I’ve been wracking my brain all summer about how to start off this blog post, but every clever, fun way to say “Hi! I’m still alive!” seems to miss the mark. It’s complicated, but essentially yes, hi! I’m still alive, and I’m finally ready to get vulnerable and share about life these past months (thanks, Brené Brown, for the green light on vulnerability!)
So where have I been since May??? An extended not-so-relaxing vacation from social contact? A mental breakdown? In hiding? The truth is, I’ve pretty much been in the fetal position, rarely checking email, let alone sewing baby dresses or blogging, ever since our lightning fast move from Colorado to Virginia, where we’re living in close quarters with family while we go through an agonizingly slow house search process…and the baby girl in my belly gets closer and closer to coming. Each passing week of not being in our own place has kinda felt like a step down a super short plank toward crisis. I know it wouldn’t be…won’t be, at this point…a crisis to bring a baby home to a not-our-house-home (people do it all the time!), and we are so so grateful for generous and unconditionally supportive family opening their space and lives to our rowdy gang of 6, soon to be 7, but it’s hard to stay chill and function normally under the pressure of such a hardcore (albeit self-imposed) deadline. Oct 11th, or somewhere around there, she’s coming. It’s happening, whether we’re living out of a suitcase in someone’s basement, or are in the middle of unpacking boxes, or not. She’s coming, and there’s not a darned thing I can do about it. It’s a massive loss of control, which is, yup, you guessed it- my ultimate hot spot.
I’ve discovered through this that one of my natural coping methods for stress (aka loss of control) is to block out all outside noise, and hyper focus in on a couple of basic things. I feel like Brené talks about this in one of her books…maybe it’s overfunction vs. underfunction during stress? I do both. Underfunction on a ton of stuff (like responding to texts and emails, blogging, anything creative…) while simultaneously overfunctioning on totally asinine things like vaccuming out the car.
My efforts to try to maintain control have been…interesting. From a poison-ivy-induced-health-anxiety-attack (aka “the skin crisis”) during which I made my husband drive me to the ER at 5am on a Saturday morning because I was convinced I had skin mites, to relentless and insatiable nesting in a house that doesn’t belong to me, it’s been, well…let’s see, I’ve filled my generous host’s freezer with post-birth meals, and have managed to reorganize everything from my tax receipts to the camping gear in their basement. It’s crazy bizarre- I can’t seem to find the motivation to work on a quilt or post a blog, but I’ve managed to reorganize someone else’s tupperware cabinet. The more I try to seize control, the more I realize that I am utterly void of it, and the feelings that emerge from the rubble are guilt, embarrassment, and shame.
Fast-forward 3 months of said underfunctioning/overfunctioning coping, mixed with homeschooling, pool time, lots of ice cream, and exploring our new area, and you’re pretty much up to speed. Right now, we are enjoying a few days of sun and sand at the beach, and somehow I’m finally allowing myself to take in a huge deep breath, let it out slowly, and just be. Just relax. Just accept that life is ultimately unplannable, as much as we tell ourselves that it isn’t. I’m realizing that when things don’t go as planned….when we don’t get that job, when that deal falls through, when we can’t find a house, or get sick, or are unexpectedly pregnant, or wreck our car….when we’re hanging off the cliff and feel like we’re just dangling…we finally get the chance to look around and realize we were never really in control to begin with–that someone with more foresight, more wisdom, more patience, and more love than our minds could even conjure, has us securely in the palm of His hand, and if we just stop gripping, He can take us to places we never dreamed we could go. For me, that place is calm in a storm, a peace in the valley. I’m trying to let go, and let Him hold me. It’s painful and I’ve felt like crying through much of it, fingers cracked and bleeding from all that stressful gripping-the-edge-of-the-cliff stuff, but I’m trying. God, I want to rest in the safety of your plan, not panic in the failings of my own.
So here I am, 35 weeks pregnant, sand in my hair, and ready to get home and pick up where I left off in May- living fully and trusting completely.
