In lieu of my usual Saturday 6 post, I’m participating in a blog tour called “Hearts at Home.” It’s a chance for me (along with 13 other bloggers) to share why my heart is at home. This is actually something that’s been on my mind lately, anyway.
I’ll admit that when you’re actually in your home for most of your waking hours, it doesn’t always feel like that’s where your heart is. Sometimes, a trip to Wal-Mart by myself feels like a retreat. (You know it’s bad when that happens.) Sometimes, it feels like there’s not one. single. thing. in this house that belongs to just me. Not my closet, not my food, not even my bathroom.
That’s why this blog has been so good for me over the last 4 1/2 years. When people have said to me they don’t know how I blog and raise five kids, I always think I don’t know how I wouldn’t blog. The writing, the projects, my interactions with you all have often been my (mental) saving grace during days when I don’t leave the house except to sit in car line.
The job of blogging can also bring some great opportunities. I see them as blessings and don’t take them for granted. But, there also seems to be this (unspoken) pressure to do something above and beyond blogging itself. Like I should want to do and be more. Everywhere you look, bloggers are writing books, launching their own shops, their own fabric lines, going here, and going there. I think it’s a natural reaction to see all of this and feel a little envy—especially when you’re reading about all of these endeavors while sitting at home, in old t-shirts covered with snot, dried applesauce or worse. . .
But for me, it’s about learning contentment. In my home. In this season of my life. This sometimes means weighing the opportunities that come along against where God wants me to be. For example, about a year ago, I got a call from a (well-known) publishing company about writing a book, and I was giddy—for about two weeks. I even started outlining my book proposal. And, then reality hit. I started adding up the hours and the months that I would have to commit to this project and realized the time I’d be giving to that would be time I would be taking away from my family. Those minute and hours have to come from somewhere. And, what’s it worth in the long run?
I also started thinking about the best and worst case scenarios. (My mind can travel 1,943,434 miles in two seconds flat.) Best case? I write a hugely successful book (remember, this is me dreaming big here!), go on a book tour and fly around the country for weeks at a time. Worst case? I write a hugely successful book, go on a book tour and fly around the country for weeks at a time. Same scenario, either way.
Because my heart really is at home. In fact, all of my hearts are at home—for now. For just a few sweet years that everyone tells me will go by faster than I can blink. While there will always be fun to be had and an opportunity of some kind, I have to believe that God has put me in this house with these five hearts for this season of my life, for a reason. And, I realized at the end of the day, I just want to be home to pick up my kids from school, to argue with them about why they can’t play soccer in the house, to complain about the messes they don’t pick up, to tuck them in at night. Sometimes, it’s good to stop and evaluate the situation so we can see that bigger and better may not always be best. We might be our ultimate happy right where we are.
With all of that said, I do believe that it’s important for us to make our homes a beautiful place to live—especially if we’re the ones there 24/7. I believe those projects that will make us feel better about where we spend our time shouldn’t always be put on the back burner. And, I believe some fresh flowers, a pretty pair of pillows on the sofa and finally framing some favorite photos and actually hanging them on the wall can be a good investment in one’s mental health. (Well, mine, at least.)
Want to read more “hearts at home” stories, projects, recipes and ideas?
Here are the links to the other bloggers who have participated this week:
Thurs. 1/30
Fri. 1/31
Sat. 2/1
God will bless this contrary kind of courage. Thank you for sharing, because it blessed me.
Thank you, Kelly. It did feel a little scary to post, for some reason…
Emily – I just had to say that I think you are making the best decision ever. I was blessed to be able to stay home with my two children the entire way through school (they are a Freshman and sophomore in college now). While I did some volunteering and minor jobs outside the home during that time, my main job was raising the kids and keeping the home fires burning while my husband travelled for work. I could have worked full-time, but I really wanted to be there for the kids; they were our choice and our responsibility, and I wanted to enjoy them while I could. As we say now – you can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. We have wonderful children who are becoming wonderful adults, and I’m proud and happy to know that I was able to play a small part in that. I wish more parents would take advantage of the opportunity like I did – you will not regret it! Carol
Thank you for putting your thoughts into words. I adore this post. I often have moms tell me that they do not understand how or why I spend all of my time at home with my kids…we are a homeschool family. I admit that most days I want to pull my hair out by 8am and there are times I am bummed to miss out on certain things (bible study groups, etc.) but honestly I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s good to know I am not alone. And you are so right, we shouldn’t put those little home projects off. Somehow, stepping over Legos doesn’t seem as bad if the room looks pretty!
