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You are here: Home / family / baby things / How we play together.

How we play together.

October 23, 2013 · 109 Comments
Filed Under: baby things, for fun, giveaway, Maxwell

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Maxwell is well into his seventh month of loving life, and it’s amazing. Sometimes I miss the newborn stage and how sleepy and extra cuddly he was, but when I think about what life is like now I don’t miss anything about the past :) At least not for too long! He’s still sleepy and cuddly, but he’s so much more now — he’s playful!

Now that he’s sitting and “rocking” and rolling from left to right, right to left, he’s so much more fun. And if you haven’t noticed, he’s so much more expressive! (Oh, the eyebrows.) I love every bit of personality Maxwell is showing us. Seeing him smile makes me smile, from deep inside my soul.

When I became a mama on March 12th, God gifted me with something indescribable. It’s a feeling, a knowing, a heart stirring. It’s blissful.

Throughout the day, Maxwell and I play together. We now have luxe carpet in our bedroom — which is so nice since half of it is Max’s nursery. We put a small white cabinet in there, which is perfect for blankets, pacifiers and burp cloths, as well as small books and wooden toys for playing.

We play peek-a-boo, “mommy loves you”, we read stories, we sing songs. All day long we are playing — whether on the floor, on the couch or in my favorite mustard chair :)  Sometimes I just stare at him and suddenly my eyes are brimming with tears. I’m so grateful to be his mama.

Playing with our infant son requires me to be flexible, so wearing comfortable clothes helps mucho much. We’re on the second floor in our new apartment so I’m also carrying a baby stroller up and down the steps, as well as chasing a pup around. It’s fun ;)

Albian Fit is a clothing line that features comfortable day and athletic wear. A couple months ago they sent me these charcoal leggings, this coral zip with ruffle accent trim, this flowy tank in lavender, and this long sleeve crew shirt in pool. I’ve been wearing their items since, and they get two thumbs up from Gussy.

Keep reading for details on how to win a $100 gift card to their online shop!

One of the beautiful things about our brand is that there truly isn’t an “ideal” customer- our swimsuits and workout wear outfits high school girls, 20-something students and professionals, young mothers, middle-aged women, and women in their 60’s and beyond! With classic styles, flattering shapes, and the right trending touches, our items really suit every age, —Kate from Albion Fit

Albion Fit has a really fun selection of women’s fitness and swimwear items, along with workout clothing. All of their clothing colors are in such relaxing hues, so even when you’re at home you can still feel good about what you have on. My thoughts: carrying a baby stroller up a flight of stairs (twice a day, ahem) and dancing in the living room with our baby boy (who has the cutest, chubbiest of legs) is way better than an “official” workout class on my calendar ;)

One more thing — Albion Fit is offering all Gussy Sews readers $20 off a $100+ order. Simply use code GUSSY20 at checkout to save twenty bucks instantly!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Connect with Albion Fit on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
This giveaway ends on Thursday, October 24th at midnight. One winner will be selected on October 25th and announced within the Rafflecopter widget above, as well as emailed. Good luck, I hope you win!

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109 Comments
Filed Under: baby things, for fun, giveaway, Maxwell

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Comments

  1. Cristy says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:47 am

    I have 4 ages 7,5, 3, and 1. I can definitely relate to the ‘mom workout’ although I started running this summer too. Very cute outfits!

    Reply
  2. Kristen Rounseville says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:52 am

    I love the joy you share in your blog! I am a blessed mama of two teens and one preteen, as well as, a preschool teacher … The clothes by Albion would be perfect for my life… Btw, I love the coral ruffled zip… My favorite color by far… :)

    Reply
  3. Diane says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:25 am

    LOVE Albion fit!!

    Reply
  4. Kayla says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:26 am

    Thank you for sharing. I love your style and well maxwell is just too cute! Love the young baby days – they are over before you know it!

    Reply
  5. Lydia says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:45 am

    I love their Flatter Me, Navy Zip Hoodie!!

    Reply
  6. Heather w says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:49 am

    I love the coral ruffle zip!!

    Reply
  7. kae says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:13 am

    i love a good comfy legging!

    Reply
  8. Southern Gal says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:17 am

    My daughter would look fabulous in any of these. The Flatter Me Navy Zip Hoodie would be my choice for her. Thanks for the chance.

    (Maxwell is too cute. I know you’re loving it.)

    Reply
  9. Georgia says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:28 am

    The BREATHE FREELY TANK — CHERRY looks super comfy!

    Reply
  10. Lu says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:34 am

    I love the Go Long crew… Perfect for chilly mornings & coffee on the porch. Since I just found out I am pregnant I’ll take a decaf, please!! ;)

    Reply
  11. Meg says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:37 am

    I like the mantra yoga pants, they look comfy!

