Balance, Priorities & What’s To Come
Hi friends! First off, I want to say THANK YOU for all the love you showed about the fall home tours I kicked off the month of September in. They were so fun to put together while getting the home fall cozy, but I’ll admit, left me exhausted. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to get a home “photograph ready” for a blog tour. Now that I’m a blogger I can truly appreciate all the work that goes into bloggers opening up their homes to cyber-world to share design and decorating inspiration. This is the season I love in blogland. Fall Home tours, Halloween Tours, Thanksgiving Tours, Christmas Tours…I eat them all up! As I venture into the known busiest season of bloggers I’m evaluating a very heavy plate I have ahead of me. This post is about balance, priorities and what’s to come. So if you’re here to read purely about design and decorating, then you may want to skip this post, but if you’re a momma…read on. Before you exit, I do have an exciting announcement at the end! (wink)
Balance
A few things have hit me hard lately. Let me emphasize like a “semi-truck hitting me head on” kind of hard. If you’re new to the blog, please take a moment and read more about our family HERE. You’ll see that I’m a mom of boys. Being a mom has been the most important job of my life. I quit my nursing career (pre-design career days) many years ago as a neonatal ICU nurse to be a stay at home mom. I can honestly say, I have always loved being home with my boys and raising them. I understand that it may not be as blissful to others out there, but for me, I really have had no greater joy. I blinked and they grew up. Literally seems that fast. Our oldest son is in his senior year of high school and that means we are now counting the months, “months” we have left with him home. No more years…months. Last week I shared on Instagram how I had just gone to a senior meeting at his high school to listen to the college and career counselor give her spill on what needs to get done this final senior year. College applications, college essays, ACTS, SATS, touring campuses, scholarship search, and on and on. She then said something so profound that made me want to bust out in the ugliest cry ever in front of all these parents sitting in the auditorium. She asked, “did you take the first day of school photo?” and then she repeated, “did you take the last first day of school photo.” Cry.me.a.river. I realized this is our last September with him home.
Sitting on our kitchen countertop are the piles of college magazines, offer letters, and applications we receive weekly. I’m so proud of the young man he has grown into and I know that God has an amazing plan for his life. I’m just not ready to let go. So what does this have to do with blogging? Well, a lot, actually. As I’ve mentioned, blogging is a ton of work and a full time job. But yet, I see that my most important job is not finished yet. Raising Austin through his senior year and cherishing sweet moments with him from now until when he leaves for college is the job I want to be best at. Also, pouring into the lives of his younger brothers who are growing up just as fast. That may mean that all the design clutter in my mind may not be poured out as often here on the blog. It may only be once a week or more if I can manage it in. I do love this blog and I love all of you, my readers, who have been so faithful since day one!
Priorities
I love photos and have literally thousands printed out from the days pre-digital and pre-iphone. Not to mention the 10,000 photos I have saved on a hard drive of our family life. This does not include home decor photos. Yes, I may be a little camera happy but my fear is that one day I’ll forget so many small moments of my boys life that I’ll need the photos to remind myself. I once even was a scrapbooker (Creative memories anyone??). I got as far as making a 4″ thick 12 x 12 baby album of Austin. Who has time for scrapbooking anymore? I love it but seriously, no time. However, I believe that digital photo albums are doable and I need to just get over the idea of embellishments on every single page. Don’t get me started on the embellishments, stickers and scrapbooking tools I’ve collected over the years. Enough to fill an entire closet. I have made a few digital albums through places like Shutterfly and even through my Mac program and have been very happy with them.
Why am I going on and on about photos? Yesterday, after our youngest son’s (Dylan) lacrosse game we went out to eat. He looked at me as he was sitting next to me in the booth and asked again after countless times before, when was I going to make his photo albums? It’s one of those things I keep putting off with good intentions to make all the boys an album for Christmas or for their birthdays, yet it never happens. What Dylan said next in a sweet voice gave me a lump in my throat, “mom, you’re going to regret not making those albums one day.” Out of the mouths of babes, right? He’s so right, I absolutely would regret not making those albums for the boys in years to come. My mother in law was so good at capturing all of Tim’s memories of his childhood and growing up in albums. He cherishes those. I want to do the same for my boys. With that said, this is one more thing that will be taking up sometime this next year. It matters and it’s important and it has a lasting message to my boys. Now if I can just find an easy way to scan all the thousands of photos that aren’t digital, I’ll be in a better position. I’ll take any tips from you…it feels a bit daunting.
