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I can’t believe 2017 is almost over, and I’ve only published a handful of posts on the blog this year. Where have I been and what has been going on?! I’m hoping this post will help to update you and answer some of those questions.
Before I get started, I just wanted to say that today’s post is different and much more personal than what I normally share, but I’ll be back to writing more organizing, decluttering, and productivity goodness next week.
What has been going on?
When this year started, I had no idea I’d be taking so much time away from blogging. That was never my intention, but somehow it’s already mid-August, and I’ve only written a handful of posts all year. I didn’t realize quite how long it had been until a friend asked if I was still blogging. Ahh! (insert Home Alone scream)
What in the world could keep me from blogging for months on end? Well, five kids for starters. Our newest little one was born at the end of December, and my brain ever so sweetly forgot just how brutal those first few sleep deprived months can be. I’m lucky if I sleep more than three or four hours at a time, but we’re getting into our “we have five kids now” groove so things are feeling much less overwhelming and more like regular daily life. I’d like to think I’m getting better at mothering and juggling all the things, but I think my standards have just taken a nose dive. Po-ta-to, pa-tah-to, right! It’s okay though. This sweet little face makes it all worth it.
As you can see, we’ve been having a little too much fun with instagram!
Behind the Scenes
If you receive my newsletter, you’ve probably also read that I’m in the process of rebranding this blog, which means it’s going to have a new name and design very soon! This is a huge undertaking, but it’s also a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for the new site to launch soon.
As much fun as choosing colors and layouts is, the thing we’ve really been focusing on is creating a site that will be the most helpful to you with easy to find information and fun new changes like… videos! I’m still a little nervous about stepping out from behind my computer and really putting myself out there, but I’m excited for it too. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun and give you a whole new glimpse into my home, for better or worse.
But the biggest thing that’s been going on behind the scenes is a family issue that’s actually been a secret for a long time…
Our Family Secret
I don’t really know how to share this so I’m just going to spit it out… my son is having brain surgery in two and a half weeks.
We’ve always known this might have to happen, and it became clear that it was time late last year. We met with his neurologist in January, and started the process to make the surgery a reality.
The last seven months have been filled with MRIs, PET scans, meetings with surgeons, specialists, and more evaluations than I can even count or remember, but in mid-July, we finally got our surgery date of September 1st. It’s coming up fast, which is both exciting and terrifying.
I’m going to be sharing the details of his condition, why we’ve kept it a secret for so long, and why I’m finally opening up about it this Thursday. To be honest, I’ve been trying to write this post for months, but it’s been harder than I expected so I’m hoping that having a deadline will help me finish it.
Moving Forward
The good news is that I’m ready to get back into blogging, and I have lots of posts (and videos. eek!) that I can’t wait to share with you. The people in my Declutterathon facebook group (<– click here to join) have also been requesting a new group decluttering challenge so I might have to add something like that to the schedule too!
I’m excited to get back in the swing of things and so thankful to be on this journey with all of you!
Prayers for a easy surgery. I’ve had 3 in the last 5 years.
As a mom of 5 I’m honestly impressed you can blog too. I don’t know if I could do it with one kid.
Looking forward to the new site and videos!!
Your son will be in our prayers. I’ll make sure you and your husband are in there too.
As for the baby, so is adorable and those eyes are so bright and beautiful. God bless to you and your family.
I will be praying for your son and family during this time.
I am praying for you and your family. My youngest daughter (23 years) required surgery earlier this year and I have no idea where the first 6 months of the year went. For some reason I thought I would have so much time waiting – in doctor’s offices, during surgery, at the hospital, at home while she recovered, etc. but it never happened. Every moment was somehow filled with need and when the occasional free minute did pop up, I filled it with desperately needed sleep. I’m still living with the day to day reality of the effects of it in many areas; household upkeep, finances, activities and so much more. Give yourself lots of grace and focus your energy where it is most needed. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Emily, You, your son and your entire family ar in my prayers.
The declutterathon group seems to be working and interacting on its own. The requests for new challenges may have been in response to your ask.
Be kind on yourself. Take time with your family. We are not going anywhere and continue making progress on our decluttering journey.
With love, Linda
I will be praying for your sweet son and your entire family. There’s nothing worse than watching your kids deal with medical issues. It’s also difficult to share such personal information, but may it help you to know that when sharing our personal challenges, it often helps others.
