Such a relatable story. Mom guilt is my life, always has been. After becoming a grandma, I suffer grandma guilt also. Along with a life dealing with health issues and depression, I almost always feel defeated. My only solace is that God knows, and cares for me. He loves my children more than I ever could, even at my best. Your children lack nothing, it is clear that they are loved and very well cared for. Be encouraged. Thank you for your honesty and not making your videos falsely picture perfect. 💙
Your children's fingerprints on the window brought tears to my eyes. Up to that point of the video, I thought you were saying it SO right. But then I remembered something I had heard someone say. Your children are there, with you, happy and healthy, to leave their fingerprints for you to see😢😊❤
Your home is beautiful. Your children are beautiful. You and you husband are great parents. Everyone has strength and weakness. It’s the way we are made. Your children are sure happy. Enjoy life to the fullest enjoy you little ones . Love your channel. You are real . I think you are a great wife and mother💕
I think this is my favourite video ever. I've had this guilt and I've had the Mom rage. I have a home where my pillows don't match the season, and neither to my throws. It's not always tidy, but it is clean. I have laundry on the floor of my laundry room that needs to be washed. When my son was living at home we always had dinner as a family, I baked cookies and brownies when I had the time. The best part of it all was the we loved each other then and still do. To those with the perfect pillows and throws, the perfect decorations for every season, I wonder if their children even notice?
Finally someone that feels like I do about arts and crafts, hearing you share I took a deep breathe knowing I could fully identify. I know about that guilt feeling, but my kids are grown and they never rub it under my nose about not doing alot of crafty projects. I see you do so many wonderful things with your children, they are blessed!!! I am so thankful God made each of us different!! Merry Christmas!
LOVE this video! It is so hard not to compare yourself to others and I am so glad you have decided that you are enough! I admire you and all that you do! Thanks for sharing it with us!
You sound a lot like myself, and many other mothers around the world. Your constant rumination, if you “fit the mold”, just means that you’re a very good mother, and want to be the very best that you can be for your children. I still have these same bouts of anxiety, where I feel like I don’t meet up with this “modern parenting style”, where everything has to be about fake highlight reels and posted on social media for others to see.. thank you for reminding all of us, that it’s perfectly ok to be a mother before social media came along ❤
As a newer mom that lays down at night and can't shut my brain off about how I hate myself because I'm not the best mom. This video seriously hit home thank you.
This is probably my favorite video of all time just because it's so relatable ❤ after making 2 different kinds of cookies today with 3 children who spent lots of that time arguing about who's turn it is to dump the ingredients and me well not using the kindest tone to respond 😢 Thank you for being real!!
Honestly, you are a wonderful Mom. I am a g grandma. Really appreciated this video and forwarded it to my 4 grown daughters. Your children are precious. Also you gave me a few chuckles, thank you. Gods blessings 🙏
Comparison is such a thief of joy, God gave us all our own unique gifts ❤ I understand comparison so well and it’s hard to let it go at times,Thank you for sharing and you are doing amazing 😍
Beautifully said! I think many moms feel like this. I like how you said we each have special gifts, and we need to let go of those other things that we do not do well. Count your blessings, if you family is happy and healthy we are doing a good job!
What an awesome video. I,too, have a very low tolerance for noise and chaos. And I won’t even talk about clutter. lol. I think that’s why I struggle with Christmas every year. Your video made me feel not-so-alone, as I watch others embrace and enjoy all the decorating and baking. Thank you for your honesty!
I had an hunch note felt like myself. I feel it's hard enough to manage the clutter and chaos of normal life. I think that's why it suddenly feels overwhelming... 😔 have a lovely Christmas!
Excellent video! Mom and Grandma guilt weigh heavy on our hearts throughout our lives. I think you’re too hard on yourself. Your children seem happy and healthy. You’re doing great as a mom. The fingerprints on your windows are a blessing. Soon enough your children will grow up and your home will be easier to keep clean. When our nest became empty, I missed the noise and happy chaos. As a grandparent my heart is happy to have the happy chaos again. Do what feels right for you and your family’s needs and try not to compare yourself with other moms. ❤ God bless you!
Thank you for that reminder. I think of that too... soon enough I will be missing it so much. I'm sure being a grandparent is so much fun! 😀 God bless and Merry Christmas!
