• 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

Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / {A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.}

{A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.}

July 9, 2013 · 21 Comments
Filed Under: family, friends, holidays

One thing I was sure to note from this past weekend: The laziest of days with family are the best of days.

This entire holiday weekend was such a blessing to our family. Zack had a couple of extra days off of work and it’s amazed me, both of us!, at how grand this has felt. The two extra days have multiplied to feel like we were on a week-long vacation. It was a gentle reminder that time away from work is so good for the soul.

*

family-gussy-sews

^ Our first 4th of July as a family. Max has found his hand which was clearly more exciting than taking a family photo ;)

duo

Over the last few days we’ve celebrated the 4th of July with dear friends, celebrated my 28th birthday, visited the Natural History Museum, enjoyed a couple meals out, drove to Vegas and back to meet up with my bestest high school friend [I know, right???? So daring of us and also so much fun!]. And I may have added some extra whip to my morning coffee ;) I like to live on the edge.

duoA

IMG_7800

^ I LOVE spending time with girlfriends! We laughed so much, it was so good. [Cristina on the L., Alissa on the R.]

IMG_7850 copy

^ The museum we visited had an exhibit on African Mammals, hellooooooo memories of Tanzania!

*

What are your favorite things to eat for lunch? I like to keep simple, quick, tasty options around the house, but sometimes I get bored with what I buy from the grocery store. Sandwiches aren’t my thing. Any suggestions?

*

IMG_7818 copy

Last week I shared a tip on how I juggle “indie biz” and “stay-at-home-mom” — I loved reading your comments at the end of the post and will be replying to them soon. This part of my life is something I’m constantly tweaking. Naps have been a huge part of making it through the day but they certainly won’t always been the answer, nor are they the only answer. Thank you for your grace as I continue down this path… [Also, it feels so weird to be posting a bit less than normal.]

*

IMG_7819 copy

^ Another wholesale order has shipped, this time to Kentucky!

*

Once again I’m trying to grow out my hair. I even asked Zack to bribe me with a “fun” reward once I reach my goal length. Ha — am I a dork or what? If you were trying to reach a goal what kind of reward would you set for yourself?

xoxo

 

 

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


21 Comments
Filed Under: family, friends, holidays

Join over 4,400 women who receive Maggie Whitley Designs inspiration & encouragement:

 

Loading

« {a birthday gift for YOU!}
{Win a gorgeous Aquamarine ring from Delezhen!} »

Comments

  1. kim @ oh, sweet joy! says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    lately i’ve been making a huge batch of quinoa salad and it’s been such a nice change up from boring sandwiches. i cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of water and throw in a better than bouillon cube for some flavor. when it’s cool, i chop up a tomato, some cilantro, a little red onion, add some garlic salt, olive oil, lime juice and mix it up. the more it sits, the more flavor it gets and it lasts a few days. it’s been our go-to side for quick meals at night too.

    (i’ve made a mediterranean version too — just use some feta, red onion, kalamata olives, and cucumber.) hope that helps!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      @kim @ oh, sweet joy!, mmmmmm! That seriously sounds amazing :) thanks, Kim!

      Reply
  2. April LeCureux says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    I usually eat leftovers for lunch…not really exciting, but it is what we have :) I have a hard time with sandwiches, too! I make a pasta salad sometimes and eat on it for a few days…just depends on what I am in the mood for :)

    Reply
  3. Sarah says

    July 9, 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Oh la la! Where in Kentucky?!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 3:23 pm

      @Sarah, HorseFeathers >> http://www.horsefeathersgifts.com/

      Reply
  4. Debbie Kinney says

    July 9, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Here is a great guacamole recipe that our family simply can not keep from eating! We eat it with chips veggies, chips and pita! There is nothing health damaging in the ingredients, even if you consume the whole batch (which you will want to do!)

    1 Avacado (mashed)
    2-3 tablespoons of crumbled feta (we choose fat free if we can find it)
    1 big squirt of lime juice (fresh or bottled)
    1 big squirt of Italian Dressing (any kind will do)
    Options: onion, tomato but neither are necessary to make it good..it already is!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      @Debbie Kinney, avocados are my favorite, but they give me a terrible stomach ache! Booooo! Your recipe sounds amazing!

      Reply
  5. Jillian says

    July 9, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I’m a big fan of healthy snacks throughout the day. I don’t always want a big lunch so I eat things like cheese & crackers, fresh veggies & hummus, Greek yogurt with fruit or granola, etc

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      @Jillian, that is totally me, too, but with nursing it hasn’t been enough lately :}

      Reply
  6. Andrea@KnittyBitties says

    July 9, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Hey you!!
    This has been a favorite lunch for summer. I make a batch on Monday and can eat it for 3 – 4 days and have yet to get tired of it.

    http://www.tickledred.com/greek-veggie-pita-quesadillas-51st-street-reunion/

    I modify the recipe by omitting the mozzarella and making it ‘pizza style’ instead of ‘quesadilla style.’ I use the feta/yogurt mix as the sauce on a whole wheat pita, then pile it up with the veggie mix and pop it under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes to just warm everything up. SO GOOD! And good for you … lots of protein and veggies and healthy fats!

    Enjoy these baby days, you seem to be doing splendidly at soaking it up and letting everything else come after! XOXO

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 9, 2013 at 7:38 pm

      @Andrea@KnittyBitties, oh that sounds delish! :))

      Reply
  7. Paige Whitley says

    July 9, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    Because of our new weird schedule where hubby is in bed for the night by around 5pm(And we eat our “dinner” with him at about 3:30),we have a light lunch of veggies and ranch, or crackers and cheese. BUT if you were here I’d throw us together a salad of spring greens, crumbled goat cheese, sliced granny smith apples, walnuts and walnut raspberry dressing (Ken’s is my favorite).
    I’m growing my hair out too. I was wondering, did yours get damaged when you put highlights on top of the darker that was on top of highlights?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      @Paige Whitley, maybe a little damage, but nothing a little deep conditioning can’t fix :)

      Reply
  8. Kelly @ Love Well says

    July 10, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I’ve been eating a brown rice – quinoa mix I buy at Costco. It’s got garlic in it, so it’s already super tasty, but I top it with avocado for extra umph. Best part? 90 seconds in the microwave, and the rice is ready. Sandwiches? Ain’t no mom got time for that?

    (There’s a link to the product in this post: http://www.lovewellblog.com/2013/05/appetites.html)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 10, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      @Kelly @ Love Well, oh my gosh, don’t hate me… we don’t own a microwave! ha ha, seriously.

      Reply
  9. Andrea Worley says

    July 10, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    cute 4th pics!

    i love making goals for things, like a cute new shirt for hitting a weight loss goal or whatever makes it fun and attainable.

    Reply
  10. Megan says

    July 11, 2013 at 12:09 pm

    I love that you are rockin a bikini already. So awesome! Also, I have been giving myself a little gift for working out. I get a sticker (I’m such a kid) for each workout. Once I hit 25 stickers, I get a new dvd. It usually takes me a couples months.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      July 11, 2013 at 4:55 pm

      @Megan, best comment ever! stickers — yes — love them :)

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. {A very happy 4th of July, plus this ‘n that.] | Fashion says:
    July 10, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    […] Read more… […]

    Reply
  2. The recent subject, pt.32 | Fashion says:
    July 11, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    […] Read more… […]

    Reply
  3. 29! says:
    July 7, 2014 at 5:01 am

    […] Maxwell last year at his first Fourth of July celebration, he’sso […]

    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
  • RSS

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
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
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?
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.