Can you believe Labor Day is almost here? Sheesh, I’ll be holding our newborn babe in about nine weeks! Before we head out for another weekend in the mountains with friends, I wanted to share a few things with you…
* Have you heard of Hope*ologie? It’s an inspiring site with fresh content every month, including exclusive articles, podcasts, printables & video (the videos are my favorite), and I tell you the truth: it’s been super refreshing to log-in each month. It’s a member-based site, but I promise the $12.99/month rate is worth it. I’m a member and yes, the two sisters are my real-life friends, but I promise (again) it’s something you should be investing in each month :)
* Tuesday was a R O U G H day for me. Naptime was cut short for Max, I didn’t have a chance to rest myself, and dinner time wasn’t as easy as it normally is. I knew deep down I was exhausted (31 weeks pregnant and I’ve been doing too much) and that’s why things were falling apart. So we turned out the lights at 10:30pm and I tell you, getting 9 hours of sleep that night was glorious. I often forget how important rest is, not just during the daytime, but at nighttime too. We aren’t built to “do it all”, I must continue to live out this motto.
* My friend Hayley and her husband Mike recently launched an ethically-made clothing company for kiddos called Wildly Co. and they’re so close to finishing up their Kickstarter campaign. If you like supporting small businesses and feel inclined to help in any way, here’s a direct link to their fundraiser. (We’re cheering for you, H+M!)
* I’m on the lookout for a large-ish living room rug. Any favorites or recommendations?
* Even though I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, with family and work life, sometimes it’s hard. The past six years running a couple handmade businesses were wonderful, but to be honest I’m definitely missing having a large studio to work in creatively. Will you pray for me? I’m kinda feeling blue and I don’t want to miss out on the now because I’m too busy A.) feeling sorry for myself (wah, wah), or B.) wishing things were a little different. I know these years at home are precious and short. Often He has bigger, better, funner plans and I want to make sure my eyes are focused on Him.
* If you haven’t yet, click over to enter to win one of our August giveaway bundles: back-to-school or cozy fall essentials.
Enjoy your long weekend, and I’ll see you in September! :)
I know what you mean about not trying to do it all. I think it’s a mama thing. There’s some days I just know it’s more important to spend time with my little girl than trying to get all the cleaning in the house done. Some of it can wait. Other days I struggle with wanting to get things done.
I’ve been reading your blog long before I started my own, and I am always just so encouraged by your posts. I have always wanted to start a handmade business, and at some point I will, but I know right now I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. Your posts are a great reminder of that.
I will be praying for you, and that you will be able to completely enjoy these last few weeks as a mama to one, and that everything will go smoothly for the rest of your pregnancy/delivery. Enjoy the long weekend :)
Oh my goodness, I so appreciate your comment :)
I think one way I am able to keep myself in line is to consider how chaotic I feel inside when I try to do too much. It’s good to be creative and try new things, but I also have to remind myself of my motive behind being creative. Just because it’s what I’m used to doesn’t mean it’s how I should be spending my free time. Sometimes old habits can be bad habits ;)
I’d want to encourage you to keep a journal of your business ideas. How fun would it be to look back on your notes once the timing is right for you to pursue a handmade biz? xoxo
Hi!
Sometimes is almost scary how your posts echo my own thoughts and feelings!
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Have an amazing weekend!
Best,
Kristen
This is awesome! Thank you for being honest in your comment… let’s pray for each other! :)
Understand trying/wanting to “do it all” and then realizing you can’t!! Thank goodness for grace!!!
And I also understand being blue for what you are letting go of for now, sometimes a change that is done willingly and what we know is right, isn’t always as easy as it sounds. I think giving yourself time to ease into the transition is good – its important to work through our feelings and not burry them!
Have a wonderful weekend!!
xo
P.S. Also, praying for you – praying for peace and Him to comfort you.
We just got this rug for our playroom (I’d been wanting it for quite awhile before we bought it!) and love it!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40260519/
Dear Maggie,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I have also felt this way for a while now and on and off again. When I had my son, I was still finishing up my college degree in Psychology. So for the past 5 years of his (and my life) I was so busy with my thesis and my finals. I always had a goal. I really enjoyed especially writing my thesis but also longed to have more time for my son and family. I know have two children and am a stay-home mom and have to remind myself on an off again to just enjoy these precious moments I have with my family. But I also have moments when I wish I was ahead of where I am now. I wish I could start teaching Yoga now, may be writing a blog sharing all I am learning about Yoga, Health, Psychology etc. But at the end we know there will be time for all these wishes and goals. These moments with our children won’t come back. They are growing so fast.
However, I will pray for us to move forward but to stay present at the same time.
Much love and enjoy your long weekend!
Wiebke
Maggie you are so inspiring…I love reading your blog and I follow you on IG not to mention I’ve bought several Gussy sews products! You definitely can’t do it all and especially not at once..I just had my third baby and boy is it tough. I’m never on time, and there have been countless times when dealing with my 2 year old and 3 month old, I just want to curl up and cry! We recently had to move cross country and it has been the hardest decision and life altering change we have ever made. But when God calls us we need to listen! I pray for you often and I’m so happy for your new addition! God is surely blessing you. .just take it one day at a time! :)
Hi Maggie (that’s my mum’s name too).
I have only recently found your blog, but I find it very inspiring and also kind of calm and peacful (if that makes sense?.. much like Your Wishcake).
I have a very poor sleeping 2 year old and I now very much appreciate the benefits of a full nights sleep, and the feeling of trying to do too much. Getting stuff done and being ‘present’ whilst with my family is a constant challenge.
I’m praying that you find fulfillment in your life right now, and trust that in time God will reveal his plan for you and your family.
xx
Maggie… I’m definitely praying for you! And I can totally empathize with how you feel. As delightful as it is being a mama to young ones, it’s always hard to slow down so much – especially for someone who is creative and has a lot of ideas. When they are so young, they need you so intensely and it’s frustrating to be unable to follow through on the ideas that feed your soul. My kids are now 8, 6, and about to turn 3… and I still have those moments. I try to remember how that actually feels -and journal about it – so that years from now, when they’re moving out and I’m a crying disaster, I will be able to look back and remember that it was hard to be all-in and that I did my best. You’re also in the ‘about to go through a major change’ phase – with a new babe on the way and knowing that things will be different but just having to wait for it; there isn’t much you can do to prepare except wait. So you’re kind of suspended in waiting mode… and that is probably contributing to how you’re feeling as well. It’s a great but also a tough place to be and I get that too. Does that make sense? Anyway, I get it, and I’ll pray for you.