You created a wonderful home for all your loved ones Emily! Thank you for sharing!
Emily- so true! I feel like the blog is the only thing that is my mine…for right now until the kids figure out how to log in to blogger! thanks for sharing.
My oldest just came home with a Google account they had set up for him at school. When I opened up my computer this morning, I had to sign him out and sign back in as me :)
My son too! And SOMEHOW he accidentally changed MY google account email to his, permanently!? Didn’t know it was possible but now I officially have his email account to use when signing into blogger. WEIRD AND FRUSTRATING, they won’t let me change it.
Emily,
I needed this post today. Perfect timing!
Thank you for your relentless honesty, inspiration and joy of learning contentment.
My favorite quote is “The days are long, and the years are short” from Gretchen Rubin. I hang on to this many days and try to embrace this stage in my life at home with my little one. Soon, he’ll be rushing to kindergarten and the days of needing me for everything will be distant memory.
Keep up the blogging, it’s obviously good for your soul!
Betsy
So good. I think it can be hard for us stay-at-home/ work-at-home moms to not wonder about all else that’s going on in the world. I really start to miss adult interaction sometimes, and YES! A trip to the grocery by myself is bliss sometimes! But I wouldn’t trade this for anything, either. And I love your encouragement to make our homes pretty, especially if we’re here all day long. Sometime I think, what’s the point?, since we don’t often have guests. But I want it to look pretty for me, for us. Great post, Emily.
I loved this post, Emily! I admire your honesty and wisdom. xo
Emily, THANK YOU for this post. I think that for moms that had a career and gave it up to stay at home with our hearts :) this is a daily struggle… the one to produce something professionally tangible even while at home. Recently I read another post called The Hidden Years and I would strongly encourage any of your readers that this post resonated with to read it as well. http://sarahmae.com/2014/01/the-hidden-years/
So encouraged to see you speaking up for the importance of our season as mothers. XO
What a great post. Just read it. Thanks for sharing.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Thank you for sharing this, being honest and being proud of your choice. It is a brave and inspiring thing.
Emily, how beautifully said. You are so real and relatable, and your perspective surely resonates with so many moms. I always think of the Jackie O quote: “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much.” Good for you for looking for contentment within your heart and your home.
Emily,
I am a faithful reader of your blog though I’ve never commented. Your style is beautiful and so is your heart. Time with our little ones does go by so fast…I’m sitting here by myself on Saturday morning as I just dropped my almost 15 year old off to attend a church youth program for the day…it was a band function last weekend and there’s something else next Saturday..you get the idea. Remember it’s not what the WORLD thinks we should or shouldn’t do that really matters it’s what GOD tells us is right for our life. It’s a season of life and it will go by all too quickly…enjoy every minute of it and soak in the memories.
Emily, your soul and heart are in the right direction. God bless.
Emily, what a beautiful post to read while I enjoy my morning cup of coffee. I agree with you completely about being our happiest where we are right now. I have two kids and love the time and flexibility my volunteer work and substitute teaching position afford me. I am always able to be there for my family first but I also have things to do for me. Right now it is the perfect balance and I am very grateful for it. I hope you and your family have a fantastic weekend!
Wonderful post and thank you for opening up and being honest. It’s very admirable of you. Now a mom myself, staying home with my little one has been the best thing. I’m very fortunate to do so and grateful I can be there to watch her grow. I believe as well that I am right where I need to be. It’s definitely important to be in an environment you love because that does affect how we feel. And I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be prestine everyday. I let go a lot of that control that I had prior to Lea because I had to. Life happens. What didn’t get done today will get done tomorrow or the next or the next. My time with Lea is more valuable too.
