Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

  • mamahood
    • homeschool
    • Maxwell
    • Natalie
    • Marigold
    • Landon
    • baby things
  • faith
    • 23 identities we bear – PDF
  • inspiration
    • our home
    • books
    • lifestyle
    • marriage
    • homeschool
    • simple living
    • we’re debt free!
    • book recommendations
  • creativity
    • sewing
    • embroidery
    • tutorial/DIY
    • hair + beauty
    • craft project
    • knitting/crocheting
  • devotionals
    • (in)courage Devotional Bible
    • 31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer & Doer
    • Tanzania + Compassion
  • new? start here
You are here: Home / inspiration / {so much to celebrate!}

{so much to celebrate!}

May 9, 2011 · 32 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, the pup

update: a super big CONGRATS to Aimee of Someone’s Gotta Pay for winning the Little Alouette/Gussy Sews giveaway. [xo]

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I sure hope you’ll tell me about it in the comment section :].

The sun was shining here all day Saturday ~ it was so gorgeous out and the perfect day to play with charcoal, dirt and some succulents in my “how to make a Terrarium” class [sneak peak pic above]! I can’t wait to share pics from the class — it was sooooo much fun. I need to make like, 8 more terrariums *wink*. On Sunday we spent the morning outside on our back patio, we called our mamas and wished them a happy day. I cleaned up my studio, Zack helped me re-arrange my computers [I moved one into my studio] and we watched a movie. But I fell asleep, shhh! We had a really great weekend :]

I’ve made my to-do list for the week and can’t wait to get started on it. I always love Mondays for the fresh start they bring to my calendar. Hah.

Also? Many, many thanks to everyone who grabbed a new Gussy clutch for their spring collection. {smooch} I think they’re super cute, too!

*

Here are some pics taken with my phone over the past week. I love the Instagram app ~ it’s such a fun way to document little snippets of my day, especially when I’m able to step out and head downtown for a bit. I’ve realized taking more photos of my day-to-day helps me to celebrate even the small things in life.

Proof that the sun does shine in Minneapolis, AND spring is coming. Plus, a few pen pal letters I’ve written:

My beloved, and my new Terrarium:

Bauer. He didn’t really like being in all those mail bins. Couldja tell? [Hah!!!]:

Pretty purple polish + date night with Zack ♥:

*

A few emails were sent my way about my studio post last week, asking if I keep it that clean always, and the answer is YES! Well, one day might be left messy but 90% of the time it’s super duper clean. There are a few of us working in there at all times and since there are only 2 work tables, that means space is shared. Neat works best [for us]. It has definitely taken some time + trial and error to figure this out, though. I will say that :]

AND! Possibly the best news everrrrr:

OH yes, you’re reading that correctly. In one week I’m having a huge celebration in awe of my 1-year anniversary working on Gussy Sews full-time, AND I have over $1,100 in prizes to give away!!! Seriously, this is the largest giveaway I’ve ever hosted. If you love to be creative/sew/ruffles, be sure and stop by!

♥ May 16th – May 20th, I’ve got oodles of amazing STUFF to hand out.

The fact that one year has almost passed is just insane. It’s so exciting for Zack and I, and a huge accomplishment!!! A gift, a blessing, new opportunities & friends — this business means so much to me. I’m still writing “my story” — the super long & detailed version, but I hope to be finished soon. Soon! :]

OK, that’s all for now!
xoxo

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • LinkedIn


32 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration, the pup

Join over 4,000 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« {7 pretty things on Sunday}
{the Daniella ~ back in the shop!} »

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    May 9, 2011 at 6:11 am

    We had a great weekend too! Trip to the ocean and chocolate covered strawberries…I was one happy momma. :)
    ONE YEAR!!! Congrats, that’s amazing!

    Reply
  2. Vanessa says

    May 9, 2011 at 6:31 am

    I had a great weekend it was my first Mommys Day. But I have a question for ya how did you get pen pals? I think that is so neat and wish I could start one :) if you could let me know that would be great :) o

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      hey vanessa, i blogged a few months ago that if someone wrote me i’d write them back! it has been crazy since… really i can only write back 1 time. but it’s still so much fun!!! xoxo

      Reply
  3. Bernice says

    May 9, 2011 at 6:35 am

    Soooo excited to be celebrating your one year with you!