I almost hit delete after writing this post, thinking who really cares about my sappy mom moments and thoughts. But then, I thought that maybe one person out there is struggling too with finding balance and establishing priorities in life. Over the past 6 months, I’ve really analyzed where I put my efforts and the reasons behind them. I always ask myself, “will this matter this time next year?” Most often the answer is no and there is something that really does matter that takes precedence of my time. It’s a struggle though because I want to achieve so much, yet I want to be so present for my family as well. There is always a string of sacrifices when balancing it all. I’m still figuring it out, but I’m looking forward to spending less time on things that don’t matter and more time on what truly does.
What’s to come…
This blog has opened many doors, more than I ever dreamed of happening. Last year, before my blog was even published, I was invited to the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event in NYC. This is an event where a select number of home decor, DIY, fashion and food bloggers gather together and hang out with the editors at Better Homes & Gardens. What an honor and exciting trip that was for me! I wrote a little about it HERE. This year, I’m so excited to be invited once again. Next week, I’ll be packing my bags with probably 5 different outfit options for the one day event back in NYC. I’m even more excited to go this time around since I will be meeting up with so many bloggers I’ve gotten to know over this past year.
Oh the suspense…
You know how much I love to journal design journeys, like our beach cottage renovation. If you’re new to the blog you can read the story of the year that we did something a bit crazy and bought a beach house 3,000 miles away HERE. Fast forward 7 years later to this time last year and we completely renovated it, that story HERE. Although I wasn’t physically present every step of the way with the cottage makeover, I still loved being able to share updates of the process with you every time I’d fly out to Florida from Colorado to check on progress. I think everyone loves to read about the process and realize that there’s always a diamond in the rough. The reality is we don’t snap our fingers to make a well designed space. So much thought and consideration of detail goes into that job. I learned a lot through the cottage renovation process and that it is actually possible to completely design a space and execute that vision through sketches, texts, and emails to a good contractor who gets the vision. If you’re in the Naples, FL area and need a good contractor, I highly recommend Kevin at Edgewater Builders. Tell him I sent you!
I’ve been working on something else this year that I’ve been dying to tell you about. Keeping this one under wraps until the green light is on has been pretty hard! Are you a bit curious?? I can keep a secret really well and carry a strong poker face. We’re getting close…but still just a bit longer until I get to take you on this journey. Stay tuned friends, I’ll be walking a road I’ve never walked before and I’m a bit nervous, but so ready to BRING IT ON!
Up next on the blog
I managed to decorate my home for fall for three different fall home tours without one sign of a skull or skeleton. You should be proud of me. I get that not everyone celebrates Halloween and would rather not see the decor around that day. I grew up watching the Adams Family (remember that blast from the past? or did I just age myself..) and somehow the dark, eery, yet elegant decor captivated my heart. So if you like to see some tasteful halloween decorating with a famous skeleton, then you’ll want to come back in October as I’ll be participating in two different halloween decor home tours. My form of scary is a few scattered, bedazzled, crystal studded skulls and maybe some spiders…amongst other things. Trust me, not enough to give you nightmares..haha! I’m the biggest scaredy cat in the world, I can’t have my own home giving me nightmares!
If you missed my fall tours you can see the first one I participated in which was with Homegoods. Y’all know that’s my favorite store to shop so being on a tour with them was bucket list for me. See that tour of our kitchen and newly designed loft HERE.
Our family room fall tour can be seen HERE.
Our living room fall tour can be seen HERE, featuring my new velvet crush.
Over 50 bloggers joined me on these tours so be sure to check them all out. I’ve pinned lots of fall inspiration from these homes. Make sure you are following me on Pinterest! Oh! and because 3 fall tours aren’t enough, I’ll be in another one next week showing you more simple fall decorating.
