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Maggie Whitley Designs

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

T.G.I.F.

October 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: marriage, our home

It is Friday and I am SO glad! For some reason this week was particularly tiring. I have no clue why. I worked every day…? Well, never mind, I did work every day. Zack took a day off this week because he was sick, and last week I took a day off. Not only do… [Read More]

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Filed Under: marriage, our home

Dear Bonnie Bell…

October 22, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

Ya know, it’s a good thing it’s getting cooler out, because right now that means one thing: craft season!!! Now that summer has passed and I can’t spend meaningless hours tanning myself outside… Not that I had time for that this year because I, ummm, had to work full-time all summer for the first time… [Read More]

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my poochie

October 21, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

In case anyone was wondering… if anyone has been checking our Facebook accounts… YES, we are looking for a puppy. Of course we have to ask the owners of the house we are renting… and we have to come up with some money, and we need to decide on what kind of puppy to get…. [Read More]

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scarves, pumpkins, and inspiration

October 21, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: friends, marriage

This little bug has made its way into our home, and I’ve had enough! First I was sick for almost a week, and now Zack is sick. We’re each taking turns staying home from work this year I suppose. We are having fun celebrating our first fall together as a married couple. We had a… [Read More]

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Filed Under: friends, marriage

a lengthly re-cap

October 3, 2008 · 1 Comment
Filed Under: family, friends

I’m just about to finish up my first week of work at my new job. It is a lovely change from where I was working before we moved. Little things like better lighting, having my own desk (and it’s HUGE!!!), and a not so detailed employee handbook. It’s just a little more laid back in… [Read More]

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…She’s employed!

September 26, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

It’s happened! I have a job! It’s been three short weeks and now on Monday I’ll be working again from 8-4:30. What a perfect shift (and perfect timing). I have worked so, so hard to find a job. It has been nice being at home and taking a break from the whole work “thing,” but… [Read More]

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Back to work?! yes please!

September 10, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

I’m so ready to be working again. It’s very tiring trying to sell yourself to a company for hours a day, day after day. I don’t even know if half of these companies have any openings in their editorial department, I just call them up and say on their answering machine, “Hi, My name is… [Read More]

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whew! lots of work

September 3, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

We had a super hard weekend full of WORK this past Labor Day. It was great to spend time together on our home… painting and heat is always lots of fun ;) I’ll post some pictures soon of what we’ve done to the place… I hope we like it in a few months, haha. It’s… [Read More]

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the big news… revealed

August 24, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: our home

WE ARE MOVING! Zack has been at his *new* job in Southfield for 3 weeks now… he is an Assistant Video Editor and we’re mega pumped for all the new changes. I haven’t found a job yet, but it will come soon ;) we have this adorable little house we are renting… Let us know… [Read More]

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Secrets to a Happy Marriage

August 6, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: marriage, Zack

I love this website: thenest.com It is full of post-wedding advice, plus great articles on nearly every important topic. Here are some great Secrets to a Happy Marriage :) “If you’re arguing over how to do a task, please remember that the results will not matter in one day, one week, one month, or one… [Read More]

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Whew, what a weekend!

August 5, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: marriage

WHEWWWW!!! Zack and I had such a productive weekend, unfortunately this is just a taste of all the busyness that is to come for the next few weeks. Lots and lots of work. Oh well… we’re adults now, we can handle it ;) We were in Royal Oak and it was so much fun shopping… [Read More]

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a great story

July 20, 2008 · Leave a Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

maggie: when we move, i want to send out postcards that say “we moved.” zack: [laughs] oh yeah?!??!

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Things are moving along nicely… I think.

July 19, 2008 · 1 Comment
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Zack and I finally have the weekend together at home, in Lansing. I’m very, very, very, very, very, very, very excited about this. I think it’s our first weekend here since the wedding… whew. It’s pretty awesome being married to Zack. Tomorrow we are going to the pool (yes!) and that is all we have… [Read More]

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New Beginnings

July 10, 2008 · 1 Comment
Filed Under: inspiration

Good evening. It has been a long day and that is all I can think about right now. I want to find a way where I can keep in touch with friends — also a place where I can tell my wonderful, very-thought-out stories :) So enjoy…And now here is your first story: I’m tired…. [Read More]

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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:

  • 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

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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?
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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:
on Simplicity

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