    Reply
  4. skye says

    May 9, 2011 at 6:44 am

    While I will definitely be celebrating Gussy’s one year anniversary it will be very bittersweet for me. On May 17, 2010, I lost my mother. It was very unexpected and really hard for me. But! When I was reading your about page and saw that May 17, 2010 was the day you started Gussy Sews full time it reminded me that even in my sadness there was something happy, something GOOD and something LIFE CHANGING going on somewhere else that I could smile about. So while I will be sad on that day, I am so glad that I found Gussy Sews and that you will be giving me a reason to smile that day too. Dreams do come true and you are the best example of that! Congrats Maggie! :)

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:22 pm

      hi skye ~

      oh my, what a tragedy amidst beauty. i am so sorry to hear about your story. life is so very unexpected. one of my favorite quotes, “inspiration is all around you” ~ i think that quote was written for you ♥.

      [hugs]

      Reply
      • skye says

        May 9, 2011 at 3:15 pm

        That is the quote you wrote in my recent pen pal card! :) My mom’s favorite quote was “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” which is so so true! It is so important to constantly be searching for inspiration, all around you. Thanks for your kind words! :) They mean a lot!

        {hugs in return}

        Reply
  5. Frances says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:12 am

    We had such a super weekend :) lunch out after church, shoe shopping, ice cream, and a nap- all with my husband and 12 month old son <3 then dinner was made FOR ME (incredible). Congratulations to one year with gussy sews full time! It's been a zippy last year for me too- 1 year ago I had a newborn in the house, I suppose we were both starting new lives with "our babies" ;-) and for reals- the terrarium looks snazzy.

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:22 pm

      you said snazzy!! oh, i heart you :]

      Reply
      • Frances says

        May 9, 2011 at 3:18 pm

        Oh- everyday ;-)

        Reply
  6. Julie says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:34 am

    I love that terrarium, I’ll have to look for something like that in my area. Sounds like a fun class! I had the perfect weekend…time spent with my beautiful family, finally being able to play outside with the little one, a mama’s night out with my very best friend to the movies, and a wonderfully delicious brunch to celebrate Mother’s Day made for me, my mother, and mother in law by my sweet hubs. Can’t wait to celebrate with you next week!!!

    Reply
  7. leslie zimmerman says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:42 am

    My weekend was strange.
    On one hand, it was awful because I had to work a total of five shifts in three days. Eek.
    On the other, it was amazing because we’re housesitting and getting to play married life like I imagined it would be. With a big house and kids to play with (okay, we’re babysitting a 17&13 year old, so not really kids) and dogs to let out into the yard and pet all the time. And two cars, so we don’t have to schedule EVERY SECOND with each other and drive back and forth, to and fro. It’s been amazing.

    So, strange, but good and bad in ways. I don’t know. But today’s my day off, so I’m trying real hard to enjoy it by watching movies like The Proposal and August Rush on television and blogging and crocheting :D

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      i loved August Rush — soooo good. mmm. so very good.

      Reply
  8. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:44 am

    Gussy, I can hardly believe it’s been almost a WHOLE YEAR!! You are such an inspiration, friend. :) Love }

    Reply
  9. sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:54 am

    It sounds like you had a fabulous weekend:) Bauer is so stinkin cute, I swear!
    xo,
    Sarah

    Reply
  10. Krista says

    May 9, 2011 at 7:54 am

    You have a lot of pen-pals! Congrats on your anniversary, that is very exciting. My weekend was also fabulous with lots of sunshine, some shopping, time with Mom, almost killed each of my kids, and breakfast made for me on Mother’s Day.

    Reply
  11. April Foss says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:03 am

    I tried to do the instagram thing. For some reason it left me confused. If you would like more to giveaway send me an e-mail:) Still waiting on the last response you busy lady:)))

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      will you re-send me your email? i can’t find it…

      Reply
  12. Nadir@StitchSense says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:32 am

    What a fun weekend, I’m loving the terarrium & I can’t wait to read your story! I’ve been trying hard to revamp my business & you’re such a great source of inspiration for me.

    Reply
  13. Jane @ The Borrowed Abode says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Congrats on the upcoming 1-yr anniversary! Your story continues to inspire me, as I hope to be able to leave my cubicle job behind by the end of this year, if not sooner.
    Speaking of which, I spent the weekend prepping for my first craft fair booth.

    Reply
  14. Rachel @evienlizzie says

    May 9, 2011 at 8:42 am

    You busy, busy girl!
    I had a great weekend, enjoyed my husband and kids and even snuck a little nap with one of my littles yesterday afternoon!

