Hello hello! How was your week? Ours was pretty rocky as we continue to plow through some of the final hurdles before we be-bop out of Kansas, but taking one things day at a time is our best (and only) option. This weekend we’ll be working on things around the house, making lists of things to set aside before the packers soon come, and hopefully squeezing in some family fun as well.
Today’s featured blogger is Denise! I loved pouring through her site recently, getting lost in some of her material, and hearing more about what it’s like to raise a big family. This is one of the neatest things about reading blogs; They allow you in certain ways to live vicariously through and learn about others, which I think is so fun. Meet Denise! I think you’re going to love her!
Q: Hi Denise! In three sentences or less, tell us a little bit about who you are. 🙂
A: Hi! Thanks for having me! I’m a stay at home mom, homeschooling and raising our five young children, ranging from seven years old to one. I assist my best friend (my husband) with our property management company, plus support him in the big dreams he has for our lives!
Q: When did you start your blog, and what are your favorite topics to share?
A: I pursued blogging about 2 ½ years ago. I love to be REAL and share my heart on mothering and marriage.
Q: Tell us about your five kiddos! How old are they, and what do you love about the season of life you’re in right now as a mom of five?
A: Yes, I have five kids! Their ages include: 7(B), 6(B), 4(G), 2(G), and 1(G). (PLUS, we are expecting our 6th child mid September!) My husband and I always wanted a large family. We have a perspective that not many people have on children, which is why we keep having more.😊 Since children are a blessing, why prevent any blessings in your life, right!?
In the last few months of my life, I have taken a few steps back on the amount of energy and work I have been putting into my blog. My perspective on mothering is changing, and I desire to just spend more of that energy and time with my children. So, in this season, I have been enjoying the littlest moments with my children. And not to say its all peaches and cream in our household! Most days I’m wore out and at times can get so frustrated with my kids. However, the overall perspective and heart I have for mothering overrides it all.
Q: How do you fit in blogging while also running your household?
A: When I was more intentional with my blog, I would spend 2-3 hours completing something blog related on my computer during my two-year old’s naptime. If I needed more time, I would work on it once all the children were in bed. However, I didn’t like to do that too much because that is valuable time my husband and I got together.
I would say now, since I have taken a two month break from blogging (mostly because of the nauseousness I have experienced with this pregnancy), I’m reevaluating my priorities. And like I said above, I’ve gained a greater desire to just be with my children. So, honestly, I’m not sure what my blogging time is going to look like here in the next few months/years. The best part I love about blogging is connecting and relating to other women with the struggles and challenges we encounter. That is something I have missed out on these past few months. So, I’m seeking God right now about how that can still be implemented through my blog in this season of life.
Q: What is the most fun part about having a big family? What are some of the biggest challenges?
A: What I love most about our large family and having so many children is the personalities that are brought in and the connections we all can have together as a whole. I absolutely love to see all our children, plus my husband and I, having fun together and acting crazy. There is a freedom that is carried in our home where we can be crazy, be ourselves, and at the same time, all appreciate and love the other person for who they are.
The most challenging part, I would say, is understanding each child for who they are, plus helping each one individually through their own struggles/weaknesses. I believe there is a secret to reach the heart of each child. So, finding that secret involves being intentional with each child. Plus, putting effort and energy into your relationship with them and finding what works best for their heart.
Q: If you had an entire day to yourself, how would you spend it?
A: A few months ago, I would have told you that I’d spend that whole day working on my blog. But now, I would prefer to go for a massage, get my nails done, get a haircut, and chill in a hot tub with a good book and a coffee.
Q: Where should new readers start on your site?
Here are my top 3 most popular posts:
–So Why Does It Get Easier The More Children You Have?
–What Your Husband Needs Most From You (and no, it’s not sex!)
Q: Where can we find you on social media?
FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM
And just for fun…
- Honey mustard or BBQ sauce? BBQ sauce for sure!
- Antique or brand new furniture? Brand new
- Wear your hair curled or straight? If someone did it for me, definitely curled.
- Picnic or restaurant? Restaurant- during this first trimester, any food I did not make or put together, is super delicious!
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Thank you so much, Denise!
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Is this your first time to Whimsical September? Welcome!
Hello! I’m Erica, the blogger behind Whimsical September. I created the “The Saturday Sit-Down” series in January 2017 as a way to give back to the blogging community and link readers with new bloggers whom they may share similar interests with. Click here to discover more bloggers that have been featured on “The Saturday Sit-Down”. I promise you – there’s some GREAT ones!
Want to be featured in this series?
I have openings starting in the summer of 2018 and would love to feature you! Please email me at WHIMSICALSEPTEMBER@YAHOO.COM and I’ll be in touch with you. It’s totally free and a fun way to bring new sets of eyes to your blog. PS: Bloggers with any size following are welcome to be featured!
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Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo