Well, Hello There

I've gotten several kind e-mails from people who have wondered when I'm coming back to regular blogging (as opposed to blogging only about That Show Which Is Dead To Me And Shall Not Be Named). It never fails to astound me that anyone would notice I've been gone--thanks for your encouragement. (I include my dad, who called me to say, "When in the heck are you going to stop posting about that show because I'm sick to death of reading the headlines."  Thanks for beating around the bush, Dad.)

Actually, I never specifically set out to take a giant blogging break, it just kind of happened that way. Would you like to hear the very interesting and compelling reason I've been away?

*crickets chirping*

Yes, well, there isn't one.

But in the interest of seeing if these old blogging gears have any juice left, I'll give you an update on what I've been doing in my extended absence.

1. The plates, they are a-spinnin'.

Remember how I told you it gets easier when your kids get older? Yes, well, it does, but it also ushers in a brand new version of chaos. All of these people! With plans! But no car of their own yet! And so I drive them! And not only drive them, but occasionally provide Spur-Of-The-Moment Bits Of Eternal Motherly Wisdom between the McDonald's drive-through window and the soccer field! And still have enough mental energy when we get home to help with the pre-algebra! (And by "help with the pre-algebra", I mean "lean over and say, 'hey Babe, can you help him with his pre-algebra?'" Still, it's effort.)

In short, life is busy.

Ann Kroeker kindly sent me a copy of her book Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions For Frenzied Families. It is brilliantly wise, and it has completely rocked my perspective. I would really like to figure out some ways to implement these principles in our family, just as soon as I slow down long enough to, um, slow down.

2. The bathroom. Oh, the BATHROOM.

Hubs and I started remodeling our bathroom in early February. It's now early June, and we're still at it. And that's all I have to say about that. (But I will post pictures, eventually, if they have internet access at the looney bin.)

3. Over thinking things. (It's what I do best.)

Quite honestly, for reasons I haven't yet fully pegged, I have grown a little ambivalent about blogging over the last year. Some of it is good old-fashioned burn-out from the flurry of book writing last year. Some of it is a growing awareness that as my kids' ages go up, so does their need for privacy, and it's tricky to write a parenting blog without talking too much about parenting, you know? And still more of it is a sense that maybe--just maybe--I've said most of what I wanted to say here. It's tempting to fill up this spot just because it's here, but I don't want to say something just to hear myself talk.

("You don't?" says Hubs. "STOP IT," says I.)

So to those of you who have stopped by and wondered where I am--first of all, thank you. I'm still here, laying low while I do too much driving and introspecting. I'll still be popping in here and there, if you can be patient with a creaky old blogger who may not write nearly as often as she used to.

So that's that.

How have you been?

Comments

[Nicole @ Here's The Diehl]

so happy you're back (since I don't watch the show that is now dead to you, i didn't read those posts)!

i wondered where you were, but didn't want to seem like a stalker, since i don't know you in real life.

anyway. i'll be reading when you have time to post!

[Molly]

I feel your pain. We are counting the days until there is boy with a permit in this house....6 months and 3 days and a year and 3 days until he DRIVES ON HIS OWN...just in time for HS Soccer his Junior year. YAY!

Glad you are back

[Jane Anne]

I have missed your posts but I completely understand. I am not a Lostie so it seems like it has been forever since I have heard from you. But... I completely understand because I, too, love Ann's book. It challenges me. It is the kind of book that I am never done with. I constantly reread portions of it to remind myself what's important.

[Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)]

I'm blogging rarely -- at best -- these days. Where I blogged a couple hundred words before, now I Facebook the same sentiment in 420 characters. Sometimes this makes me sad, but it's working for me...

I, for one, look forward to reading whatever you have to write.

[Rachel]

I'm so glad that you are back. I didn't really even find your site until you were in that other mode with that TV show that I quit watching because it was too much thinking for me! LOL. It's great to hear that our lives are very similar. I only have the 2, but they are 7 and 10 and my summer will undoubtedly be similar to yours.

[MemeGRL]

Hi! Thanks for coming back to say hi.
If you just check in every once in a while and share book lists, I'd be grateful! I mean, I'd love it if you wrote every day and all but I understand. I'm down to once-a-week posts myself for reasons not nearly as compelling as yours.
Hope you had a great weekend and I hope you decide to blog at some point! But enjoy that family--and thanks for sharing them with us all these years.

[Karen]

Let's see . . . I cranked out baby numero quattro about 7 weeks ago. It seems like I've fallen into an alternate universe where I can't figure out which end is up and I feel like crying in a heap on the floor or running away from home, sometimes simultaneously. Please tell me it gets easier.

[Adventures In Babywearing]

Oh how I've missed you and waited patiently forthat show to end (I gave up during season 2) so anyway, as you are a forever favorite of mine I do hope you pop in more often than not, for selfish reasons of course, because I love hearing about your life and how you view things and stuff. :)

steph

[Dorci]

My youngest just graduated from high school, so, though they both continue to loiter here at home, I feel as though I don't have "children" any more. They are grown and somehow that makes me feel like a different breed of mom. One that isn't needed to help with homework, God forbid I give my boys advice about girls (little do they know I used to be one) and the days of attaching watercolored pictures to my refrigerator with cow magnets are gone. I'm trying to get my teary eyes off the past and look to the joys of the future, but my head keeps rubber-necking. I'm trying to discover my new identity now. But it ain't easy. I am proud of my men, though.

[trs]

I share your dad's sentiments... bu restrained myself from saying so!
I do hope you find topics that meet the requirements for bloggy disclosure. I miss your writing!

[Megan]

Nice to hear from you again, Shannon. I had to skip over all your LOST posts because we still haven't watched the last season. And we still plan to, in spite of what we hear from others who are still in mourning over the way it all went down. I still have hope. And I know that's dumb.

:)

[Suzette]

I really loved this post. I am a new reader BECAUSE of the Lost posts. Hope to read more of your regular, non-lost posts.

[Nikki]

A dear friend sent me a link to your blog several years ago when my first child entered kindergarten. There was a kindergarteners prayer that brought tears to my eyes. You were the first blog I ever visited. Then, I started my own (just as a way to keep far-away friends and family up to date on our goings-on). I love that you are slowing down the blogging to keep up with your children. Enjoy yourself - and feel free to blog when you can; I'll still be checking in.

[Jennifer R.]

Thank you for posting this. I, too, have wondered why you haven't posted much lately, but I also appreciate your desire to have something to SAY when you blog rather than to just "fill up the space." That's what keeps all of us coming back for more. I'm sure you'll adjust to this new phase of life soon. And when you do, you'll have a lot to say about it. And we'll all still be here to read all about it. :)

[Dawn @ Wherever He Leads]

I am with you on the show that should remain nameless. The further away from the finale I get, the more I don't like it and the more I get angry about being conned. But I digress...

I am glad that you are back. I have always enjoyed your posts and look forward to reading whatever (and whenever) you want to share.

[Kelly]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will start regularly blogging again - when you feel inspired, of course. :) The blog world has been seriously lacking in awesomeness without your regular updates. But I understand the whole kids getting older/needing to keep things private thing.

[Denise]

Thank goodness your dad and others are also bugging you because... I kind of thought it was just me. Come back, come back, come back! I miss you.

[Linda Sue]

Your father is a wise wise man! I miss your writing and I don't have any children - I like to read about your life because you are often funny, unusually realistic and love the Lord and your family in that order! Also - you understand the importance of privacy but going along on your vacation last year was SO much fun. Please consider a semi twitter thing with your blog fans - more than 140 characters but less than a full chapter.

[Barbara H.]

It's always good to hear from you whenever you can pop in! My favorites of your past posts are those with a moment of perspective -- like a moment with your children or one I remember about a lady you saw either at the DMV or while on jury duty (though that's all I can remember about that post...). But I do hope to see more of you as you are able and feel led.