Thanks for Sharing this with us. Oh how I know this mom guilt. You are blessed to do this life with your loving and caring husband who is there to Support you. ❤
I felt so seen in this video! I LOVE the realness and vulnerability! You are such an amazing momma! Keep being you, because that's who your kiddos need!❤
This is perfect timing. I've been struggling with this exact same thing too. I've had to step back and stop watching so much IG and YT. It's helping and I've been picking up my bible each day. Thank you for sharing this. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family ❤
Thanks for sharing! I identify so much with what you have shared! As a fellow Mennonite mom of 5 and 1 on the way I often find myself struggling with the mom rage cleaning. When I had 2 children I remember feeling just as overwhelmed at times with it too. Now I have more helpers and also more opinions on what we should be doing and how we should decorate. My desire is to show my children how we can be content with simple in this land of plenty and be generous to those who have much less. Your Christmas Decor is very tasteful and lovely!
Thank you! Thank you for this reminder at this extremely busy time of year! After years of dealing with mom guilt, I graduated to grandma guilt 5 years ago! I hate to say it ladies but the guilt continues on into the next generation! It just changes! It becomes less about the day to day raising of the child and more about the balance between making lasting memories with your grandkids and filling your golden years with your own joy! Time definitely becomes a factor! Anyways, I’m going to promise myself to just be happy with what I bring to their lives and not what any of the other grandmas do! 😄
Aww, bummer! I was hoping it would ease up 😀 i can totally see that I would feel as you do. You got this! A healthy balance is good, and as you get older the amount of noise etc you can handle begins to get less. My mom is that way and we can tell it. So don't push yourself too hard and just relax and do things with them as you can 😀 Xander loves his grandma but he can't be with her as much as he wishes. But it's all good! When he's with her it's special
Awesome words from your heart. So enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing. Your children are beautiful and full of life. That is something to be proud of.
Raw... and real. Your candid honesty is one of the endearing factors that brings me back to your channel. I am a 2nd time mom. My "starter kids" are in their 30's lol. I can SO relate to the mom rage, the frustration and disappointment when the perfect mom persona did not show up. My second batch of kids I had in my fifties, so I have a whole new perspective but the mom guilt is real. I thank you for sharing this authentic exploration of thoughts and feelings surrounding the yuletide season as it relates to expectations. I am enough and so are you my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Aww wow you have a lot on your plate with a second round of raising when you're older. My MIL is in the same position, with Nolans adopted siblings. Thanks for coming back and for the encouragement. You got this. We got this 😀 have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you for bringing to reality what many of us feel and think. We are enough and to hard on ourselves as parents. You are a wonderful mom who has more to offer to your children than you realize
Thank you for sharing your heart and helping us all feel heard and understood. I truly believe one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is grace. Be blessed sweet friend 😊💕
A wonderful video. You are right. Don´t compare. You are enough for you, the children and your husband. Wishing you all a merry christmas and wonderful vacations in the next years from germany
What a great video. I can relate so much. This video inspires me to think of ways i can let go of guilt and also just lessen the stresses in my life that wouldn't have to be there. Sounds like a great thing to work on as the new year approaches.
Thank you for this post Jeannine! I love your book tradition. I was made aware that this guilt feeling also hits Grandmas. I am 75 and yes, I deal with this. Comparisons are not good. Will take this to heart. Enjoy your beautiful family, make it your home, and not someone else's. God bless and have a Merry Christmas!
You put words to the guilts I struggled with all the years my children were growing up. Now my children are 27-31 years old. I still have moments that I feel like I fall short as a mom. My adult children assure me they had a good childhood and nothing to feel guilty about. May you find peace in times of storms. Gratitude is a great attitude changer. Merry Christmas
I'm so glad your kids have a good view of their childhood. I think we moms are way harder on ourselves than our children ever perceive us. It likely stems from all the love we have for them combined with trying to stretch around and our humanity shows up. Thank you for sharing
Great video and reminder. Comparison is so easy to do. As a mom of a grown daughter and almost son it is not fun to look back and have regrets of wasting time on this!🥲
You give beautiful gifts to your family. Experiences they will always remember. Sweets and decorating they will not. Plus I love you simple, tasteful decorating. Go mama!