    Reply
  12. Liz says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:51 am

    I’m loving all of their loose, but super comfy looking tops!! This after baby body isn’t shrinking as fast I thought it would, so loose is my friend right now!

    Reply
  13. Ellie Shea says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:03 am

    I am loving ALL of her bathing suits, especially the black and white Show Stopper! So cute. I’m dying! Can it be summer now? Or can I move somewhere that is warm all the time?

    http://www.albionfit.com/swims/striped-sashed-suit-black-and-white

    Reply
  14. Morgan says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:12 am

    I love their leggings! They have such fun colors like pumpkin & cobalt!

    Reply
  15. Kate says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:25 am

    I have four children ages 13,12, 9, and 5. The “mommy workout” is great when they’re little, but I’ve had to put more effort forth as they’ve gotten older as I don’t need to chase them much anymore. Some new exercise gear would certainly be motivational in doing so! What I’ve seen of Albion fit clothing is very nice.

    Reply
  16. Jenna Lou says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:33 am

    It’s so fun to watch Maxwell grow up! He’s such a delight.
    Those leggings look super comfy. I’m always on the lookout for the perfect pair.

    Reply
  17. Chandra says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:44 am

    Love the illusion capris, and the go long crews!

    Reply
  18. Carrie says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:51 am

    I love comfy clothes that still look feminine! :)

    Reply
  19. ann says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:00 am

    Leggings are not pants.

    Reply
  20. Maggie says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:03 am

    I love love love the crops! And anything with thumbholes. One of each, please!

    I can’t get over how adorably smiley your little boy is. I love seeing pictures of him. Never fails to make me smile!

    Reply
  21. Sonja says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:03 am

    My favorite tops would be the East Coast Hoodie and the Go Long Crew in navy!! But they have a bunch of great stuff!

    Reply
  22. Laurie says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:09 am

    I really love the coral ruffled zip, but they have a lot of really ute items.

    Reply
  23. Lindsay Hutchins says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:13 am

    I’m loving the Flatter Me Navy Zip Hoodie

    Reply
  24. Lacey says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:16 am

    I can’t wait to be a mommy! We are adopting a baby boy who is due in December! I will have to try their comfy clothes!

    Reply
    • Lacey says

      October 23, 2013 at 7:17 am

      @Lacey, and I forgot to say that my favorite is the yoga pants and leggings!

      Reply
  25. Michelle says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:27 am

    I love their Go Long Crews and Zip Hoodies.

    Reply
  26. Bree says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:55 am

    Thank you for the giveaway. I like their Go Long Crews and all of their hoodies..

    Reply
  27. cassandra says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:25 am

    I love the Illusion capris!

    Reply
  28. Sarah P says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:42 am

    Be never heard of this brand, but it looks great. :)

    Reply
  29. Melissa McAuliff says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:47 am

    I love workout! I’ve never tried this brand and would love to!

    Reply
  30. Kara Kieran says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:56 am

    I love the Go Long leggings in Cobalt!

    Reply
  31. krista says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Wow. Everything looks so comfy and stylish!! Loving tons of things but in particular the Love Racer and long crew keep catching my eye… not to mention the capri leggings!

    Reply
  32. Aubrey says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:05 am

    I want a hoodie, capris, and a tank. So pretty!

    Reply
  33. Mariah says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:06 am

    I love the zip up hoodies, all of them!

    Reply
  34. Lina says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:18 am

    Such a sweet post. Maxwell is adorable! Thanks for introducing me to Albion. Such great stuff. I love the Albion Flatter Me Hoodie.

    Reply
  35. Amy Lynn Anderson says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I love comfy workout/lounge clothes {let’s be real, I use them mostly for lounging} and Albion’s are super cute! I love the crop pants and the sweet stripe zip!

    And it is so fun to see Maxwell grow {and to see you grow as a Mama and share your love for your baby!}

    Blessings,

    Amy Lynn

    Reply
  36. Angie says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:21 am

    Love the East Coast hoodie! :)

    Reply
  37. Amanda Kennedy says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:22 am

    I love the artwork on Max’s wall. So cute! And you look fantastic!

    Reply
  38. Cheryl Armstrong says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:23 am

    What an AWESOME giveaway! Love their stuff! So very cute.

    Reply
  39. Shannon says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:24 am

    Thanks for telling me about this brand. I didn’t know if it before today. The FLATTER ME, NAVY ZIP HOODIE is awesome!

    Reply
  40. Shelley says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:25 am

    I love the Flatter Me, Navy Zip Hoodie!! :)

    Reply
  41. Andrea Schenk says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:26 am

    I love the color of that long sleeve shirt!

    Reply
  42. Shawnna says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Such a sweetheart, they grow so fast!! :)

    Reply
  43. Meghan H. says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Thanks for sharing about Albion- their leggings look incredibly comfy!

