So, I’ve been pondering a thought on how to entice the younger readers out of their shells a bit. The ones in the same boat that I’m in. You know who you are. The wives and mommies who are trying to figure out how to enhance their marriage with ttwd/dd while trying to juggle tons of other demands on their lives.
(Yup, that's me, most days.)
Maybe you are just into this for play or maybe just discipline or role affirmation or a smattering of everything that ttwd can encompass. Maybe you are seeking to find someone to understand and be a listening ear that can empathize with what you are going through. Yes, there are so many wonderful bloggers out there. I value them like no other. They have helped me come so far in such a little time by answering my questions and listening to my thoughts.
(Just kidding, no other bloggers have been harmed in the making of this post!)
But as many point out they are empty nesters, retired or close to that point. That is a different season of life. One I will not see for many more years to come.
(Yeah, that's me when the man takes all the kids to a double feature for the afternoon!)
(This gives me the giggles!)
(Every day I learn something new!)
I would like to hear from some of my readers who are out there in this stage of life. The ones who may feel as lonely as I do in the middle of this, when you cannot turn your mother or sister or best friend for advice or a listening ear. You can email me. I do not bite. I’m just trying to glean how others get through this and find balance, same as you.
(Yes, unfortunately, I feel like I'm constantly making mistakes and learning from them.)
Yes, we are making progress, and learning, but it just seems like I’m one of the few out there, in this stage of life, trying to make this work. So, feel free to send me an email. Maybe, you and I, can lift one another up and learn from one another. Also, last thought I'd like to share, because as I have written this a few of my children have walked by and wanted to know what I was doing and why I was smiling at no one. I said I was just having a conversation with myself. I was... sort of....out loud.... on paper..... with each of you.
(Yeah, unfortunately, that would be me!)
--Baker
By the way, this is my 13th post, a true baker's dozen for my first month of blogging, not bad, huh?
Email me at bakercarlisle1cor13@gmail.com
Hi Baker, congratulations on your first month and 13 postsm I'm so glad you decided to blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I can't help in that I'm not at the same stage you are. I can swy however that I don't think we ever stop learning and growing in ttwd. It seems to be ever evolving and I know we have had stops and starts and many changes to our dynamic over the years and at the moment it's non-existent apart from the occasional play.
Hugs
Roz
Hi, Roz,
DeleteThank you so much for the congrats! It's okay, you all are always helpful to me. I learn so much from each of you every time I read a blog or receive an email or comment. I am grateful that everyone else is still learning regardless of age or stage of life. It helps to know that we are not shooting for perfection here, just learning and growing.
--Baker
Baker,
ReplyDeleteWell written and funny too.
Congratulations of the baker's dozen and your first successful month as a blogger. You are on your way and I hope you receive emails from those readers who are up to their elbows in children, groceries and laundry.
Meredith
Dear M,
DeleteThank you for the sweet words and always being there to support me. This blog would not have even happened if not for your encouragement. I do hope there are others reading out there who are in the same boat and willing to come forward to support one another.
--Baker
Baker,
ReplyDeleteI cannot really imagine trying ttwd when our kids were still home, but I have great respect for you and your Herculean efforts to make it work. Hope you find a few others who can relate to your unique circumstances.
Ella Saying Proud of You!
Sweet Ella,
DeleteAwww! I so needed to hear that this morning. Yesterday was a rough day and I sometimes wonder if we can make it work. Things are reset this morning and all is good, but it is so hard. Not complaining, just know it is. I am hoping to find a few new people to learn from through this post.
--Baker
I am so very grateful that we found ttwd when our kids are still home. Is it challenging? yes. However, every time I get corrected for raising my voice to the kids or neglecting their bible study I am grateful that my kids will remember me as I want to be as a mom, but never had the strength on my own to follow through with.
ReplyDeleteHi, there,
DeleteI'm glad we discovered it now as well. The kids do see a happier mom and one that's less stressed out. It helps to be held accountable for tempers, that is for sure.
--Baker
Hi Baker! Thank you for so diligently stopping by my way! I didn't realize you are a blogger as well! I love the look and feel of your spot - so refreshing and cool!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you on many levels! It does get lonely when you can't turn to people in your everyday life and talk about things like this without scaring them away, lol. I would love to chat with you sometime! Sounds like we are in very similar stages of life. If it is okay with you I'd like to add you to my reading list and keep in touch! And anytime you'd like to chat I am here!