I love you so so much! Everything you said in this video is so true!!! Love love love!!! God bless your heart and your family, have a blessed time togheter in this season! Greeting from Romania!🤗
I love all the lovely things you do with your kids. I can relate with the art/craft but we had heaps of Lego& that was gr8 for us😀 my kids are now teen-agers. Keep up the good work. Your motivation inspires me. Merry Christmas to Ur beautiful family. From Australia
You are a blessing too your family and friends. I call you friend even though we have never met. You have my out look on many things. I relate! Your doing a wonderful job in your space and life.❤
I hear you! Life isn’t always a walk in the park! You are a wonderful mother, your two children are adorable, and you have a wonderful marriage! I love the ending of your video…..you have it all in order! Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Love from Pennsylvania 💕🌷🐻
I absolutely loved this! I wish I could sit at your kitchen table and sip coffee with you! Kindred spirit here - The struggle is real! Thanks for the inspiration.
Yep that's me, I get energized about decorating but I buckle under the thought of planning a vacation. Let it go Janine! Your home is so beautiful and I look around at all of my Christmas decor and ended up dreading the thought of taking it all down. I also do it because it brings me joy, but I dread when my friends come in and almost mock my talent as something they will never attain. So I end up apologizing for it all the time. I've learned to say "Its just hobby that makes me happy" and that kinda silences them, but I wish I could just let it go too. Merry Christmas Janine
Aww I'm sorry your friends do that. They likely feel insecure 😕 I truly admire people that enjoy decorating, so you just lean into that gift and don't apologize! My sister has that touch, and I love walking it her home. It's a gift, embrace it!
Your words ring loud and true. Although I “suffer” from a different kind of mom guilt, I appreciate your thoughtful words. Now, to embrace the strengths I do have!
Hi Jeannine!! What an excellent reminder to all of us mamas! I fall into that trap of mom guilt all the time. I find that my super power is giving my children a fun childhood. Rather it's park days or going to the trampoline park or going to the library and sometimes miniature golf. When time and money allows we do mini trips. My children will remember more of having fun rather then doing art and crafts. Plus I'm like you where I get over welmded with all the things that take place in doing arts and crafts. I'm no baker but I do bake occasionally. I do provide my family a clean and safe home. I'm not the best cook but I try. I just like to see my children smile and laugh and have fun. ❤️ 💙
Hey Becca, I love seeing this peek into your home. You're a fun mom, and I love that! Your children have a great childhood, lean into that and let go of the rest. Easier said than done, isn't it? 😀 have a blessed Christmas!
I so enjoyed this video. Regardless what the enemy tells you, you are doing an awesome job and your family is a light of craved normalcy to this upside-down world. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!
Hugs!!! Not the only mom with mom guilt. Thankful to our Lord that He is with us, guiding us and growing us. He made us for a reason for His Glory, just as you are.
I really enjoyed this video, took me back to my days when my kids were young. I struggled with patience and wasn't always kind. But my kids turned out wonderful. They're 37 and 32 today with kids of their own.
Whew.... so good to hear! Thank you for sharing. I wish i never lost my cool, but it happens and I apologize, but I do worry about them sometimes. Loved hearing your perspective looking back
I loved this video! I identify in a different way. I feel like I'm "a little bit good" at most areas, but not great at anything. So I find myself bouncing around from thing to thing and comparing myself to all the "experts." Thank-you for this beautifully done video essay.
Your son happy for biscuits and gravy is all you need! That is precious!!! Us moms need to get off the Internet and just be real maybe the real you is just what someone else needs!
The AUTOIMMUNE LIFE ! ✨Fantastic TRUTH! Having comparisons and expectations in our lives and hearts…disrupts and embitters the joy that GOD desires us to have. Knowing this I still struggle with mom/wife guilt. I’m plagued with several autoimmune diseases. I can’t clean our house or fix most meals. I’m in bed lots of days till the afternoon. My husband is the bread winner and maker of our home. I do struggle with guilt. My strength is in knowing that my life doesn’t take our precious Lord by surprise.
You're an awesome mom!!! Love the 'book-a-night' concept! I'm a minimalist too. I think your travel planning and adventures are the most incredible gift - such memories are being made! I was in the military and my son traveled with me all over the world. Some of his favorite memories were made in different areas of the world....and because I was in the military, not much money was available. We were minimalists before it was cool to be so!