Thanks for letting me be vulnerable. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders (not belly though, unfortunately!), to get this out and share some raw reality. Sometimes I feel like I’m letting you guys down when I pop on here with a “hey everyone, I’m a total mess right now!” post, instead of some handy tutorial or project reveal, but then I remember how good it makes me feel when I see others around me being vulnerable and letting me see into their mess…it’s an encouragement to know that underneath all of the screen names and zippy pouches and photo filters, we’re all just humans, trying our best, and learning through the ups and downs.
Until next time, stay real…
XO
Amy
You look gorgeous. And prayers you get your own house soon. Hopefully the time until then passes quickly and as painless as possible for you all. Xoxo
You & your baby bump are beautiful! Things will happen when the timings right, hang in there!
Love and hogs and MISSING YOU and more love and more ice cream and good for you! Get the dark thoughts out into the light where God can, and will, heal them! Where Satan no longer has control of them! Rest in His arms. Feel His presence. Soak it in.
Love love love you, Amy!
You are a blessing! Saying a prayer for you, that God will bless you and guide your family to the place He has already chosen for you.
Thank you for being vulnerable! Your honesty is an encouragement to me in my not-so-stressful but self-induced storm. I too have been clutching the rocks on my own rather than trusting the Sovereignty of my Father. Blessings and peace to you, and the joy of creativity!
Sending hugs, smiles, a boatload of understanding, and best wishes. The road we walk, alone, with family, with friends, whatever, is not the same for you as it is for anyone else. The ol’ “walk a mile…” saw….well, it’s tough to do, as we each have our own mile to walk, cope, endure, enjoy. What works for one isn’t always the best for another. So keep doing what you’re doing, taking one day at a time, making your own way. Best wishes! (Ice cream? Did someone say ice cream? I’m in!)
“It’s an encouragement to know that underneath all of the screen names and zippy pouches and photo filters, we’re all just humans, trying our best, and learning through the ups and downs.” My goodness this statement makes me feel more comforted than anything else I’ve heard in a while. I go through weeks, and even months, feeling like all I ever do is say ‘sorry for the delay’. I like that we can be supportive of each other through ins and outs, ups and downs. I hope that some peace comes your way soon, hopefully in the form of a new house that might help to settle things a bit. Thank you for sharing and for putting some realness out into the world! <3
Seems like we just prayed you through your triplets! Congratulations on this gift from God. Pace yourself. Sit in God’s lap, and be still. We all will wait for your creative gifts to show up again!
Being vulnerable, is accepting where you are and letting in those that truly care. Your readers care. 😊 Amy you are beautiful inside and out. “God I want to rest in the safety of your plan, not panic in the failings of my own.” Words well said, my friend. Blessings to you and your beautiful family as you continue on your journey. One small step forward brings you closer to what Gods plan is all about. Trust. Hugs! 💕
It is really hard when we feel we have no control. I think that is God’s way of reminding us that we really don’t. He has the control. And when you let it go, no matter how hard, it begins to get easier. You look great. Enjoy the last of summer and get ready to love that sweet new life. All that is more important than crafts and quilts. You will eventually get back around to that, because it is a part of who you are. I have come and gone from it for almost 40 years and I have found that it is always there, waiting for me to embrace it again. Best wishes.
I feel your pain. We have 6 children – and moved from NY to TX three weeks before our third child was born. You’ll make it! And, Virginia is lovely. We’ve lived lots of places and that’s one of our faves! Sending best wishes to you.
Hi Amy, being overwhelmed is natural but all of your family is blessed – you all have your good health! Remember: Joshua 1:9
I’d been thinking about you lately. Usually when I start thinking about someone in that way out of the blue, it’s God’s signal that person is struggling with something. “Footprints in the Sand” isn’t just a trite saying; it’s real.
Amy, bless you! Life is a struggle at every stage and that young mom with little ones is the busiest one of life. What ever you manage to get done is remarkable. Yes, the Lord will be by your side and it will all work out. In the mean time your followers will wait out the time with you and look forward to your next creative blog but even more so to ones like this and pictures of the new little one.
Hey… you’re more than a quilter or tutorial maker or giver of all things beautiful and quilty. You actually are a person & it’s ok to just be one. Hang in there!
Hi you look so pretty hang in there!
Wow it is so good to hear from you and will keep you in prayer. God is good all the time and we know He is in control so relax and hold on!
Good luck with it all, you will be fabulous. Sending hugs and prayers. x
I wondered what you and your family were up to — thought I was being blocked from your blogs–it is so good to hear from you again. Sorry you have gone through such turmoil, but we love you and appreciate you sharing what you ve gone through…don’t know what part of Virginia you are in, but it is a beautiful state with lots of history for your girls to see first hand. You had such a lovely home in Co, so I’m sure it’s hard for you wherever you are, but you will get another home to create a new nest. I hope you got to bring your quilts, fabric, and machine with you!!! Hang in there!!! We love you!!
Glad to see your pic and know all is as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Looking forward to ‘meeting’ this little bundle!
Sounds like life has been a little off kilter for you. This too shall pass and all will fall into place! Soon you’ll be walking the floor (hopefully in your own home) with a new precious bundle. Take time, enjoy and when things settle into a new routine you’ll be back Quilting n blogging!
I’ve been wondering how it was going for you with such a lot on your plate! I’ve been praying for you and your family. Whatever God has in store for you, I’m sure it’ll be wonderful! I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. We all go through this type of thing in one way or another and it’ll be all right. Take care and God bless!!
Prayers to you and your family. Praying that you will find your new home soon.
All the best to you and your family!
Sometimes you just have to be willing to let go… the biggest blessing at this time must be that you have your family to stay with. Thoughts and prayers for everything – house search, baby, resettling in your new home – to go smoothly, and for you all to be happily settled soon
You just keep hanging in there and you can feel free to word dump any time you need and don’t feel guilty about it. It helps to get it all out of your head and onto a page. We love you and hope it all gets better soon. Just let God do His thing.
We love to hear from you Amy. Remember you matter to MANY and be kind to yourself. Life is all about going thru thick and thin times.
(((HUGS)))
You look beautiful. This experience will inspire you to create something beautiful! We as fans of your can wait! Enjoy that new baby!
You are so beautiful and look healthy. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. God bless you and your beautiful family.
My prayers have been answered when I saw your face and post. I actually had to go on your Craftsy class this past weekend to get my “Amy” fix. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers. God Bless you with Peace….
May God bless you as you trust him. We are all praying for you now that we know. Thanks for putting your request out there for us to help. Joshua 1:9 as an earlier comment included is a great verse to stand on!!
I totally get organizing someone else’s tupperware drawer! You’re missed but it’s good to know all is well, or well enough. There’s a lot of years ahead to make quilts and do tutorials but sometimes it’s just being in the moment. Breathe, find that house, have that baby and you still have a following to come back too – all in good time. Right now it’s your time. Your creativity will emerge intact when you get the chance. Hugs!
You look beautiful, my prayers are with you and your beautiful family.
Happy to see you. I was worried that something might have happened in your pregnancy. I will share something with you. I don’t remember the exact circumstance but I was going through a particularly difficult time and came to the conclusion that no matter what is going on, I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. We can’t choose our circumstances and when we really look at it, we are not in control of anything. Glad you are doing better.
xoxo
I was so glad to read your post, not because you are homeless, or vulnerable, or overfunctioning, or underfunctioning, just because I couldn’t figure how to contact a complete stranger and ask them how they were doing (although now that it is written down, it doesn’t seem nearly as stalkerish as it did in my mind), and I have been wondering for some time now. I don’t have children, and live in the house I was raised in, so I have neither been pregnant, moved distances, or searched for a house and therefore can’t offer you words of wisdom on any of those fronts. About all I can say is that you appear to have done well up to this point, so whatever your coping strategies have been, belief in God, gripping the cliff, or whatever they may be, I would stick with them. Glad to see you and your family are doing well.