That was a lot to digest. Thank you for staying and reading until the end. I appreciate you so much and all the support! Be sure to subscribe for our weekly newsletter below if you want to be a part of all the exciting things to come!
Shauna, I love going through this journey with you. As long as you remember what is most important, you will be great. Your boys are so lucky xoxo
Kelley, thank you dear friend! Love your sweet heart!
xoxo
What a beautiful post Shauna! I love how you share your heart and your adoration for your family is evident! You are a blessing to them! As a former Creative Memories mom, (I still have a binder full of stickers) I get it…..all of it! 😉 Your priorities are definitely in the right place my friend and I admire you.
Thank you Jen! What do we do with all those creative memories stickers?? haha! Save them for grandkids to play with one day I guess ;).
xo
Shauna, you are such an amazing mom and I love how you put your family and home life first. Nothing is more important than that! You are so inspiring to me and I hope that one day when I start my family, I’ll be a fantastic mom just like YOU! Congrats on your upcoming trip and can’t wait know more about your new venture ❤️
Ps. if Austin goes to college at Stanford or UC Berkley, we would see each other often! LOL
Thank you so much Reesa for always being the sweetest friend! I know one day you’re going to be an amazing momma to some beautiful children. That would be a dream if Austin went to school in your area because I’d have double reason to visit! Visit him for a few days followed by shopping and design chat with you! Oh how fun that would be!
xoxo
Love your mommy post! I can totally relate. I feel like I can’t balance everything! I do make it happen in the end. Becoming a blogger is a dream of mine but just finding the time to post on instagram is a job in its self sometimes. I can’t even imagine keeping up a blog and doing all my mommy/wife duties! I’m so afraid to fail and that’s why I haven’t tried. Thank u for being honest and helping others like me, that were not alone! Oh and p.s. I’ve been working on a photo book for my middle son for almost 20 years lol
Thank you Kathy for your sweet comment! I feel much better now that I know you’re working on an album for a 20 year old…haha! Never too late right? Blogging is a busy job but if it’s your heart’s desire than go for it! It can be so fun and rewarding, especially with the friendships made through the journey. If you ever hit publish, let me know and I’ll be sure to go visit! Best of luck with it!
Shauna!! Your boys and hubby are so lucky to have you!!! You are a blessing to your family and I know how hard it must be to be losing Austin to college soon. I couldn’t even!!! Thanks for sharing your heart with us and I can’t wait to see what else is up next for you…always love following your journey, sweet friend:). On a side note, I do Shutterfly every year but just started a new IG account just for family photos so I can use Chat Books. The reviews are great and I will let you know how that goes but it’s suppose to be supper easy!! Xoxo
Thank you so much Bree! You’re always such an encouraging friend. I’m loving the chatbooks idea! I never thought of creating a private IG account for that purpose. Thanks for that great tip! I’m going to try it. But what about the 10,000+ photos…lol!
xoxo
I loved your “sappy mom moment”, as you put it! All of us have lots of different facets to us, and I always like to hear about the person whose blog I’m reading. And as a mom of a college sophomore, let me encourage you — you will NEVER regret spending time on and with your kids. The time certainly goes at lightning speed. So let’s make the most of all those little moments. And, p.s., good luck with senior year! It’s a whirlwind of activities, essays, tests, applications, college visits, etc etc etc. but it’s so much fun. Enjoy!
Beth, thank you!! You took the time to write this sweet comment as a mom. You are absolutely right, I will NEVER regret taking those precious moments with my boys. Just too priceless and nothing matters more. Thanks for the sweet encouragement and I hope your sophomore is having a great college experience!
Since my family is all grown, I know how important it is to enjoy all those moments and build relationships that will last with your children way into their grown up years. Your priorities are straight.
Thank you Marty for your sweet words! My prayer is that my boys will always want to come home to mom and dad with their families. Thanks for the sweet encouragement.
xo
Oh Shauna, Your journey has been so incredible to watch, and from one mom to another I couldn’t agree more with every single word. I know whatever you tackle next and wherever your journey leads you, you will be shining so bright! You are such an inspiration to me! Supermom!! Love you! xo
Tam, I don’t know about the supermom part..lol! I know where your heart is too with your family and will always remember the story you shared with me about leaving your previous career. You have such a good heart and family is first for you which is what I love about you! Besides the fact that you are crazy talented and inspire me every day! Love you friend!
xoxo
Shauna, I think you just poured my heart out in this post. This was me all of last year, my sweet boy is now in his first year of college and while things did fall through the cracks for my blog last year, I will never regret a single one of them because I took in every moment of my Dylan’s senior year.