    Reply
  44. Kimberly says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:30 am

    I am a stay at home mom to a VERY active 3 year old and a small business owner. This would help make my every day garb look so much more fashionable!

    Reply
  45. Jessica Tedone says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:31 am

    The Petal Pant looks absolutely adorable!!

    Reply
  46. jenn pangburn says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:35 am

    I like the east coast hoodie!! :)

    Reply
  47. Holly says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:35 am

    So hard to choose! I love their pumpkin leggings and long loose tops! I live in comfy clothes and would love to try their stuff – it so cute!

    Reply
  48. Sydney S says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:35 am

    Albion looks and sounds amazing. Their Love Racer, Silver & Flatter Me, Navy Zip Hoodie are two of my favorites

    Reply
  49. Michelle says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I LOVE the Go Long Crew with Thumb-holes…

    Reply
  50. Suzie H says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:37 am

    I love the Go Long Crew in Eggplant. (The thumb holes!!!)
    Thanks for sharing about your time with precious little Maxwell!

    Reply
  51. Laura O says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:37 am

    Those charcoal leggings look super comfy!

    Reply
  52. Renee says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:41 am

    I love that the pants come in long and petite. Love long pants! So I want all their pants :-) Also love the jaw dropper bathing suit! And the balerina. They’re all so pretty!

    Reply
  53. Jen M. says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:45 am

    I’ve never owned any of their items but would LOVE to try them as I am a new mommy too and I totally get the “comfy” clothes thing now. My little guy is 5 months old and very much keeping me on my toes!

    Reply
  54. Samantha Kakac says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:47 am

    Love that Go Long Crew! Perfect for California weather!

    Reply
  55. Karas says

    October 23, 2013 at 9:51 am

    I have been looking for some new leggings! I’ll have to try these out!

    Reply
  56. Lauren says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:13 am

    WANT that flatter me hoodie!

    Reply
  57. Marissa says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Definitely could use some of these great clothes for days when I’m home running around with my almost 16-month-old! Very busy!

    Reply
  58. Heather says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I like the Flatter Me Hoodie in navy – so pretty!

    Reply
  59. Mary Bean says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:26 am

    I love the go long leggings in pumpkin!!!!

    Reply
  60. Maria Moklestad says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:27 am

    I love Albion Fit’s clothing! I just got a swimsuit from there this past summer that is awesome!! They have the cutest styles and colors. I have wanted the coral ruffled zip for a long time. This would be the perfect opportunity to get it! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  61. Mary says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:27 am

    So cute!! Crew tops with thumb holes, PUMPKIN leggings, petal pants… I want them all! :)

    Reply
  62. Corinne says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I really love their East Coast Hoodie…I’m a hoodie girl for sure!

    Reply
  63. Hester says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:45 am

    The yoga pants or leggings look perfect for playtime with my little ones!

    Reply
  64. katie says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:50 am

    i wear comfy clothes about 80% of the time now as a mom and love their clothes! i love the easy coast hoodie!

    Reply
  65. Lauren says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Love the lounge crop and sweet stripe capri!

    Reply
  66. Michelle Underwood says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:55 am

    I love the sweet stripe full zip seafoam/ gray hoodie. Cute!

    Reply
  67. jen says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:56 am

    always on the look out for comfy clothes!

    Reply
  68. Bobbi Jo says

    October 23, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I love their Go Long Crew! So comfy!

    Reply
  69. Hannah J says

    October 23, 2013 at 11:41 am

    CUTE stuff. Loving their Gown swimsuit.

    Reply
  70. Haley says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    Now THESE are my kinda clothes… I’m all about wearing workout clothes. It definitely makes it easier to jump around with my little one.

    Reply
  71. Gina says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    I go to an awesome 5am get fit class Monday-Friday. I dread it every morning but love the way I feel after.. Plus it gives me energy and motivation everyday! And on weekends I take my guys in hikes..wine country has the best weather and views ever! Anyways! I could put that Albion card to great use!! :D p.s. maxwell, 7mo?! What?! Weren’t you just pregnant!? Haha

    Reply
  72. Amber N. says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    My father-in-law reminded me that I was probably more busy than I thought with our little guy. He told me that I don’t need to bother with the gym because I was always on the the move with his grandson!

    Reply
  73. Amber N. says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    My father-in-law reminded me that I was probably more busy than I thought with our little guy. He told me that I don’t need to bother with the gym because I was always on the the move with his grandson! I would certainly enjoy some comfy and stylish clothes :)

    Reply
  74. Lori L. says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    Maxwell is so adorable! I love the navy hoodie, what a great giveaway!

    Reply
  75. Rachel says

    October 23, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I could so see myself wearing those Balance Bermuda shorts! (Of course, I shopped the sale tab!) Maxwell is only 6 days younger than my little boy and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him grow on your blog and Instagram since they are so close in age. Thanks for this giveaway!