“Mom Rage Cleaning”! I love that expression!!! Thanks for the laugh. My own mom used to do it sometimes and now I do too. The frustration with untidiness (and in my case a lack of help from the mess-makers) builds up and sometimes the only outlet is a good rage clean. As long as it doesn’t happen too often, I think it’s therapeutic!
It is therapeutic! Haha I agree. Although I get dangerously close to sweeping the family right out the door too, and they don't deserve that. That's when things get out of hand and I need to watch it 🤪 p.s. i can so relate to the 'lack of help from the mess makers.' 🤣 they do really well actually, but sometimes it feels like nobody cares about it 😅
Oh my goodness you speak truth guided by God. My family is like yours. We don’t worry about anything other than showing love. I use Christmas hand soaps all year. I love the smells better than the florals. Thank you for this heart warming video. ❤️🎄
Dear sweet Lovely Woman....Mother.....Wife....Believer...Extraordinary Entrepreneur I am a 78yr old raving fan. Your children will remember and cherish the kitchen time of making and consuming. They will repeat your holiday traditions of live tree swags and baked orange ornaments. They will cherish the Nativity carrying the truth it represents through to the next generation. I taught 2yr Old children Sunday School. My son was in the class and remembers more than I do😊 You are teaching arts and crafts all day long with the gift of your love and presence in their lives. The book per day is a wonderful advent calendar for all ages. You are one woman who is always available to support and help your son and daughter with love. You are a strong protective compassionate kind intuitive caring mother. God bless you. P.S. Dust is a protective covering. Shared by a friend and toddler Mom when teaching the two year old group😊
That is so sweet, thank you! You left such a kind message, it means a lot. Dust is a protective covering 😀 I'll tuck that one away. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Comparison is one of the biggest robber of joy! And yet it it something I still deal with. God has made each of us unique, given gifts that we are to both bear His image and bless others with. I have also found that less time on many of the social medias, and more time focusing on Him and in His word is refreshing. Each day asking to only say and do what we hear the Father tell us, becomes freeing!
Amen! It's so easy to understand, so hard to implement. And I agree with the social media and focusing on our heavenly Father. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Growing up, we didn't have crafts or projects either. Just coloring books. I never felt like i missed anything. For me, the most important thing was that my mom was HOME. If i needed something, she was there. I just pray I can keep being blessed to be a stay at home mom, as many are not able to
You know, I echo that. When mom wasnt home something felt off. I didn't grow up with much extra goings on either. Just entertained myself. And it truly is a privilege to be able to be a stay at home mom. I completely agree
You’ve made a beautiful home. I love having dinner overnight together as a family. The laundry is never finished so don’t worry about it. As soon as you catch up someone changes their clothes and there you go more dirty laundry.
Oh wow so so relatable!! Thanks so much Janeen! You had me laughing at the relatable-ness. I love your thoughts and shots of normal life. I am that Baking mom-I just love it!! But then I’m easily guilted by the Cleaning mom and Healthy mom. This is a journey for me too. Thanks again for sharing…
😁 I'm glad you enjoyed. I figured i can't be the only one! And hats off to you for the joy of baking. Lean into and feed the starving families that have dreamers for mothers. 🤣🤣 just kidding. I couldn't resist. But I love a baking mom's kitchen and fridge.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the palette you used and trying to strive to do it! Off white, pine boughs, tan or camel colors. It's easy in the eye. I always did Too much and kids grew and don't want all my lights and decorations it all the totes. I do exactly like you, anxiety where to place it. I move it 4 times over a couple weeks until I'm ok then take a picture thinking I'll do it the exact same way next year. But I open a tote then think where are those pictures on my cell phone and just do it ..same process. You have to remain in the moment. Sounds like you're hyper vigilante and fretting to do it perfectly or comparing. I've learned if I see a picture of room I like I screen shot and then examine what it is that I like. I like too much. It's actually helping me organize my thoughts and get rid of it repurpose things to give it a new look. You've described everything so comprehensively here so it's like identify with it like it's a soft blanket. Hope your holidays are soft, cozy, warm, spicy, laughter and building memories. You're special. Stop beating yourself up. Your kids will thank you when they are older and have already learned that you're giving nature is huge to them, your husband, home and you're even juggling a business and entertaining us. I'm humbled by you and your strength. Yes. Now so take a long bath with some white noise ocean or Christmas music. Then have some hot cocoa to calm you for bedtime. 🌲 🎁🌲🎁🌲