Well said! I remember my grandma telling me that the best years of your life are the years when your kids are young. It seems hard to believe sometimes when you’re tripping over the same pair of shoes and backpack every day, when favorite things are broken because of a flying soccer ball inside the house, etc. But, there really is no place I’d rather be. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your beautiful pictures and home!
I think this is one of the best things you have ever written. Being a mother is the most important job God has given you and one day you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” :)
I agree!
I hope so! There are many days, for sure, when I feel like I’ve failed miserably.
Beautiful post! I also have five children and the last two are twins. You won’t ever regret spending time with your children. My oldest will leave for college this fall and the time really did go so quickly!
Love the B&W photo wall.
Beautifully written Emily. I’m so happy to know you in “real life” as well as in this crazy blog world we live in… Hope to connect with you again in 2014!
From the first time I visited your blog 3 years ago, I have thought you had your priorities in order and your head on straight. This post has confirmed that without a doubt. I too struggle with what other bloggers are doing, going, creating. At the end of the day, the only place I want to be is in my own home. Reminders such as yours are so appreciated. I have loved being on this tour…have a lovely weekend (with those 5 hearts!)
Thank you, Ann. What a sweet compliment. Looking forward to locking myself away later today to read all of the tour posts :)
I so needed to hear this! I have been a stay at home mom to 5 kiddoes for going on 18 years. Some days I hear the voice of the world telling me to “do something” with my life/career, but then I have to remind myself that I AM doing something, the most important something, that will have eternal consequences. And being content is such a huge part of that. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for the inspiring words! Staying at home isn’t an option for me right now, but my New Year’s resolution is to “leave work at work.” This was.the hardest weekend to do so, but your post reminds me why it is worth the effort!
What a beautiful home.Yes family is most important,and sometimes it is hard to juggle both.But int he end I always choose family.If other things get in my way no matter how big of an opportunity I always choose family.Sounds like you have done the same thing.Those little years go by so fast.Hold on and enjoy every special moment.
Hi Emily! I knew I was going to like this post when I saw the title. I’ve slowly been making my way through the book, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.” One thing I’ve really taken away from the book is that contentment is indeed something we need to learn. You should be so thankful that you can say what you’ve said. I too have come to just love being home with my children for this short season. I think we might be kindred spirits! As for the envy, remember that the grass is greenest where it is watered most. Love and blessings to you!
“The grass is greenest where it is watered the most.” Love that Renee! Thanks for sharing!
You’re absolutely right! They really do grow up fast – and making those bonds while they’re little is soooo wonderful. I love having my grown children with me when they can, and it seems surreal when I think..wow where did my little kids go? Good for you for “being in the here & now”
YES YES YES!
Emily have you shown pics of your new family room? I hope I haven’t missed them if you have.
I love reading your blog!!
No, because nothing is happening in there but pure chaos. More on that soon :)
Well said! It is wonderful to read your blog and know that there are still families like yours out there today. Your children will reap the benefits of the seeds you have sown.
This post was SUPER DUPER Emily. You are a smart woman, nuff said.
Emily-this was a lovely post. I always count on you for keeping it real. Other bloggers do a great job of only showing some kind of idealized version of their home or family-sort of the holiday card snap. But you’re so refreshing because while you have such a great eye for decorating (both home and clothing) you also go deeper. You show your daughter having a hissy fit during a Halloween photo shoot. You freely admit the teacart is not really how you serve food.
I’ve been a SAHM for 16 years and have 4 kids-and have homeschooled a few times-so I totally get what you’re saying about the pull to do “more” vs knowing what’s really going to work for your family. I’m finally at the place where I’m ready to go back to work-albeit part time-and I know I would not have wanted to miss any of those early years. I think it really helps to think of your life in seasons. And my very favorite quote : Comparison is the death contentment.
Great post, Emily, and very timely. I think people are under the impression that blogging or writing a book just happens and there is a lot of work that goes into making anything look effortless. I love your blog and what are promoting here. Keep up the good work!
Carrie
[email protected]
This made my day! (As your blog always does but especially today!) Thank you!