Hi Amy, I am so glad that are still ‘OK’ in the general sense of the world. You inspire so many of us with your encouragement not only in the quilting world but also in your personal life.
My prayer for you is that you breathe deeply and know that God has your life in control even if you don’t see it at the moment. He may be not giving you the answers that you want, but He will always know what is best for you and your family. He never lets go of those that have let him into their lives even if we sometimes forget and try and control things our way. All the best for your house hunting and the birth of your wonderful new daughter.
Awww Amy! You are so amazing and have gritty skills far beyond the average human! You still look pretty upright in that photo and that is more than most everyone would be in your situation. You have an amazing family, talent and faith… that stuff will all cash in so soon and you’ll be back to making everyone jealously drool with a pie or quilt post. Until then, be vulnerable and take care of yourself and your family. The rest is just details! xo
Dearest Amy, I am a lifetime older than you and I can honestly say, Guess what…… life lesson learned. When you have been able to come to that realisation at your stage on life ( not to mention pregnancy !). You are doing ok. I moved half a world away from easy and known, with 2 kids and no house to go to, to a place I’d never been. I left my oldest child that half a world away not knowing when I would see her again. And I would do it again tomorrow because the faith I had in what was coming seemed a fair price. We go to where we are supposed to be. Whoever guides us and helps us knows that which is best for us. My mother used to tell me that you are never where you aren’t supposed to be. That actually confused me for years. When she died I knew exactly what she meant. I came home so she could go home. Your brand new lovely daughter will be welcomed, wanted ,and loved wherever you are when she arrives. Because home is where you are loved whether it is a home, car or tent. I already know from your happy pictures that family is where you are. Congratulations best of luck and cheers to a bright new future.
So lovely to see and ‘hear’ you again! Was wondering how you were all getting on. Remember everything always works out the way it’s meant to be and it is all part our our life experiences. Take care of yourself, enjoy the excitement of meeting your baby girl when she arrives, and make the most of that wonderful loving family you have. Best wishes to you all from way down here at the bottom of the world :-)
Hi Amy
It’s wonderful to have you in my inbox, I have been thinking about you all. You really look like your daughter in your photo – or rather your daughter looks like you I should say – that would be the right way round. It sounds like it has been a bit of a roller coaster – you write so much from the heart. I hope you soon find a home of your own again and that everyone goes well with the baby when she comes. Take care and love and hugs to you and your family.
k xx
Prayers are sent for you and your family, we love you – just the way you are, the sweet, lovable, and caring person and human that you are. Right now you should be concentrating on your family and that beautiful new little girlie. Loved seeing your photo, beautiful as always. I’ve missed you, but will look forward to seeing you back when you are ready. Hug each of your babies and enjoy these times, it flies by so fast.
We are also trying to sell our home and make a move to another state ( one with lots of hurricanes!)
Love, hugs, and prayers to you and your family, xo
You, my sweet young lady, are a special gift. Every word written from your heart and spot on. You are adorable. You are pregnant, not in your own home AND homeschooling four kids. All I can say is wow!!!! You are welcome into my home where you can nest to your hearts content. My house is really dirty!!!
Your post was beautiful and I am sure it’s very inspiring to many people. We all have trials in life but sometimes it seems that others have such an easy life. When you write posts like this, it just reminds everyone that we all have huge hills to climb at points in our lives. We just need to remember that He is with us and watching over us. I truly believe that we are given trials that He knows we can handle.
You are one impressive lady. Homeschooling your children while also finding your way in a new state (and being pregnant) is not an easy task.