Lynne
Hi, Lynne,
DeleteThanks for coming by. You are always welcome here. Feel free to drop me an email. Feel free to add me to your reading list.
--Baker
Hope you find some younger friends in the Blogosphere Baker.
ReplyDeleteRosie xx
Hi, Rosie,
DeleteI'm working on it, but I still love it when all of you sweet people stop in. Just wanting others to feel free to stop in as well.
--Baker
This old lady loves visiting you. Reading your stories of life with little ones has me reminiscing about our past! My kids are 21 and 24. I have a nephew that is 9. He spends time with us. However I sure hope you get some readers that are in the stages you are with TTWD!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Minelle, I do not consider any of you to be old. I'm happy you enjoy visiting and reminiscing! It's just being at a different stage than alot of you is hard at times, but I still learn a ton! You are all such excellent teachers with sound advice.
Delete--Baker
When we began 11 years ago I had an 18 year old and a 13 year old in the house. Yet we seem to do more TTWD stuff then than now. When we started we had a small seldom used room in the basement and I casually mentioned I wish it had a locking door, LOL, the next day it had one. I just like that we shared a 'secret'. Take advantage of any time you do have the house to yourself.
ReplyDeleteOnce LJ was at work, I took Mollie to Bible school and I was coming back to an evening alone with my sweet man. But I pulled out of the church and LJ was right in front of me. They had given him the evening off. LJ looked at me as if I was nuts as I walked in with him talking very loud - Nick could have run out in his birthday suit as a joke and I needed him to know we weren't alone after all. Does make for great blogging material sometimes!
PK,
DeleteThat story had me in stitches, I love it! Trust me, we do make time for ourselves once a week, kid free, otherwise its in the early morning hours. Thanks for your encouragement!
--Baker
While I've been more of a lurker these days - I've been dabbling in dd / ttwd for about 5 years now. We have kids from age 4 - 20... It's very.. uhm.... interesting to say the least! The twins just turned 4 and are our biggest hurdle in this adventure for sure! Days are filled with preschool, groceries, crafts, cleaning, driving around a middle schooler and dealing with another one in college... life is seriously crazy! LOL Adding dd was easy at first, but that was before we had these last two babies. Lately it's been very hard to keep our dynamic in balance.
ReplyDeleteEmi,
DeleteI hear you, it's alot. Having little ones and big ones too make it very hard indeed. I do appreciate your comment and glad you delurked to add to the conversation. It's wonderful knowing others out there are right there doing their best to make things work too!
--Baker
Hi Baker,
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you. :-) And I admit I often have conversations with myself when I am sure I have mysterious expressions on my face to the unknown observer. :-) I am sure you will find your way. It is always hard to find time, and space, and energy, but so important to have that "us" time. As I have shared, my husband and I are in a dry spell...as with life there are ups and downs...right now we are on a plateau, not up, not down, just steady...but hopefully we will be heading uphill soon and there will be more spanking and connection in our future. And when it does happen all the challenges will remain and we will have to make time among the joyous chaos that is sometimes life. But it will all be worth it. Happy to vent, share feelings, be a listening ear, and a friend to laugh with throughout the process. :-) Hugs
Hey, there,
DeleteI'm constantly having conversations with all of you while I'm typing comments and my kids just shake their heads and walk away. I hope things head upwards for you soon!
--Baker
Hey Baker...loved all your pictures and the last one is definitely me! I raised two boys and the only spanked tush in our house was mine. LOL It is a challenge but it can be done.
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings...Cat
Hi, Cat,
DeleteI'm really glad you enjoyed the pictures. I didn't realize the minions could be so fun. Yes, I am the one having making faces as I read or giggling. My kids think I've lost it, but they just do not realize that I never had it!
--Baker
While my kids are no longer little ones, it will be awhile yet we'll be empty-nesters or retired. Ttwd can be a challenge to incorporate with teens around too I'm afraid. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteHi, Lilli,
DeleteYes, I can totally relate to that, they stay up so much later, than little ones.
--Baker