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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / Life around here…

Life around here…

November 8, 2013 · 6 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun

maxwell-hoodie-gussy-sews

^ look who has four teefers!

family-gussy-sews

^ possibly my new favorite family photo ;)

nursery-maxwell-gussy-sews

^ I love love love Maxwell’s little nursery nook

Hi friends! We’ve had some fun days with family lately, and there are even more to come! It all started with Zack’s mom arriving in Los Angeles for a week-long visit. She left Wednesday morning and we were all pretty sad. Thankfully Max has been napping like a champ so I can get caught up before my parents arrive tomorrow. I have to confess, Maxwell is getting pretty spoiled — but it’s totally worth it ;) Having family around is the best! It’s been a little quieter around here than normal but I promise I have some fun things up my sleeve.

First off, if you haven’t already would you mind taking our quick community survey? We’ll be drawing FOUR winners soon and each will win a $50 gift card to the Gussy shop, so be sure to take the survey so you’re entered to win. And that reminds me, we’ve had a lot of giveaways lately, which is a bit abnormal. I know not everyone likes giveaways so thank you for being patient. Giveaways are fun and especially with the holidays coming they can provide a few extra gifts to check off your to-buy list ;) Right?!

Los Angeles has had some pretty amazing weather so far this fall, I’m soaking up the sunshine. I thought of one of my favorite verses as I snapped this pic (below): Psalm 34:5 – Those who look to him are radiant... Isn’t that beautiful? I’ve been focusing on that throughout the day and it’s been amazing :) It reminds me to keep my focus narrow and to block out what’s on the outskirt of my path.

fall-leaf-gussy-sews

Zack’s been meeting up with his buddies on Thursday nights, and since I see my girlfriends during the weekday this has been a great excuse for me to sit down in the evening to paint my nails and watch a movie or read a book. Two things I love to do but haven’t had a ton of free time since… March ;) I’m (still) figuring out how to run a business and be a mama and wife. I’m sure I’ve said that like five times now. But, it’s been a journey. The business transformed completely when we moved here just over a year ago from Minneapolis. I had to find new processes for so much, and even though I’ve been stretched so thin at various times I’m so thankful.

Here are some things I’ve learned on mamahood + biz:
1. Recognize that dirty laundry and things on the coffee table or sitting near the door is a sign that life is being lived, and that’s something to celebrate! (Messes are unavoidable but they don’t need to be stressed over.)

2. During nap time, lay down. Rest your mind. It’s OK if you don’t want to nap, but take 15 minutes to rest your mind. And I dare you to not fall asleep ;)

3. Feeling icky or uninspired or overwhelmed? Head outside and go on a walk, but take the long route home

4. Put on some lipstick before your hubby comes home ;)

5. I shared this link before, but there are awake tasks and asleep tasks when you’re a mama — and golly, figuring these out has been gold for me!

 

Hmm. So that’s about it :) I can’t believe Thanksgiving will be here in just a couple of weeks. You know what that means for the Gussy shop, right?! Well, I’m off to work on a few things. Wishing you all a happy Friday!!! xoxo

PS. our tote bags are on sale — see the details here!

PPS. Gussy WALLETS!

 

 

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6 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun

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« A bit about my sewing journey, and 3 Gussy winners.
A brand new Gussy product and a sale on our bags! »

Comments

  1. Katy (lil' alice) says

    November 8, 2013 at 4:54 am

    ahhhh, i love that you have added a wallet. it’s very simple & functional & still has the gussy look. nice job!

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:07 am

      @Katy (lil’ alice), thank you!!!!! :D

      Reply
  2. kate says

    November 8, 2013 at 9:24 am

    I needed to read this post today. I’m a mama only to furry babies, but am a military wife who just moved to a new station this summer and is having a hard time adjusting. It’s a difficult time in the economy to find a job or start a business – both things I’ve been trying to do simultaneously, in addition to reorganizing a new home. So many of the things you said apply directly to my own situation. I need to remember not to sweat the small stuff and focus on what’s really important right now.
    You are such an encouragement!

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:53 pm

      @kate, Hi Kate! I love your name, by the way :) praying you can enjoy this season of life a bit more. It’ll pass and you’ll be left with the memories of how you survived. Thanks for leaving a comment :) xo

      Reply
  3. Lindsay says

    November 8, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    Maxwell looks like he has so much personality! I love seeing pictures of him and his awesome smile. What a sweetie pie!

    Reply
    • Gussy says

      November 8, 2013 at 7:52 pm

      @Lindsay, oh, he totally does!!! he’s so much fun. XO

      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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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
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. 📖✨🤍
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