We welcome you to Virginia. It is a beautiful state and we hope that you will be able to enjoy living here. I live in central Virginia, with the Blue Ridge mountains as a view from our back porch. I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Good luck with the house search!
I was wondering about your absence. I have been a fan for a while. So I checked your blog to see any updates than we get your email. Life is unpredictable but we have His promises and He is so faithful. Will pray for you and yours. You are a delight and so talented. And yes that baby is ready to come out!
We miss you in Colorado. I was just passing thru Monument and stopped by Frankie’s because I was hoping to grab your cookbook as a gift. I adore your book by the way- it is by far the most cleaver and useful on the market.
As for BB she is the bomb and has gotten me thru soooo much. I still struggle everyday because it was way easier to control life back when my kiddos were young but with age comes a bit of wisdom and a lot of letting go. So I add you to my prayers for the beautiful release of control. I highly recommend checking out True Sound app on your phone where you can purchase BB live going step by step through her process of life; funny, informative and a great way to listen. Ps grab a journal because your going to take lots of notes. Now breathe.
It sounds like you are working through your life journey just fine. I’m also a “doer” and “planner” and found out at 35 that I’m only just holding on during this roller coaster of life and loving all the time I can with my children and grandchildren. Blessings on you and your family :-)!
Amy, big hugs from Texas. I have missed hearing from you, but sounds like you have your hands full. Sometimes when it seems like life is throwing everything at us and it seems the most difficult times, these are the times we remember as the most special. Thank you for sharing, look forward to seeing pics of your baby girl.
I wish I had looked that great at 35 weeks pregnant.😊
Amy,
I’m so happy to know that you are really okay.
Faith and families are really the only things that matter. Yes, I enjoy your blog posts but that is entertainment/teaching for me.
Aren’t you the one that delivered one of your babies at home? If so, you can do anything, it all just takes time. You, take care of your family and yourself and your new little one. That’s what is really important, and when you are ready, we look forward to hearing from you😘
Amen!
and a zillion comments later, I just received this update in my inbox.
Where are you in Virginia?
I am in Loudoun County totally north and west, right at the tippy top.
I know your feelings. I understand them.
You know you have a good mind to focus on what is important.
It is good to push away the stress and just live.
Living in someone elses house is always stressful, no matter how much you love them
I am praying for you. I am so glad you are having a good pregnancy and soon to have that daughter in your arms.
Hang in there Girl! And shouldn’t we be sewing you baby dresses!!!
Sending peace, love and good house hunting vibrations your way.
Amy – you and your family are going to do just fine. Prayers being sent your way. You are awesome!
Amy, thanks so much for your honesty. I feel for you as I have four children of my own and have been in a similar situation when our youngest was about two months old.
Our Father in heaven solved the situation in His timing and gave us a much nicer house than we had prayed for, answering our kid`s prayers in a special way for a bigger garden then us parents could ever have imagined to be able to afford. We were missionaries in Italy at that time.
So I`m praying for you and your family right now that you might experience His peace inmidst of all this uncertainty.
I wanted to thank you for your wonderful fabric with the bible verses. Some of my favourite scriptures are on it! I live in Germany and I have been trying multiple ways to get some of it. Very hard here in our country. Now I finally figured a way as we will be in Australia in November and I ordered “whatever is lovely” yardage to our son´s house there from an Australian seller.
Sending my lve and prayers, dear sister in the faith!
Greetings from Germany, Heidemarie
You are beautiful! I was once at your place (including twins plus 1] with God’s help, I got better. S…..l…….o…….w……..y……….when I look back it was the best thing for me. At the time it seemed so hard……. keep up the work! God is good! Prayers to you.
I’m adding my voice to the chorus: Been there, done that. Well, not literally, of course. I’ve never been 35 weeks pregnant. Pregnant was never something my body did, reasons unknown. Talk about not having control over your life. But the point is, you ARE singing our (wise humans) song. Gotta learn to go with the flow, like the sea turtles in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. It WILL all be fine, because you are using the tools God gave you to respond constructively to your situation, however unplanned and outside of your control it may be. You do your best and God will do the rest.