Each year add oranges or small red berries even from a hike. Kids can paint acorns to change the color scheme or add to it. The greenery is what makes us happy. 😊
You are a beautiful person. You have a beautiful family. Your words speak so much truth …. having a loving home, faith in God. I once had all of that. Losing a son at 18, then life takes your husband during Christmas season n lastly you just found out that your other son is separated from his wife ( which you found out it hasn’t b a marriage in 10 years). My life felt perfect until I started to lose those that I loved dearly. I have not lost my faith my belief in God. Through all of the years He had kept me strong. Let us all except what comes our way n be thankful that God made each of us all different n blessed us with love. I am guilty of not being faithful in seeing your videos. Life has taken many turns in my life lately but I’m so thankful I watched this video. It touched me deeply. I meant what I said “ you are a beautiful person.” Merry Christmas to you Janine n to your whole family. God blesses you dearly. ♥️🥰👍🌟🌲
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and difficulties. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child and then your husband. And now you have to face each Christmas season with mixed emotions. Sending hugs I've this time. I appreciate your testimony and faith. Stay strong and prayers for you and your family
Great reminder. Just focus and embrace the things you enjoy doing for your family....your the "fun experience" and "book reading" mom, you dont have to be the tidy house and crafty mom! Im the book and crafty mom which automically cancels out any tidiness! But thats because messes dont stress me out😂
I am the worst at putting terrible expectations on myself, far more than anyone else would expect. It’s been really tough since my husband died because I don’t get any help. He was always so willing to run the vacuum, load the dishwasher, cook a meal, or scrub a floor if it helped relieve some pressure on me while decorating, baking, and wrapping gifts. I have spent the last 3 days working on my tree. It’s an old artificial tree that’s gotten difficult to wrangle and then the lights were giving me fits. I finally gave up and went to Walmart this morning to buy some new lights. I have finally gotten the garland strung and started putting the ornaments on. Hopefully I’ll have it done before dinner time.
First I'm so sorry for your loss... I don't see how you do it alone, as i look at my life and how most I rely on my husband. Don't stress out of you don't get it done! Honestly. It's OK. 😀
Daily mom guilt here. As a single mom with no family close to help, it’s constantly on my mind that I can’t sit down and play with my kiddo as much as I would like. I’m always doing laundry dry, dishes, cleaning or cooking. Meanwhile my ex has his father under the same roof to help so the work load is split. Someday my kiddo will understand the weight of being a single parent. And hopefully 🤞🏼 appreciate how hard his mama worked at giving him a clean loving home.
You’re doing a great job, hang in there. Being a single parent is so taxing and difficult. Your children will understand and appreciate all you've done for them. Hang in there!
You have a very wise words you need to follow your own thoughts and practices! God’s blessings 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏 stay safe and warm!! Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year! 💜🎆💜
Great video, all l see is 2 happy , smiling kids, so you're doing something right, the sour dough bread looks delicious, so don't fret the small things, the house cleaning will can wait,enjoy yourself. Robyn .... Australia
Deb here. You are blessed to have a child's fingerprints on your window.
Amen! And thank you, Deb. Merry Christmas!
❤
Such a relatable story. Mom guilt is my life, always has been. After becoming a grandma, I suffer grandma guilt also. Along with a life dealing with health issues and depression, I almost always feel defeated. My only solace is that God knows, and cares for me. He loves my children more than I ever could, even at my best.
Your children lack nothing, it is clear that they are loved and very well cared for. Be encouraged. Thank you for your honesty and not making your videos falsely picture perfect. 💙
You are to hard on yourself, you are a wonderful mom and a lady we can look up to and feel blessed by your videos
“Comparison is the thief of joy”. Your words were so well spoken, thanks for the refreshing reminder of truth! All the best and Merry Christmas!
