You know, my life has not really shaped up the way I had imagined.
I thought I would most definitely have passions and interests, but honestly, I always imagined being a wife & mom…and that alone.
And while striking a delicate balance is sometimes more difficult than I’d like, I’m reminded of how very lucky I am to have my children alongside me…doing the work I love.
They have plenty of issues and struggles, but something I adore is their interest in what we are doing as a family. If only I could bottle that innocence and save it for their teenage years. It occurs to me, now, that while sleepless nights and constant runny noses are certainly wearing, the really difficult part of parenting is only beginning.
I can also see that the best part of parenting is to come, too. Sharing experiences with them as they grow…there’s absolutely nothing like it. They are beginning to understand what it is that I do, and the reward of sharing this experience with them far outweighs the struggle of having them with me.
Don’t get me wrong, I have to remind myself of this all the time. There are days when all I want is to run away, coffee and a good book in hand…and my paint brushes, decor mags, and maybe even a tripod.
But like my good friend, Edie, says, raising these babies is sacred work.
Sacred doesn’t equal easy, y’all. Actually, most everything in life, worth anything at all, is hard.
And worth it.
I also remind myself of this every time the kids climb up in the shop window.
Here’s hoping we all breathe deeply this weekend, enjoy simple pleasures, and treasure the sacred work we’ve been given.
Have an inspired weekend, friends.
Thank you for this post! It is so true that the best things in life don’t always come easy. Bless you and your sweet children! I wish you all continued success and happiness.
I just love your blog & look forward to reading your heartfelt posts. I found you originally when a client of mine needed me to paint a piece of furniture for her and I found you through Pinterest. I have been designing interiors as a professional for over twenty years and its rare that I find a blog that excites me 🙂 Where is your shop? Looks fabulous to.
Thanks for sharing! Love your style… just wondering – what is the brown art piece on the wall above your son?
Thanks!
Ruth L
You’ve inspired me Shauna! Take a peek at my post too 🙂 Thank you for keeping us part of your family through your blog, sharing your love of God, and your unending creativeness.
Blessings,
Connie
http://cndesigns.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/weekend-thoughts/
These pictures that blend some of your most treasured things/people in life will probably end up being some of your favorite pictures of all time. Glad you captured these thoughts and moments in time!
I have a sign on my desk that says….Raising Children Is Like Being Pecked To Death By Chickens. But you are right… we ARE accountable to Yahweh for how we raise these precious miracles (on good days and bad)
Oh my gosh you have no idea how timely this is. Sometimes it feels super lonely to be a mom with two little kids, a furniture painter, and a shop owner all at once (not to mention a wife, a friend, and on and on it goes). It has been such a blessing to read your Shop Talk posts and about balancing your life, your passions, your work, and parenting. Thank you for keeping it real- it is such a balm.
Oh Lord!!! I have 2 little ones (3 1/2 years and 21 months), and lately I have been tempted to sell them to the circus haha. (Totally kidding). I just reminded myself the other day that as hard as all this is, one day I will long for my babies back. Great post!
Where/how can I unblock the pictures on this website? I believe my filter is blocking them, but I need to know at what websight they are stored, so that I can unblock it. Thanks!
Hey Beth! Hmm, they’re stored in Photobucket…let me know if that helps!
🙂
shaunna
I heard this about 30 years ago, and it will remain true forever: If creating a family were going to be easy, it wouldn’t begin with something called ‘labor.’ But as you said, nothing else we do in this life will be worth more than what we do for our family.
You are such an inspiration to so many young mommies out there. I can only imagine how your life is going to continue to be….keep doing what you love honey! Makes life so much better and hey your kids will be just fine….they are loved by a Mommie who is fortunate to be able to do what she loves. Makes a big difference…