Being content can be such a challenge, huh? As someone who blogs just for fun and isn’t consistent at it, I don’t feel the pressure of doing more, being more. Nobody really knows who I am. You are a blogger who’s in a higher tier of followers, and you have connections with other well-known bloggers, some of whom are writing books, creating textiles, etc. What I have also learned from some of them is that they are stressed out and burned out but they feel like they are required to keep going and do, do, do.
Your honesty and openness is admired. Sounds like your kids have a mom who is teaching them good lessons by example.
By the way, love your pillow in the first photo. Do you know whether it’s Brentwood Textiles Ikat, or Schumacher Ziggeraut, or Robert Allen Souk? I just opend an Etsy shop called Stuck on Hue, making and selling decorative pillow covers. Those three fabrics are look-alikes and I want to carry one in the shop, but haven’t decided which one yet.
Thanks, Hollie! I think that pressure applies to women in general, not just bloggers. Don’t you?
I’m not sure of the fabric name but the cover came from Elisabeth Michael’s shop on Etsy :)
This is me as well. While I’ve looked wistfully at other blogger’s posts that get hundreds of comments (or, if I’m being honest, more than one comment or even one comment!), I think that being able to blog intermittently and without pressure is right for me right now. If/when it’s time for that to change, I’ll know it.
Emily, your home and family are beautiful. I’m sure you will continue to be an inspiration so much so that the book can come at a point where it works for you and your family. The opportunity to watch your kids growing up only comes once, though.
Enjoyed your thoughts today. I’m at home with four young ones. It’s not glamourous, but it’s where I want to be. And I agree, pretty pillows are very important, even if I have to arrange them multiple times a day because the kids have been at work!
I think it must have been hard to write this post. It’s not popular to say you’re content writing a blog and staying home with your kids but so happy for you that you made that decision. Just as I would be happy if a month from now, you say your decision is to write a book, work outside of the home or try some new adventure. Be true to yourself at that very moment & you’ll always be happy. Because moments change & so do priorities, projects & contentment. I just hope you’ll always “decide” to write your blog. I really do love reading it!
Contentment – what a wonderful state to be in! As a former attorney turned stay at home mom to 2 “hearts”, I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments. Thank you Emily for agreeing to tour with us. I am happy to get to know you a bit better. And yes getting stuff actually hung is so satisfying!
Well said. And lovely.
Oh I just cannot tell you how much I loved every single word of this! I started blogging when I felt like I needed a reminder that I still knew how to use words with multiple syllables and string together sentences which didn’t include the words “sippie cup” and “snack”. ;-) It has been such an amazing outlet for me over the years and it continues to be where I feel I can pour out my heart and if I happen to share something creative with people then that’s just a bonus! Like you, my heart is for my home in every possible way but mostly because it’s filled with the people I love most in the world and is a refuge for us. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and home with us and I’m honored to be part of this tour with you!
Vanessa
I hear you on so many things and enjoyed reading your post. I think so many of us can relate and understand. My kids are older- and it does go by so very quickly. Beautiful post- happy to be touring with you today.
I loved this post. I’m a new mom. My son is 8 months old and there’s nothing I desire more than to stay home with him and help guide his little heart. I’m sure it’s a choice we will never regret.
Well said….enjoy where you are!
Beautiful words Emily! You are very wise to realize your calling and I promise you will never regret being there for your family. PS Just think what a great book you could write after raising five kiddos ;).
Emily,
My friend and I have been reading your blog since we found you in BH&G and really love it. We talk about you like you are a mutual friend.
I had to chuckle because when I was raising my kids and mostly staying home with them, I felt like the world was passing me by too, like you. It is true to life though that it flies because now they are 23 and 26 and grown and I do miss them – it went too fast!
I also chuckled because sometimes I get jealous of you and the opportunities you have as a successful decorator and blogger. I have been a decorator since my kids were little and love it and it also enabled me to have a flexible schedule for them, but when they went to college a few years ago, I needed more steady work and jumped out into Marketing/Sales world for a while. This pretty much has left me in the dust in the design/blogging world which blew up over the past few years and has made it difficult to return to, although it is still my passion .
