes I have to fight for a thankful heart. When everything feels like it's working against me. When I am tempted to feel sorry for myself. When I want to complain. On the days when I see more of what I don't have than what I do have. It doesn't come natural to me to be thankful.

"If you could go back and change one thing...what would it be?"

This is a question both my husband and I have been asked several times by different people now that we're on the other side of foster care. And the truth is, if you had asked me in the midst of it, I'd have given you quite the lengthy list. I wanted to change all of it.

How many kids we took in.
Their ages.
Their pain.
The timing.
More support.
Our struggle.
My attitude.
My husbands attitude.
My kids attitudes.
The list would have gone on and on and on.

And yet looking back now, I know for certain that I wouldn't change a single thing.