And hey, the cleaning organizing thing is a very common, perhaps even gender-free way of responding to crisis and lack of control.
Thanks for being so open. It is nice to know you are not a robot. It is hard to let go and trust the Lord to totally take care of all your needs and cares. But I have faith you can do it. You are added to my prayer list and I’ve seen miracles happen to folks on that list. “Trust and obey” the old hymn states. You can do it.
Hi Amy, Peace to you. Take a deep breathe, relax your shoulders, take a deep breathe, relax your neck and let your head fall forward, take a deep breathe, pray…” Father God, I know you have me and my family in your hand. I know that I do not control my life, but am finding it hard to let go. I love you Lord, and ask that you help me to focus on the joy that this moment, this hour, and this day hold. Bring my little girl into this world with me being at peace with what I am able to do, give me the wisdom to acknowledge when to ask for assistance, and open my hands to willingly accept in gratitude all that you offer me. As I care for my children remind me that I am your child that you love unconditionally. As your child; You will care for me, provide for my needs, and give me the wisdom to move forward on the path you have chosen for us. Thank you for lifting my spirits and being my guiding light. Amen” I continue to learn to give my worries to God, and whenever I am aware of getting frustrated over whatever it is I can not change…I give it back to God and thank him for his love. Love, peace, and joy to you Amy and your family.
Never apologize for being human like the rest of us. I enjoy your blog, book and honesty. I get that things are rough at times. I’m a mom of 5 boys, including 2 sets of twins. I had 5 kids, ages 5 . My husband was out of town 3 weeks out of 5 at that point and I was on the verge of cracking. It does get better and life goes on, but this is an intense phase of your family’s life. It is a phase and things will improve, I believe that. Keep your faith as you have been and know that you have much to offer the creative world. Right now, your family needs you to hunker down. At some point, you will be back to the blog and creating. I just know it.
I meant to say that I had 5 kids, ages 5 and under at the early stage of family building.
Amy,
I opened my email today and was excited to see a new blog post. After seeing your adorable pregnancy photo on Instagram last night, I just had to open my email and see what exciting things you had to share.
Your vulnerability almost had me in tears. I really understand what you’re feeling. I’ve struggled most of my adult life with periods of being frozen in time and unable to move forward in life. It seems impossible to find a way out when you are stuck so badly. However, you have touched on the only Way through the darkness. Jesus Christ is my source of Light.
When I became my mother’s sole care giver the summer of 2015 and stayed until she passed in late September, I put up so many walls and closed myself off to the entire world around me, (Including family). I’ve slowly been getting back to being comfortable around others, but it’s been a real struggle. I still have no contact with my siblings so bio dad. (A story for another time for sure.)
I think that you hit the proverbial mail on the head. A loss of control in any situation really is what drives me to hide away from the world. Funny thing, social media has been my outlet. I think because most of the time people on social media don’t need anything from me. That constant feeling of being needed and the pressures of expectation can throw me right back into a downward spiral.
Your blog today has really helped me. I hope it helped you too by opening up like you did. I’ll be lifting you up to the Lord for Him to strengthen your resolve to “Let Go and Let God”.
I’m so grateful you’ve posted Amy, and you’re reality helps me accept mine! What a blessing you are to so many. I love Brene’ Brown! What wisdom you have in seeking understanding. I never thought about underachievement vs overachievement. I’ll do strange things like clean a closet instead of paying bills or washing a weeks pile of dishes (I live alone but they still pile up).
Thank you for sharing. You have helped me understand my own stressful reactions.
God is so merciful and I know you are close to His heart ❤️. You are close to mine💕 Prayers for you dear one 🙏😘
Hi Amy,
you are looking great in week 35! And it is such a blessing to me to hear from you and yes it is encouraging for me as a wife, mom and friend that there are others with lifes out of control. My life has been most of the time out of my control although I thought I got it under control. But I know that, like in your life, there is a great God in mine who has control over all our struggles.