Hopefully this encourages you. God has truly given you a creative gift and you are in the most important place you could ever be, right where He wants you to be. This is all we are to seek each and every day. God bless your sincerity.
Debbie, my favorite part of your comment is that you all talk about me like a friend. I love that :) Thanks for the encouragement.
Just. So. Good. I love this post…and it is so easy to get caught up in “I need to be doing more” mentality. Such perspective here…
I think this post is spot on. Actuallly I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately myself. I’ve been reading the book The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer with a group of ladies from my church and it says the same thing. It is important for us to learn to be content in whatever stage of life we are in and fully appreciate the moment. It is easy to look out at the world and think we are missing something. But finding yourself content whereever you are is both freedom and joy.
Beautifully said. I guess that is why I have taken a break from my blog. I was getting really neat opportunities coming at me because of my blog, but recently had to go back to teaching full time after being home for 18 years with my kids. With teaching full time, trying to BE with my family and coming up with posts, etc I felt it took time away from what precious time I had at home with my kids (even though one is in college, one in 12th gr and the baby in 10th) I still need to be there for them. It is hard sometimes, but I get the most satisfaction and comfort knowing I am a mom first.
I really enjoyed your post Emily. It’s lovely to meet you and your beautiful family and hear about your Heart at Home. I share your sentiments about family and feel blessed to have been a stay at home mum… and like you and many others, my blog was my sanctuary when I needed a break from the everyday routine. Looking forward to following you now.
That was beautifully said! And so true, as a stay at home Mom of 2 grown boys sometimes when you’re smack dab in the middle of raising them it’s hard to see the forest for the trees! But, trust me it’s worth it! And you are blessed to recognize it now and savor every minute! I just started a new home decor blog http://www.thedailynest.com for my new “season” of life! As an emptynester. :( but this post has given me inspiration in that blogging can be an outlet and a saving grace! Thank you! Oh and your home is gorgeous! Please stop by my blog and see what you think! Xo, Kathy
Dear Emily, I have a confession to make. I got so excited when I saw your comment, that I accidentally deleted it!!! I’m such a newbie at this! I’m so sorry! xo Kathy http://www.thedailynest.com
Hilarious! I won’t be offended, then :)
Everything you said is right where my heart is too…and I have to remind myself of that when other opportunities arise. I treasure this outlet of blogging to have a little break among the many hours spent at home. However, beyond all of that I also feel called to be intentional with my kids which many times simply means being present and just being with them. It really is about the joy that is found when we find contentment. Thank you for sharing this.
~Sarah
I agree with you totally and I appreciate you being honest! I think we all get caught up in “what we should be or look like” every now and then. But we need to sit down and figure out what’s important. It sounds like you have crossed that bridge for you and your family. You are on your way to a happier and meaningful you. Thanks for sharing!
I love this post and your bravery for writing it!! I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts. I love being at home with my kiddos, and wouldn’t want to change it for the world. Time flies by, and that comes to me as a big reminder every day! There was a time when I almost went for opening an on line store and trying to grow the business. But then I had an eye opening thought… there is plenty of time for that. I am happy with e-design and the ability it gives me to work on it while they are in school. There is always time for bigger and better in the future. My bigger and better is home right now!!
Say it girl, say it! Thank you for being brave enough to put this out there. And thank you for being real. I too am a SAHM while doing interior design on the side (and I’m in Charlotte!). This past year I had to quit work due to health complications from my second pregnancy. I’ve struggled a lot with contentment and loneliness from being in the house all day. I’ve watched the design community blow up and kept saying: why can’t I do that? Wait, I can do that. But wait, I can do that and then I’ll feel overwhelmed and exhausted again. But wait, I need my creative outlet!
I’m finally feeling better and think I’ve decided to take my business to my blog and e-design. But I literally sat on my couch yesterday (in pjs while my 2 girls screeched at each other, also still in their pjs) looking at your blog and some of my other favorites thinking NO WAY can I do this. How on earth do they get a post up and projects done so quickly? And still shower, take care of their family, run errands, and do all life entails.