    Reply
  15. Dallas says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:34 am

    I had a great weekend, shopping and supper with my mommy! Drinks and the hockey game, oh oh and 2 plates of Chinese food! GAH! So yummy!

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    May 9, 2011 at 10:50 am

    Happy Monday!! I love the “fresh start” of Mondays too! I just finished making my to-do list for the week and I love to check off the things I’ve accomplished along the way! ;) Glad the sun was out for you & Zack to enjoy this weekend. Pretty polish! Though it doesn’t look as purple as I imagined…{kinda like the turquoise, *wink*} What is the name of the color/brand? I emailed you on Saturday a totally random “me” email. ;) Have a great day!!
    xox
    Elizabeth :)

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      hey you! the polish is Sally Hansen “insta dri” — color is intense iris. it looks more pink-y because of the filter on the instagram pic ♥!

      Reply
  17. Mama Gus says

    May 9, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    Bauer looks so very sad in those postal crates; poor baby! Tell him Grama loves him and would never make him sit in a crate like that…..!

    xoxo Mama Gus

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      May 9, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      ha ha ha! i am the Jack in life {naughty} and you are the Collin {rule follower} ;)

      Reply
  18. Ebony says

    May 9, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I am so happy for you! You are so encouraging and inspirational!

    Reply
  19. Vanessa says

    May 9, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Awe I want a pen pal!!! Does anyone wanna be my pen pal??? :)

    Reply
  20. Kristin Bommer says

    May 9, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    yaaaay!! so proud of you, my wonderful web friend <3

    Reply
  21. Britta says

    May 10, 2011 at 9:53 am

    Spring always comes to Minnesota eventually, it just takes a little while :)

    Reply
  22. Veronica says

    May 11, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Hi! I loved your terrarium. It’s super cute. And then I saw this today and thought of you. http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/05/sewing-101-sew-a-terrarium.html

    Reply
  23. Heather G. says

    May 12, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Oh Lordy, that picture of Bauer in the mail bins is the cutest – totally frameworthy! I love your fun terrarium! Our weekend was good…I was in San Diego on Saturday for the Queen Bee Market, then a low-key (but wonderful) Mother’s Day on Sunday with my little family. :)

    PS – Leila was SO excited about getting a little note from you! She has it in her “special drawer” You totally made her day! XO!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
READ MORE >>
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

recent posts:

  • On writing regular letters. January 19, 2021
  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
  • Merry Christmas! Plus, adding a little warmth to my home. December 21, 2020
  • Life around here! December 15, 2020
  • 10 “field trips” ideas for your homeschoolers (Detroit & beyond) September 2, 2020
  • 7 books we are reading aloud this year August 19, 2020
  • A fall-themed homeschool resource! August 12, 2020
  • Studying the Bible July 30, 2020

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Join over 4,000 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

need some encouragement?

I wrote a 7-page refresher of the identities you bear when you are rooted in Christ. Click the image below to download, save + print.

TOPICS I WRITE ABOUT

maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” Nearing the end of my “20 letters in 20 weeks” challenge. Many stayed in Michigan, but mail was also sent to Colorado, Texas, California, Indiana, and Arizona. I loved this personal exercise! I have just one question: who will be my pen-pal for 2021? ✏️💌
We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
What has kept you and your home busy as of late? F What has kept you and your home busy as of late? For us, it’s this…

The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of It’s the season of perpetual hope. 🎄✨📖Of books that shape our minds, of anticipation, of creative projects that mar our kiddos clothing (but morph our memories into beauty). Oh right! There are cookies cooling on the counter — gotta go! ✌🏻
Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

POPULAR POSTS:

  • How we paid off over $65K in debt in 3 years
  • Gift wrap made from Real Simple magazine
  • Living with joy & refreshment
  • Having a TV detox & minimizing our toys
  • How we paid off $42K in debt in 2 years
  • How to style your wavy (or curly) hair
  • How to sew a zippered pouch
  • How to accurately price your handmade items
  • How we are getting out of debt
  • How to make a freedom change
  • What to focus on when you "stay at home"
  • Twenty "20-minute crafts" you must try
  • Having something to look forward to

devotionals written by Maggie:

the (in)courage Devotional Bible:
Proverbs 14:1 and Lamentations 5
31 Days of Prayer for the Dreamer and Doer:
on Simplicity

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.