God bless you.
Manuela
Congratulations Amy and family! You’re kids must be so excited for a baby sister. Pregnant women are so beautiful, even through all the mess life throws at us. You are so faithful to trust in Our Lord and He will provide for your family. God bless!
Take care of yourself and your family. We will wait to you are ready to take us on again. 😘 Thanks for sharing.
To Him be the glory. We are the clay and He is the potter. Keep in mind that this too shall pass. Keep looking to the brighter side of things because more often than not… there is one.
I too am currently walking a different road than I planned, all the time knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be. All the best to you, your family, your soon coming daughter and the extended family you find yourself a part of. The new house is around the corner… waiting for you.
Yes, yes, and yes. Losing control is the most terrifying thing in the world, yet somehow it always makes me stop and realize that this is what life was really like all along…I just didn’t see it. I’m so thankful that He never lets go of us. You’re in my prayers…
Thank you so much for posting. I’ve been worried about you and praying for you.
Beautiful bump, beautiful words, beautiful heart, beautiful daughter of God. Lean in and know that He does have a beautiful plan. Blessings!
It is good to hear from you. The photo of you is great. I have been thinking of you and your family. You are so blessed to have family and relatives to stay with until you are able to move into your own home. Your host family is blessed too with all the prepared frozen meals you have made and the organization that you have done.
Moving, setting up in a new place does create much uncertainty and stress. My husband, young son and I moved from Germany to our current home when I was five months pregnant. We drove separate cars from the east coast through several snow storms and experienced very cold temperatures to reach our destination. We did not have to make many moves during our Air Force years but I thought of the moves as a “Leap of Faith”. We had to let God handle our days and each day got better but at the time there was a lot of uncertainty.
I found a book at the local Books a Million store: Healthy, Happy You 365 Daily Micro-actions for lasting change. I find the suggestions in this book helpful in providing focus, building a sense of accomplishment and success in my life that I can control.
I will keep you and your family in thought and in prayer.
Amy,
Thank you for sharing. You look radiant and I wish you the happiest birth! From one home-birthing, home-schooling mama to another: You Got This!!
Best of luck and lots of love,
Katie
PS
You’re not letting anyone down by taking time to care for yourself! New posts will come, real life happens now. You’re story is touching and inspiring. Keep being your amazing YOU! Hugs from Wisconsin
Bless you, Amy!!! I have been in a deep funk myself. I appreciate your honesty! It seems powerlessness is a lesson I have had to learn over and over in my life. Some people rage, I get depressed. And, once again, the creativity that God has given me is pulling me up!!! I have just spent 3 days in a workshop for my new long arm and I can feel that lift that comes from the creative spirit within!! Thanks for sharing!!
Oh! Amy! Thank you for being vulnerable. Social media and blogs can become so results orientated that we fear admitting our un-creative, downbeat times. Here’s to more honesty in the quilty blog community. You can tell from the number of responses that your honesty is a breath of fresh air to us all and I’m so glad your pregnancy is progessing well – you look fab! And you’re raising a family to know and love the Lord – what could be more important?
Amy…you are human! it’s okay to be vulnerable and scared and honest all at the same time! You are a true role model for women of any age, but especially your peers. Moving at any time is difficult, but with a large family and then having to count on someone else for your living quarters, well, it’s stressful at best….it will all work out You have the faith and the strength, just keep believing and know that GOD IS IN CONTROL. He will get you through. God Bless!
I have missed you so very much these past 3 months. I knew it had to be something big so….I waited for you to come back and let you share your inner most feelings as you do so well. Thank you for sharing. Just want you to know you are blessed. I do know the hardest thing is to give our problems/worries to Him. However, once we do we must be strong in waiting for His solution. Whatever you do once you give it to him don’t take it back. Rest in the peace He will come through. Keep the faith and don’t forget to thank him for the blessings He has already gifted to you. In my prayers.