So your post today was a much needed ray of sunshine! Knowing you feel the same way, with all your success and beautiful work under your belt, makes me want to raise a glass of champagne to you! You said out loud what we are all thinking. Most people only post the pretty parts of their life on Facebook, blogs, etc. You said it like it is. That’s how I roll sister.
The best advice I recently received about this was “You CAN do it all, just not at the same time.” So I’m going to keep thinking of that and of your words. I can work any time, but I can’t get these years back or sacrifice my health. Thanks for being such a source of inspiration!
Wow, Emily! I cannot wait to see the rewards and blessings God will grant to you for your being where He has you in this time of your life. I can relate in so many ways. Sometimes it’s hard to wait for certain dreams, but I know the rewards and investment in our children will much out weight anything else we could choose. God is so good, and it’s wonderful to see where your heart is at.
Sarah
Emily,
As a mother of a 26-yr old daughter with special needs requiring skilled nursing in our home, I stand up and applaud you for this beautiful post. Just recently I decided for the new year I would delete all favorite blogs EXCEPT for yours. There is so much pressure to do more, be more and it gets to be too much sometimes. Thank you for opening up your heart and your home, you’re such an inspiration to me and so many others. May God bless you and your precious family always!
(: Kendra Johansen
Kendra, thank you! That makes my heart very happy :)
Thank you so much for writing this post. So much of it hit home. I find the blogging very therapeutic and also get envious of others blogs doing so much better than mine. But then I sit back and ask myself would I actually want to be anyplace else and no I wouldn’t. Maybe one day, but not while I have 3 little kids. My life is with them right now.
Such a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing, Emily!
This was an excellent blog posting (The Joy of Learning Contentment)…I would do anyting in the world to be able to stay home with my beautiful children everyday…but unfortunately, that wasn’t in the cards for our family. I’ve grown to accept it, but like you said, any hours on the weekends that I have planned away from them is hard to do because i only see them for so long during the week…i’ve put my fitness on the back burner as i need to be home with the kids in the morning and in the evening…i’m lucky to work out 2x’s a week…but this is just the “season” there will come a “season” when they are gone and I will have more than enough time and I will have an empty nest!
Even getting to stay home, my “fitness” also seems to be on the back burner. One day…
beautifully said-thank you for sharing your heart and your home…
I was blessed in being allowed to stay home with my children. It wasn’t until we bought a much bigger house that I went to work part time at night and weekends. It was only because we outgrew our original house that we moved. Part of me needed some time away from home because the majority of time was spent at home with the kids. We do what we need to do and what’s right for us.
I’ve been thinking about this post all weekend long. I read it while I sat at my daughters 12 hour volleyball tournament. At first I was thinking of all the things I should be doing and after reading this I quickly learned sitting at that tournament watching my daughter jump up and down and be excited at a win or laughing with her friends and getting to see it, or spending one on one time with her between matches was really the only place I wanted to be!!! Living in the present is something I struggle with everyday! (It’s why it’s my word of the year!!)
Beautifully said! I remember a few years ago a friend of mine asked if I was at all interested in a job where traveling would be required. As awesome as the job sounded (more money, travel etc) I declined knowing what it would mean for my husband and two little girls. I love coming home to them nightly and knowing that I can tuck them in, make dinner, have time with my husband etc. I am not trying to be the next big thing… I just want to be the best version of myself for my family. I applaud you for not taking the deal when most people would have! I would have been honored too just to have someone mention my name and “book”!
Emily, this was beautifully expressed. I too am learning contentment. I have to say that I have such mixed emotions most days about what I do (staying home/working from home/raising two teen girls). One never knows if one is doing ‘the right thing.’ I am still not sure & my girls are older. Still, I know that I cannot get back those or even these years & that makes me think that I should just be content right where I am. I look forward to more posts like this. You are lovely inside & out.
Beautifully said Emily! I needed to hear this today.
Well done. I needed this reminder, and it is absolutely true. Thank you.
I love this, it’s so well said. My “one word” for this year is contentment. It’s such a challenge because I always want to “do” something but contentment is just the opposite: just letting it be and being happy.