((Hugs)) Surgery is never a fun thought. I’m surprised at how many people I know who have had brain surgery or their child has had it, just in the past year. I hope the procedure is uncomplicated and recovery goes smoothly 🙂
I was sorry to read that your son will be having brain surgery. My son has a brain tumor and had his first surgery in 2007 atthe age of 5. He’s 15 now and I’m so blessed to be his mom. I laid my burden of worry and doubt in the Lord’s lap the day of his surgery and the peace that came over me was monumental. Trust and have faith. I will add you and your family to our prayers. Hugs!
I totally understand and wonder how you do it all. Prayers going up for your daarling son and his surgery, along with prayers for you and your family. I totally understand and hope you don’t overdo it all. We can wait for your blogs. You need to take care of yourself, and your family first. Just hang in there gal. We are here for you.
Baby is adorable!
Lifting your family up in prayer!!! You have amazingly been caring for the blessing of a growing family, as well as facing your son’s health needs. Thank you for all that you do and share! Wishing you and your family health, strength and God’s comfort during this time!!!!
Praying for you girl and all that is on your full plate. Don’t forget to give yourself some grace…every day.. You’re a rock star!
Best of luck for a successful outcome! My husband just had major surgery 6 weeks ago, and we’re just now starting to get back to normal. Give yourself all the grace you need in this season of life. Take all the time you need to get back to blogging. We’ll be waiting whenever you return 🙂
I totally get the standards dropping, and that’s cool; time with family is more important than clean windows and polished silver, lol. Hoping the lead up to 1 September is not too stressful, that the surgery goes well and your son’s recovers is speedy. Sending hugs and prayers
Recovery – ahhh, must proofread my work more carefully
Wow. What a huge thing. I have 3 kids. 2 have big, dangerous food allergies. I am working from home and have a partner who works way more than 60 hours… I feel overwhelmed and I get cranky. Your post and your honesty has humbled me. You are way ahead, so positive, and so focussed.
I hope the best for you and the whole family with this upcoming surgery. I am amazed that in the sleep deprived state that I well understand, plus the stress of a sick child (also understood) and several others to care for and love, that you can keep going with anything outside the family. I admire you and I am so proud of us moms who have a lot going on and still pursue career goals for ourselves. I do hope also that you are taking care of you. I’m super bad at that so I hope you are better at it than me 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about the upcoming surgery for your son. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. Remember to always take time for yourself, that way you’ll have have the strength to take care of your young family.
Prayers and hugs sweet Emily.
Oh, Emily. Lots of love and strength. I also have five kids, including one who is developmentally disabled and also had leukemia. During that time, he had a LOT of emergency surgeries, and it was extremely hard. It took me a long time after he was better to get back to myself. Take the time you need for yourself and your family. Holding good thoughts for you.
My son was born with complex birth defects, and he had 2 dozen surgeries, most 12-14 hours long. It is so hard to watch your child go through it all—but further health down the road is worth it. There are always risks, and it is so hard to literally sign off on those—be prepared for the tears as the attendants take him to the O.R. Though I knew that my son was in the best hands, they weren’t mine—that was harder than I anticipated (and seems to be so for most parents.) Accept the offers of help from those around you, so you can really be present with your son and his medical team. The medical team are great for the medical interventions, however… If the hospital has a support group for families facing similar medical issues, take part—other parents who recognize living with a similar situation are a FANTASTIC resource for day to day life. (Better at the practical aspects of daily life than the medical team.)
Blessings for the best possible outcome…
Emily, I will pray for good results, and rapid recovery for your son.
Thank you! <3
We will be praying for your son. I get it, as our year has been upside down too… big hugs, your blog and the facebook group is a great resource and has blessed my life.
I’m so happy to hear that, Ivy. Thank you!
Prayers for your family and your daughter is one of the cutest kittens on the internet.
Thank you! As for the kitten, I know I’m biased, but I have to agree 😉
I’m wishing you all the best there is, that your son will be ok and the surgery will be a breeze. I admire you for how brave you are to open up and talk about this. Good luck!
Thank you! Honestly, I don’t really feel brave though. It’s really kind of relief to not have to hide it anymore. My son’s the brave one. His father and I are a little nervous, but he can’t wait! 🙂