    Reply
  76. Amber says

    October 23, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    Comfy clothes is the norm here. But I wouldn’t trade it :)

    Reply
  77. traci beeson says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    well i managed to narrow it down to three things.. :D

    http://www.albionfit.com/tops/signature-hoodie-crimson

    http://www.albionfit.com/tops/long-sleeve-crew-black

    http://www.albionfit.com/swims/criss-cross-suit-yelllow

    Reply
  78. Sarah says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:21 pm

    That “Flatter Me” hoodie looks pretty dang awesome :)

    Reply
  79. Hannah Novak says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Their swimsuits are so cute – probably the cutest I’ve seen!

    Reply
  80. Autum says

    October 23, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    I really like the Signature Hoodie in Heather Grey.
    I was wondering where you got your little one’s onesie, I absolutely love it and wouldn’t mind getting one for my little stink bug. :) Thanks!

    Reply
  81. Ashley says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    I’ve never hear of Albion I’m gonna have to check them out.

    Reply
  82. Andi T. says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    I have SO been wanting to try some Albion Fit :) I love the petal pants!

    Reply
  83. Alexis says

    October 23, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I’m torn between the breathe freely tanks and the flatter me zip hoodies. It was briefly snowing today which makes the hoodie seem especially nice. Plus, it is cute enough to wear to work on Fridays (work in the schools) as well as around town or while just cuddling with my 13 month old…when she settles down for a moment! :) The optimum capris would also be great at home with her especially since my old pants don’t fit quite right just yet…

    Reply
  84. Elizabeth Smillie says

    October 23, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    as much as I love the workout gear, I’m really taken with the swimwear! Particularly the blousy swim top … too cute!

    Reply
  85. leslie says

    October 23, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    leggings!!!!!

    Reply
  86. Maureen S says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    I’m a hoodie girl and they have a great selection.

    Reply
  87. Stephanie L. says

    October 23, 2013 at 6:58 pm

    Three cheers for comfy clothes in gorgeous colors!!!

    Reply
  88. Mandy M. says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    I love the lounge crop pants! Perfect for a 5’1 girl!

    Reply
  89. Sarah says

    October 23, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    The right clothing makes the day sooo much easier. I have two under two and need to be able to MOVE!

    Reply
  90. Candace says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    I would love a few pairs of the leggings! I have 2 kiddos under 2 and need lots of comfy Mama clothes ;)

    Reply
  91. Elizabeth M says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    I love the signature hoodies! So many cute things!:)

    Reply
  92. Priscilla says

    October 23, 2013 at 8:47 pm

    I like the Breathe Freely Tank in Cherry and Dewberry, and the Go Long Crew, with thumb-holes in Fuschia and Eggplant!

    Reply
  93. Andrea Worley says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    I love their ruffle yoga pants! so cute for those days when you’re just at home.

    Reply
  94. sarah r. says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:44 am

    i love so much stuff, but today my favorite is the coral ruffle zip!

    Reply
  95. Cara Howard says

    October 24, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I really really really love the Petal Pant!!!

    Reply
  96. Cheryl V says

    October 24, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I love the Go Long Crew, with thumb-holes, Fuchsia so cute and it looks so comfy!

    Reply
  97. Jessica w says

    October 24, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    I love their love racer shirts!

    Reply
  98. Rachel says

    October 24, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Loving all of it! Way better than my normal old raggedy tshirt and sweats!

    Reply
  99. Megan Cole says

    October 24, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    I love the go long crew… perfect for chilly airports and planes!

    Reply
  100. Abbie says

    October 24, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    What a cute little guy you have!

    Reply
  101. Abbie says

    October 24, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    I love the coral zip. Really cute.

    Reply
  102. Julie S. says

    October 24, 2013 at 6:36 pm

    The East Coast Hoodie and the Go Long Crew in Navy. I have been wanting to find some workout clothes that are good for my SAHM lifestyle! Love these!

    Reply
  103. JessiAnn says

    October 24, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    Flatter Me, Navy Zip Hoodie

    Reply
  104. Cassandra Beverly says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    Go long crew in pool! Oober comfy looking and so in love with the price!

    Reply
  105. Sarah says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:37 pm

    Sweet stripe full zip- love all three colors!

    Reply
  106. Misty M says

    October 24, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the Illusion Capri in Charcoal!!! Yep, kinda “need” that!!!

    Reply
  107. Cynthia says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    My friend Rose inspires me because she always bring people together through entertainment

    Reply
  108. Marissa says

    October 30, 2013 at 8:17 am

    Excited that I won! Thanks for such a GREAT give away!

    Reply

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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.
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recent posts:

  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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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.
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devotionals written by Maggie:

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