You look beautiful. So glad you posted, please keep us in the loop. Nothing like the last few weeks of
pregnancy to put a happy smile on ones face. Prayers for a smoothe delivery and a healthy baby!
Hang in there, we will be here when you come back, you are human just like the rest of us! The priority is your family, keep the faith and I
‘m sending many blessings your way:)
You look beautiful. Thank you for being yourself, for being vulnerable.
You know what I’ve learned about the hard stuff, you know the really hard stuff? Like having some kind of control or order in life? Just when I think I know a thing or two about what I’m doing – I realize I don’t know, or I’m wrong or .. whatever. It’s humbling. Ha! And I’ve learned giving it to the Lord makes all the difference. Sending hugs and I’ll say a prayer for you and yours.
Amy, thank you for sharing your life and thoughts… You’re REAL and that’s a blessing for a lot of people. God said, “And it came to pass…” It didn’t come to stay.
It’s crazy how we all handle life differently. I was a complete control freak about my life for SO many years. Everything had to be planned and I had to be forewarned to mentally prepare for it all. But at 55 years old, three marriages (the third celebrating 28 years!), three children (all grown and flown the nest) and in 2012 I lost my father, then my mentor and friend passed away, and then my only daughter moved to the other side of the country. That year could have been my undoing, and I flailed around for a while, feeling as if I had lost my support system. But through God’s grace, finding purpose in being there for my mother, and keeping focused on my creativity, I found a new place to “be.” I’ve finally let go of trying to control. “It is what it is,” has become one of my favorite sayings. Acceptance. I find myself saying, “Okay, whatever, we’ll deal.” And we do. Shifting perspective and focusing on gratitude.
Thanks for sharing! I think there are more like us out there than they are willing to divulge for fear of judgement and rejection. You opened the door. Good luck with everything! And congrats on your revelations!
So good to hear from you–i kept looking for your blogs and really worried about you. Thank you for filling us in, being so vulnerable and honest. Don’t know why you left Colorado and your beautiful house you created there, but glad you are safe in new place. Your little girl is soon to be born and welcomed into a loving family. The boys are old enough now to be amazed with a new little one and the girls will be ‘little momas’ I m sure. You will always have your quilting skills and sewing know-how and when you are ready you will be sewing again, I’m sure. Best wishes for your growing family, the birth, and your new life in the East. Waiting to hear about your new adventures!!! Feeling like a friend of the family, Carolyn White
Amy,
We never know what God’s plan is for our lives. You show have a baby girl about now or she is imminent. (Today- Oct 12th). I have been over/under control several times in my life but never knew what it was called. It is hard to control others but you sound like you have help and supportive relatives. Much peace and prayers to your beautiful family.
Amy, do let us know about your youngest and all of the others. I check for your blogs and hope the birth went as well as it could. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and blessings to your whole family.
awww, Amy life is a constant change, the good with the bad balance themselves out and makes us value everything. I have to totally agree with you about thinking that we are in control, we think we are and how hard is to relinquish that. Part of our mission in the world is to grow through our experiences and to help others with that knowledge, to guide, to nourish and to support one another. As they say love is all we need and it is true! Best wishes for you and your growing family!
My love for you and your work is unceasing… since that first Craftsy class way back when! I want… no, need to know what’s happening, and am glad that I’ve finally found what seems to be the most recent posting. Thank you for taking the time, energy, and having the intestinal fortitude to do what you just did. You are helping us all by being vulnerable and forthright. Thank you so much!
This is one of my favorite blog posts of all times. Thank you for being so honest. Wish we were acquainted when you lived here (Colorado). But this post seems like I know you. Thanks for the inspiration and honesty. Hope you’re well.
I have been wondering how things have been going with you ever since I read your last post. Please give us a short update. Praying things are good for you.