My bust collection is ever-growing.
Hello, friends! It’s been way too long, and I am well aware. Truth be told, this is a post I started writing over a month ago, but I decided to listen to my own advice and finish it up when I really had a moment. To those of you who have reached out, thank you. It’s nice to know I can fall off the face of the internet and not go completely unnoticed! It’s been a busy end of the school year/start to summer that I had planned to continue blogging through, but somewhere along the way I hit a wall. The quiet whispers I had been ignoring most of the spring “you’re doing too much” “just enjoy your family” “this is a different season for you, embrace it” turned into exhaustion and several proposals that were met with closed doors. You know that saying, “your biggest strengths are also your greatest weaknesses?” Well, perseverance is one of mine. Sometimes I push through to the point of ridiculousness, and God has to slam doors in my face for me to obey. This has unfortunately been one of those times. Stepping back has not been easy for me, but it’s what I needed to do.
I’m not saying goodbye to blogging, but this season of my life is different, and things can’t look the way they have in the past. I’ve always made it a goal to blog twice a week. For the past four years, that’s what has worked for me. Besides a handful of occasions I’ve stuck to that. But along the way I’ve gained another child, older kids in activities, a new church filled with opportunities to grow and minister, a bigger home to maintain with the blessing of hosting others in it, a healthier eating style that requires more time at the store and in the kitchen, and so much more laundry. Oh, the laundry. Life had gotten full to the point of bursting and I wasn’t doing any of it well. Something had to give, and the only thing that made sense because I’m sadly not getting a maid or a chef anytime soon was regular blogging. I need to give myself the grace to post when something is really worth sharing. I need to feel content in the silence on the blog, not in my house. I have no idea what silence is anymore when there isn’t.
I couldn’t pass up the painted lady or the peanut.
When you’re able to show yourself more grace, you’re able to extend that to others. I’ve had so much more patience with my kids and been allowed to truly enjoy them and all that is summer these last few months. Not only has the time off been good as a mom but good as a person. I’ve done things I haven’t done in years, silly things but things that feel decadent as a busy mom: I’ve painted my nails, watched TV without feeling guilty or anxious, read a book, spent time with my kids without looking at the clock. I spent May cooking wholesome, healthy meals for my family Micah and I did a Whole30 and six weeks at the beginning of summer doing some postpartum rehab and getting my health in order. Some of these I’ve written off as things I didn’t have time for since I started blogging, but they are activities that energize and delight me in this season.
This fall our older two will be in school full time how did that happen so fast? and maybe there will be more dedicated time for the blog, maybe there won’t. But I know God has called me to this change, and although my way always sounds better, His ways are perfect. Thank you for sticking with me through this season of grace. I’ll be back soon with a project or two, but in the meantime I’d love to hear how your summer is going. We had a magical time at Disney, a rejuvenating family camp experience, and have spent most of the day-to-day by the pool belting out Moana. What about you?
Good for you, this is wonderful! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much, Janell! You’re a true inspiration!
Amen and amen! I’m so glad for you and proud of you.
As we’re in a season of transition, I, too, hear God saying “don’t worry about the blog or bulding a business. Enjoy this time. Take a break. Rest as though you have a God who takes care of you.”
Unfortunaltey, I ignored ot and I’m starting to not only burn out, but some doors are being slammed in my face as well. Your words helped me see that.
And your words have encouraged me to listen and obey.
So thank you for taking a moment out of this season of grace to share your story. God certainly used it for His glory.
Thanks for sharing your heart, Sharon. It’s always so reassuring to know we’re not alone in our seasons, isn’t it? Praying you’re finding some peace and clarity!
I feel like I could have written this post but substituted blogger for event florist. I too had my third child a few months ago. My other two are similar ages to your others. We bought a big house that needs a ton of work a year and a half ago, I volunteer at church and with my kids’ activities… My business is slow right now but I’ve just recently accepted that this is my sign to slow down from my overly busy life. It’s hard though. There is pressure (although mostly from myself) to do more and grow. Thanks for the push for me to slow down too.
Floral design sounds amazing! And you’re so right about the pressure…we’re always hardest on ourselves, aren’t we? Thanks for following along, Whitney!
I hear you friend. I almost feel too guilty to put the words out there, and have just pretended time hasn’t passed between posts for me, and the guilt is heavy. Summer always seems to push me off the wagon. Thanks for being honest and sharing what good is going on at home. Share whatever feels right and good to share, we who adore you will be here waiting!
Don’t feel guilty, friend. You are doing an amazing job: raising two beautiful kids, working full time, running an amazing, successful business on top of it. I don’t know how you do it! Hoping you can show yourself some grace in this season too!
I wish I had prayed for you that day I watched one of your Instagram stories … and Domino was crying for you, and interrupting your flow. So thanks for this, it is proof that God does what He does best: care for His children. And He has cared for you. Thanks for obeying and joining that precious family of yours.
We’ll all be here when the time is right.
This is so sweet, thank you very much for your words, Debi. They mean so much to me!
I was getting worried about you and/or the baby. Good to hear that you are fine 🙂
Thank you for the concern, Anne. I appreciate you following along!
Thanks so much for your openness and honesty! I have missed your posts, but definitely understand how overwhelming life can get. There is something about that third child that can honestly turn your world upside down. Just not enough hands and time to keep up! The most important thing is to enjoy this time because it goes so fast. Blogging will always be there, as will those of us who love your style. But children grow so quickly and then they are gone. Believe me, at 66, I wonder where all that time went to and where are those sweet little ones I loved cuddling with so much. Now I have them in my grandchildren and the time is so much more precious because I know all too well how fast it passes. Blessings to you and your family, Gwen!