Great article, Emily! It was just what I needed to hear. Thank you!!
Oh my goodness, Emily. This post really touched me. I’ve had the exact same feelings about those big dreams and imagined what achieving it would look like…and when I think of leaving home for weeks at a time, well, I just can’t do it.
I so treasure my family and being at home right now. My daughter is 15 and a freshman in high school…my time left with her at home is so short.
Thank you so much for sharing today…
Emily- Thanks for being so ‘real’ with us, your readers! I often marvel at how people can do it all- but what it comes down to is that we can’t. Something suffers, or goes on the back burner when we do all sorts of projects or blogging. I recently started blogging to capture the projects we’re doing in our home and it is not easy. I’m glad you are finding balance and realize there is a time and season for everything. I’m sure you will write a best seller book, but realizing your time is so crucial to your little ones right now is the best for them. You won’t regret it.
Such a beautiful post. Thanks so much for sharing your heart on this. I’m a stay at home mom to a two and four year old and just starting blogging about six months ago because I love the community and have been so inspired as a reader for years. I love being at home with my kids and feel so blessed that I’m able to. But to learn to balance that all and have contentment where we are right now takes such intention sometimes, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for the encouragement.
I applaud your wisdom.
I love your blog and this post really touched me, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this. I struggle with this a lot. I have the education, design ability and opportunities to try to be “successful” by today’s ideas, but I know I can’t be the mom or wife I should be if I pursued it. So everyday I trying to learn to be content and thankful for the life and kiddos I am raising!
What a wonderful post! You are the only blogger that I read EVERYDAY and look forward to! I have been a home owner for 3 years in March and finally created a space in my home where I feel like my heart is. I like to think I have a fashion sense, but the whole process of finding a “home style” has been more challenging and scary than I initially thought. Thanks to your helpful hints (especially with master bedroom re-do’s) I have been able to transform my very small master bedroom into a cozy place of rest that my husband does not complain about anymore. I have also taken an awkward space that we did not what we wanted to do with and create a cozy, feminine yet still husband approved, sitting area to read a great book or your blog! My next project is thinking about having a child (almost 30! eek!) and I have such admiration for you without knowing you since you have FIVE!!!! My husband will even now say, “well go look on Emily’s website and see what you can find” if we are thinking about tackling a home project!!
I love hearing that :) Good luck with your next “project.”
Emily, you are seriously one of my favorite bloggers! I hope I get to meet you one day! Love this post and it’s message. All so very true. Thank you for being “true” .
xoxo
Anna
Thank you, Anna :)
Emily, I’ve read your blog from time to time and absolutely love your style and look forward to your posts always. I have to tell you this post is my favorite one of yours so far. Thank you for sharing your heart!
I love an admire you even more after reading this. I have lots of these thoughts and often. I want to grow my blog, but I’m not sure to what end, and I know that growth means taking away from other areas in my life, which I’m not sure that I’m ready for yet. Thanks for sharing!
Such a beautiful post, Emily — you are wise, my dear! I am two short years away from being an “empty nester” and feel so blessed that I’ve made choices over the last 20+ years that have kept me available for my children and step-children. You can’t ever get these years back… but you CAN fluff pillows and change artwork and paint rooms. :)
xo Heidi
Emily you are such a treasure, I found myself saying “amen” to each and every sentiment. Children are a precious gift and you have your priorities straight, focusing on those 5 hearts that look to you for love and guidance. I realize more and more as my children grow older that a mother sets the tone, pace, and priorities in the family. When you project joy, compassion, and patience they will emulate. Ten years from now you will never regret your choices to focus on those precious little people you’re blessed to have near you until they fly from the nest. Bless you for speaking your mind and heart and being a role model for all.
xoxo
Kate
I have five kids as well (4 months – 12 yrs.) and totally identify with what you are writing about. Sacrificing opportunity for your kids in the end isn’t a sacrifice. Home is made by being at home… A simple thought, perhaps. :)
So, SO well-said.
You articulate well what many of us have felt.
Emily, this is just lovely and so true in every sense. Thank you for sharing!