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You are here: Home / family / Because bulleted lists are my new best friend.

Because bulleted lists are my new best friend.

March 26, 2015 · 10 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun, Los Angeles, running

coffee mugs maggie whitley

friends maggie whitley

We are in such a good place right now, it almost feels too good to be true. These days when the kids are young and we’re tired all the time, they are hard. But they’re so rich in love and happiness; I am so satisfied. Here’s what I mean…

* When Zack and I first moved to Los Angeles (from Minneapolis) we had very few possessions. Basically, we had with us what was inside our Jeep plus a couple of shipped boxes. And that was it. We downsized in a huge way when we moved to LA, not only with the size of our home but with what we owned and used. It has been hard at times — like when I really, really miss not having certain something (which I rarely used when I did have it, oddly) — but for the most part it’s been a simple transition. And when I look around our apartment, anything and everything I see has a very special meaning. I just love that.

* Max and Nat are doing so well together, it’s absolutely precious to see. One of my favorite things about being their mama is watching Max seek out his baby sister just to give her a kiss on her foot. And I’m convinced Natalie knows her brother is little just like her (and therefore super cool), which is why she gives him such big smiles. Of course she loves her mommy and daddy, but she has a special love just for her big brother.

* For months last year, as Max got older (and heavier) and my baby bump with Natalie got larger, I struggled with figuring out how to get our clothes washed. The laundry room in our complex is downstairs, across the way, and then around the corner — it’s not all that accessible. I don’t like to do our wash only on the weekends, in fact I’ve learned there is way less mama drama (ha…) when I get all of my housework done during the week. So just recently I realized if I wash our clothes in the evenings and then air dry them overnight while we’re sleeping not only do we have more space during the daytime to play, but I wake up to a home that smells like fresh laundry. Bonus! We have two fold-up drying racks and they changed my life. (It’s the small things, right?) Doing the wash is one of my favorite things, I actually told Zack once, “don’t hang up the laundry, I want to do it — it’s my favorite part!” Snort.

* I logged my first workout on February 19 with Map My Run, a simple app on my phone that tracks my route via GPS and records my mileage & time. I am a dork and actually counted, I’ve traveled over 71 miles since starting last month. HAVE I MENTIONED I LOVE RUNNING? There’s no use trying to figure out what has changed, because I have never enjoyed running until now. Like, neverrrrrr. But honestly, I’m loving it and here are a few reasons why:

– it’s something I can do with the babes and dog (and it’s free)

– hello, sunshine

– each day the scene is different (I’ve gone on dozens of runs now and never have I taken the same route twice)

– the day goes by so much faster (usually I run late-morning which means we’re home just in time for lunch & naps, suddenly it’s 3pm and the babes have woken up, and in a few hours Zack will be home from work)

– my overall mood has lightened and I sleep better at night

– the final pounds of baby weight are d r o p p i n g off before my eyes.

I’d love to share more about my running journey, but I think a separate post would be best. I have learned so much and am so proud of myself for committing to working out almost 6 days/week. And one of my favorite parts? I found a routine that works really well for our family and with only two workout outfits. So if you see me around town and notice I wore today’s outfit yesterday, and also two days prior, just give me your best smile. Because I warned you ;)

Happy Thursday friends!

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10 Comments
Filed Under: family, for fun, Los Angeles, running

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Comments

  1. Southern Gal says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:25 am

    You go, girl!! Taking the time for yourself (even with babies in the stroller while you jog) is so important. Not having the right workout clothes kept me from getting out there for a long time. Believe me when I say no one notices. They only notice you are active!
    Max and Natalie look so much alike! So cute together.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      March 26, 2015 at 9:13 pm

      It IS so important, you are so right! Gone are the days of being so unaware of what my needs are, that kind of behavior is so unhealthy. Even though it takes a lot of energy to load up 2 kids and a dog, plus water and keys and blankets (etc) — working out for 90 minutes actually helps me conquer the day with little effort. I so appreciate your comment, all your comments actually :)

      Reply
  2. jessica lynn says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:45 am

    I have location envy right now, big time. Living in the south (and in a particular tiny town that doesn’t even have sidewalks anywhere, and pollen so thick that it literally turns out cars and streets yellow/green), means we don’t go outside much in the spring…and then it gets too darn hot and humid (and not to mention the mosquitoes) to venture out until the summer. I wish we could get more fresh air and go for runs! Until then, I’ll enjoy your instagram pics and log some time at the gym!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      March 26, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Do you know what my seond favorite kind of workout is? Doing turbo kick (or some sort of high-energy workout) in a room filled with other women. The music is so good! Maybe there’s a class you can join in your area? xoxo

      Reply
  3. She Eats Plants says

    March 26, 2015 at 3:57 am

    I’m so excited for constant sunshine and the ability to get outside again. I cannot wait until it happens here. I have to say it’s hard to make time to take care of ourselves at Mom’s often as we feel there are so many things that ‘must’ be done first. It’s nice to see someone doing just that! It sounds fabulous! :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      March 26, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      Oh man, I can totally relate! If I don’t take care of myself then the entire family suffers. I don’t often skip picking up the house or kitchen at night, but if there’s ever a time that I do, I know it’s what’s best. And Zack knows that is the right decision then, too. Being at home is like a marathon, we have to pace ourselves :)

      Reply
  4. Cindy Whitley says

    March 26, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    You amaze this momma in law every day. So proud of the great strides you are making every single day, and I haven’t even mentioned the tremendous energy you have discovered. You are a blessing to all who love you and to so many who wish they knew you. (Or feel like they know you already!) hugs…….Mom Whitley

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      March 26, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      I’m going to file this in my “favorite comments ever” folder ;D

      Thanks mom!!!!!!!

      Reply
  5. Melissa says

    March 30, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Go Maggie!!!! You are such a motivation….it’s so hard for me to go out for a run because I have 3 kids (homeschool mom problems) but I really do need to start taking time to workout in the mornings. It gives me so much energy getting my body moving! Thanks for the push!

    Xo

    Reply
  6. Jen says

    March 30, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    It so amazing how much good getting outside does for us!! I started taking a walk each day and the fresh air just invigorates me. I’m so happy for you that you’ve found such a lovely routine to fill the days with your little ones!

    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:

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

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Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
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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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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.”

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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! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

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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! 🌷💬

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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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