Yes, three seems like a lot more to mentally handle too! I appreciate the perspective, Linda, and thanks for your support!
I just smiled through this whole writing. I always worry about you girls doing SO much, meeting SO many unrealistic expectations.our daughter just pulled out with our grandchildren after a week of fun in the sun and my greatest caution to her is slow down, do less, don’t miss this. I’t’s so wonderful that God is offering you opportunities to share your beautiful home in ministry.That is a HIGH calling. our spring and summer has been moving to a new home in a new town which is daunting.Enjoy your family and be really really good to yourself, the world needs you healthy and whole mentally, spiritually and physically. will enjoy each post as time allows but enjoy even more your desire for balance.
I can’t thank you enough for your kind words and honesty. They are so encouraging!
I will look forward to your future posts as I really love your style. In the meantime enjoy your darling family. Best regards.
Wenda
Thank you, Wenda!
I LOVE this Gwen! And can relate to you on so so so many levels! Just another example of how inspiring you are to me! Xo
That’s so sweet, thanks Angie! Hope you all are having a great summer!
Truly excellent post. I’m often surprised that God’s call to do more is actually to do less. We’ll still be here when you’re ready. NEVER apologize for putting your family first. Much love
It’s so true. I’ve found I don’t have time to do His work when I’m too busy with my own. Have a great rest of the week, Heidi!
You’re so smart to take your break from blogging. Your health, physical & mental, need to come first. And your family.
My daughter is older than you & I can’t tell you how much I would have loved to have had more time with her when she was young.
Thanks for the perspective and love, Mary!
I’m glad you’re having a wonderful summer! Don’t ever feel bad about taking care of yourself and your babies! We will all be here when you have time. And if you don’t… that’s okay too!
Thanks, Katie! I appreciate the support!
I remember the years of raising kids. Take all the time you need to be present for them. I’m now sending off my oldest son to college with no regrets of be absent in his childhood. You seem like a sweet gal and a great mom.
That’s sweet, thank you April and I appreciate the wisdom!
Ahh, Gwen. Thank you for this. While I have missed your posts (DUH), I am so glad you are taking time to enjoy your family. Thank you for your honesty… I know I needed to hear this today. #moregrace.
-Aubrey
Thanks, friend!
We blog readers are not here because we expect something of you … we just don’t want to miss out when you have something great to share. So if blogging is not a necessary income source, there is no reason to feel bad for setting it aside to focus on more important things. I used to blog back in the day but when it began to feel like work and I was stressed out trying to make time for it, I just let it go. Instagram is a great way to share snippets and keep in touch with people, with much less of a time commitment than blogging. Enjoy this season of your life!
That’s so sweet, thanks Hollie! You’re so right, Instagram is a wonderful way to communicate with less commitment. I appreciate you following along and have a great rest of the week!
So good to hear from you. Take all the time you need. Enjoy those littles because in the blink of an eye they are grown. I look forward to the times you do post and when you don’t post I know you are doing just what you should be. God bless!
Thanks so much, Dianne!
Agreed! I love seeing the content when it comes up but certainly don’t expect you to blog regularly if your time and attention is needed elsewhere. Bravo for doing the right thing for you and your family!
xx
Thank you, Catherine!
I’m a huge fan of your blog, but an even bigger fan of putting God and family first:) thanks for your example and for speaking up for what really matters. It takes courage and humility to find that balance in your life. You’re awesome!
This is so kind, thank you Jamie for the support!
Good for you! I love peeking in at your amazing home like no other, but your health and family take top priority. As I prepare my second son off to college and adjust to life with only one left at home, I cherish every moment and memory I’ve had as a stay at home mom over the years. Many blessings to you as you enjoy your time with your kiddos and family!
Thank you, Patti! Enjoy the rest of your summer with your kids!
So good to hear from you! I had a baby in the fall and it’s always an adjustment adding a new human being to the family dynamic and routines… then I read something like “you only have 18 summers before your kid leaves home and that really hit me. Enjoy every moment!
Thanks, Haley! I hope you’re doing well and enjoying that sweet little one, your support has always meant so much to me!
Well put. I had a similar situation in early summer when a few doors slammed in my face. I thought I was off to the races with summer content, but those closed doors allowed me to refocus, spend more time enjoying the weather and lazy afternoons with our dog, and relishing having my husband around for the first summer since we met.
I’m still posting, but the content has shifted (to posts I can put together in an afternoon) and I’m totally fine with it. As summer starts to crest I’ve found a new hope for this career choice and am ever grateful for the fact that I can do this for a job. Season of grace all around!
It’s true, it’s sometimes hard to believe we get to do this for a living isn’t it? Hope you’ve had a really great summer with your boys, Ariel!
We’ve missed you girl! Enjoy your life and family and look forward to your posts whenever and wherever 🙂
Thanks so much, Susie!
I love this! It can be so hard to slow down sometimes, but making time for what is most important (family/faith/health) ends up being such a blessing! Good for you for doing so, and thank you for sharing about it! So jealous that you have a pool… Sunny days spent by the pool sound amazing!
Summer by the pool is amazing. Thank you for the love, Kristen and hope you’re having a great week!