[Rita]

It's possible that blogging is going a bit of the way of MySpace, with more interested in quick Twitters or Facebook updates then full out entertaining of the masses. I am running into more abandoned blogs lately, and thinking it may be the trend. So now we're trendy when we don't blog twice a day and keep changing the page layouts!

[Jenn]

I cannot tell you how happy I was to see this non-Lost post today! I love your writing and for what it's worth, you have certainly not lost your ability to write in the bloggy nature. As for myself, I went to jail in Louisiana with Awana and had an awesome experience. And because of that experience, I am working with some people to take an entire bus load of people back to jail next year. http://jarfullofrocks.com/2010/05/03/god-in-prison/

[Pam]

Thanks for giving us an update and sharing part of your life. I, too, have missed your posts, but I also understand where you're at. Blessings as you continue to decide what to do.

[JeneeLyn]

I'm going to be completely selfish and say I hope you continue to do some blogging, even if it is less often. I've been reading your archives and enjoy them immensely. Mine are all still 8 and under, so we haven't quite reached your level of chaos, though we are headed there. I'll miss your writing but will try to understand if you choose time with your family over satifying the curiosity of internet strangers.

[Robin M.]

That was nice... I keep checking in, see just the Lost posts, and check back the next day.

[Angie]

I had a baby 5 weeks ago today, and he is all snuggled in my lap right now as I watch my 3 year old daughter crawl around in the pile of clean laundry she has dumped on the floor. :) I think it must get easier with the driving- I remember when I got my license I drove everyone everywhere (younger sisters). My mom would send me to the store for the much needed can of tomatoes or gallon of milk. And I thought it was so fun! So start driver's ed early, on a back road somewhere with your oldest, and then they will be really ready to take over the family driving and errand running when they turn 16. I love your writing, please keep it up! And really, every day isn't needed- just check in with us once a week? Of all the blogs I set my Mom's bloglines up with, she liked yours the best- she said you were a wonderful writer!

[Nena]

Might I make a recommendation for homework help for mom? Usborne's Dictionary of Math! Got us through junior high and some high school math! Without it, I was NO help whatsoever. Been too long since I had those classes. Got mine from Amazon. Well worth the price, I think less than $15! Hope it helps others as much as it helps us!

[Charlsie Swadley]

So glad to get a little update. I really miss your wit and wisdom!

[Melanie]

Glad you're back. It's the same old same ole here in SmallTown. Lots of cows and no Starbucks. :>)
Good to hear you are well!

[Christine]

I bet I've got you beat in the creaky department. And yes, I agree with your dad since I'm not a...a...you know.

It's good to see you're back, though, even if you're not really. And I heartily and respectfully and kindly disagree with you when you say you don't have much else to say. And I mean respectfully!

My kids are getting older, too. And I have a list a mile long for why my blog is so stale that "Doorstop" would be too kind a title for it.

So.

Hi.

I miss you.

[Maria]

I am also glad you are back. (I didn't read the other comments so I am assuming that they don't all say they didn't want you back). I didn't watch that show, so I didn't read those posts and I really have missed you. I was excited to see your name in bold on my bloglines when I knew there weren't any more episodes left to blog about.

As far as blogging goes, I am having my own rethinking of my own space and trying to figure out exactly what it is the heck I want to do over there. I hope to be back more as well........

[justanotherdayinparadise]

welcome back. fill our heads with inance drivel. . .we're obviously willing to wait around for quality stuff. ; ) (seriously, I'm glad you're back. You were the first blog I really read, and you cracked me up enough I caught the fever. . .)

[Pink Sun Drops]

I love hearing someone else say #1 outloud.

And for #3 I completely understand. I've been contemplating my own blogging atmosphere lately. And not apologizing when I go a few weeks without blogging. Sometimes not even an explanation. Just content to blog when I actually have something that I want to say. Plus, the kid and the burnout thing.

Love reading your words when you have them!

[Sarah@BlueCastle]

I've really missed your regular non-LOST posts.
I think I would rather read a blog written by a mom who was really being a mom - even if that meant her posts were scarce - than by a mom who was so busy blogging, she was inadvertently neglecting her family. I'm trying to find that balance and neglecting my blog in the meantime. I just really would hate for my kids to say of me in later years, "She was always on the computer, blogging." The years are going so fast, I don't want to miss anymore than I have already.

[Julie]

Love to hear whatever you have to share (except Lost, which never really tripped my trigger). I've been entertaining myself and enjoying perusing your archives. Laughter is such a great stress reliever! And what a special gift you have for writing! From one busy mom blogger to another, God bless as you juggle the many hats of motherhood!

[Jenni]

Your reasons for 'breaking' are all good ones, and I'm also feeling ambivalent about blogging these days. It's more work than fun, so that right there tells me something is amiss. But I'm glad to read you any old time you decide to share something! And who knows? Maybe some *other* television show will hit the scene and you'll be sucked in enough to blog at least weekly...LOL!

[Heather O.]

It's okay to be done. Really. I feel like that all the time, and as I watch my traffic dwindle, I realize I DON'T CARE, which is a huge switch from a few years ago.

But blogs are for you, not for other people. You own the blog, it doesn't own you. Unless it's your primary source of income (as I recognize it is for many bloggers), you have absolutely no responsibility at all. Kind of a nice thought, huh?

[missy @ it's almost naptime]

I still miss you (sniff)

[Stephanie]

Thank you for writing this! I *have* missed you. You have an honest, encouraging, and compelling way of writing - and a beautiful heart.

I'll keep your blog in my RSS feed so that I can "catch up" with you whenever you post - whether that be once a week/month/year. :)

[Rachael]

Hi! Just stopping by from Blessed Nest and Eli's Lids... and you have made me smile and even chuckle in just a few short moments. Thanks! I will be stopping by again soon. Cuz I have rocks in my dryer, too.

[Kristin]

I was just having this conversation with a young mom friend of mine....yes it gets easier as they get older; but WOW is the schedule booked solid or what?! We have 5 and dare I leave someone out of the "having friends over" day. Ok, then I'll add another 100 miles to today's route.

I have appreciated your blog so much, and although mine was not nearly as popular it seems my little blog took a backseat to life as well. I very rarely read anything anymore.

Thank you for the book recommendation....I hope to have a chance to rarely read that as well.

Have a good summer!

[Jules@EverydayMommy]

When my husband became an elder my license to blog and say what I think was revoked :)

[Cindy (aka Grandma C)]

I just came across your blog, or your return. Sounds like you needed a blog break. I find it is the opposite it keeps me when life is chaos'tic (I like that) Have a great week

[Sarah]

I totally understand the need to take a blogging break and I am glad you are giving yourself that time so that when and if you do decide to take it back up, you really enjoy it for you! I don't blog that often these days -- but with NYC and the Philly women around here planning so many activities, I keep one going just for the fun of the events locally & seeing the women I have met; but once in awhile, I just write from the heart and I remember why I ever started - to keep up the practice of putting experiences into words. And, maybe those posts will work their way into devotionals or whatever. Who knows.

I do hope your book is going well b/c you really are a great writer. Keep something going - even if no one sees it until years from now in some form or another.

God Bless,

[A Maui Blog]

I had been wondering. Thank you for letting us know. My life is kinda the same, lots of plates spinning ( kids getting older but life is not getting simpler) ... I am glad to read your posts, whatever it is , even on that show that should not be named.

[Musings of a Housewife]

You can NOT stop blogging. It definitely evolves, though. My middle child is SO sensitive about her picture or any talk of her being on the blog. ARGH. And there is so much I can't talk about since EVERYONE I know reads my blog. BUT. I can't imagine not blogging so I keep going. I hope you do too!!! :-)

[Ashleigh (Heart and Home)]

SO happy to see this in my reader when I arrived home from my European trip this weekend. You are loved and missed and, as Jo-Lynne said... you can NOT stop blogging. Even if you say hi once a month, I'll be happy to just see "hi." Because we love you. And miss you. And... oh, I already said that? Hey, it's true.

[Shannon]

Thank you, Ashleigh--you made me smile! Hope you're doing well!