Guess what…I too need to make a few “scrapbooks” AND I will be seeing you next week in NYC at BHG! Looking forward to meeting you. ~Sonya
Thank you Sonya for sharing that with me today! Means so much to hear that I’m not in this boat alone…sometimes it can feel that way. I love that you have a Dylan too! Mine is my baby, he’s 12. I hope your Dylan is having a great first year of college and that you are doing good with it too! Can’t wait to meet you next week in NYC! Maybe we can plan out an agenda for those scrapbooks!;) haha!
xo
Great post, Shauna! I think we all needed to read this! Thank you for opening your heart and setting the best example! You are Super Woman! So much to be proud of! Xo
Not superwoman at all Haneen, but just always trying to have my heart in the right place. Love you friend!
xoxo
Definitely press forward — the tug on your mom heart is not one to ignore. (I also have a high school senior and I keep thinking: this time next year she won’t be here for …. (insert whatever activity I’m nostalgic about at the moment.)
On the photos, man they are so hard to stay on top of. Getting through the backlog is difficult but I do have a process that I use for current photos. During the first week of every month I work on photo managment. I set my phone timer for 30 minutes and go as far as I can and then set it aside until the next day. And then do another 30 minutes. Typically it looks like this: Day One: upload photos from my phone to Shutterfly. Day Two: Insert photos into album and start dropping them into pages, adding captions and details as appropriate. (This takes several days depending on the number of photos.) Day 3/4/5: After all photos are inserted, proofread and save album.
I don’t usually add embellishments (if they are there I keep them, or if it is a special album, like a vacation I will take more time and add trip details and embellishments). I add as many pages as necessary and then order the album after about 3 months, and then I start the process all over again.
It is a commitment but it works for me to set aside 30 minutes/day for a few days a month rather than to wait 9 months and then spend 20 hours trying to comb through photos to create an album.
Rachel, such great advice on your photo system! I definitely need a scheduled plan like that! Thank you so much for taking the time to write your comment with the details! So helpful. Cherish your time with your senior! 🙂
xoxo
Well friend, you have me in tears but between our conversation yesterday and this blog post… I am just so proud of you! You’re setting a great example to all of us to trying to juggle it all and reminding us of what is most important. The truth is we just can’t juggle it all and sometimes balls Will be dropped but it should never be our family. Thanks for being genuine and authentic and sharing your heart. I just love you to pieces and dying to hear what the other announcement is! ????????
Thank you so much Summer for your sweet words. You have a heart of gold my friend!
xoxo
Love you friend and stay strong through this hard yet beautiful time of life. See you next week!
Thank you so much sweet friend! Can’t wait to see you next week!
xoxo
What a wonderful post, I to have a senior. Your post brought tears to my eyes because I agree, I can’t believe how fast the years have gone. Better to set priorities now than to have regrets later.
Thank you Leigh for your sweet comment! Have a wonderful year with your senior!
Shauna your words were so good….spot on! We know they resonated with many of your readers. You ARE a wonderful, loving mom. We are so proud of you!
That means so much to hear that from you! Love you! xoxo
This post resonated with me so much. I too have a senior (and a junior and freshman). Within 4 years all my kids will be off to college and real life….it doesn’t seem possible! I have to catch up on the photos too! Your home is beautiful…thank you for sharing it and a piece of your heart too!
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your sweet comment here, friend. We just need to hold on tight and cherish these last sweet years with our babies, right? Loves to you from this momma.
So hard finding a balance and boy do they grow up fast. I am also a mom of a senior mom. Thanks for the idea for a kitchen mats. Right now I have these ugly ones as my husband loves them, but I saw your long runner and it is perfect. Hang tight!
Enjoy your last year with your senior! They just grow up too fast, don’t they? Happy fall to you!