Any of us can be so hard on ourselves...me included. Give yourself grace and stop to notice the positives no matter how small some may seem ❤
Your children's fingerprints on the window brought tears to my eyes. Up to that point of the video, I thought you were saying it SO right. But then I remembered something I had heard someone say. Your children are there, with you, happy and healthy, to leave their fingerprints for you to see😢😊❤
Aww thank you for that. That's a beautiful reminder
Your home is beautiful. Your children are beautiful. You and you husband are great parents. Everyone has strength and weakness. It’s the way we are made. Your children are sure happy. Enjoy life to the fullest enjoy you little ones . Love your channel. You are real . I think you are a great wife and mother💕
I think this is my favourite video ever. I've had this guilt and I've had the Mom rage. I have a home where my pillows don't match the season, and neither to my throws. It's not always tidy, but it is clean. I have laundry on the floor of my laundry room that needs to be washed. When my son was living at home we always had dinner as a family, I baked cookies and brownies when I had the time. The best part of it all was the we loved each other then and still do. To those with the perfect pillows and throws, the perfect decorations for every season, I wonder if their children even notice?
Love this video! Mom guilt is so real
You said it perfectly! I agree, the love is what matters most.
Finally someone that feels like I do about arts and crafts, hearing you share I took a deep breathe knowing I could fully identify. I know about that guilt feeling, but my kids are grown and they never rub it under my nose about not doing alot of crafty projects. I see you do so many wonderful things with your children, they are blessed!!! I am so thankful God made each of us different!! Merry Christmas!
Yay, another mom that resonates with the anti craft feeling, LOL. Glad to hear your children survived without a lot of them. Merry Christmas!
LOVE this video! It is so hard not to compare yourself to others and I am so glad you have decided that you are enough! I admire you and all that you do! Thanks for sharing it with us!
You sound a lot like myself, and many other mothers around the world. Your constant rumination, if you “fit the mold”, just means that you’re a very good mother, and want to be the very best that you can be for your children. I still have these same bouts of anxiety, where I feel like I don’t meet up with this “modern parenting style”, where everything has to be about fake highlight reels and posted on social media for others to see.. thank you for reminding all of us, that it’s perfectly ok to be a mother before social media came along ❤
Wow I needed this today! Thanks for sharing
The smiles on your children's faces say it all!
As a newer mom that lays down at night and can't shut my brain off about how I hate myself because I'm not the best mom. This video seriously hit home thank you.
This is probably my favorite video of all time just because it's so relatable ❤ after making 2 different kinds of cookies today with 3 children who spent lots of that time arguing about who's turn it is to dump the ingredients and me well not using the kindest tone to respond 😢
Thank you for being real!!
Oh I know that feeling. 😏 😀 but you still made memories with them. You got this!
Brava. Awesome post that will resonate with many. Thank you. Many blessings to your family.
Thank you for the kind words.
Honestly, you are a wonderful Mom. I am a g grandma. Really appreciated this video and forwarded it to my 4 grown daughters.
Your children are precious. Also you gave me a few chuckles, thank you.
Gods blessings 🙏
😀 thank you. Glad you got the tongue in cheek sarcasm. 😅 have a blessed Christmas
Comparison is such a thief of joy, God gave us all our own unique gifts ❤ I understand comparison so well and it’s hard to let it go at times,Thank you for sharing and you are doing amazing 😍
Beautifully said! I think many moms feel like this. I like how you said we each have special gifts, and we need to let go of those other things that we do not do well. Count your blessings, if you family is happy and healthy we are doing a good job!
What an awesome video. I,too, have a very low tolerance for noise and chaos. And I won’t even talk about clutter. lol. I think that’s why I struggle with Christmas every year. Your video made me feel not-so-alone, as I watch others embrace and enjoy all the decorating and baking. Thank you for your honesty!
I had an hunch note felt like myself. I feel it's hard enough to manage the clutter and chaos of normal life. I think that's why it suddenly feels overwhelming... 😔 have a lovely Christmas!
Excellent video! Mom and Grandma guilt weigh heavy on our hearts throughout our lives. I think you’re too hard on yourself. Your children seem happy and healthy. You’re doing great as a mom. The fingerprints on your windows are a blessing. Soon enough your children will grow up and your home will be easier to keep clean. When our nest became empty, I missed the noise and happy chaos. As a grandparent my heart is happy to have the happy chaos again. Do what feels right for you and your family’s needs and try not to compare yourself with other moms. ❤ God bless you!
Thank you for that reminder. I think of that too... soon enough I will be missing it so much. I'm sure being a grandparent is so much fun! 😀 God bless and Merry Christmas!
Thanks for Sharing this with us. Oh how I know this mom guilt. You are blessed to do this life with your loving and caring husband who is there to Support you. ❤
What a great message and reminder you gave all of us moms to remember.🥰😍
I felt so seen in this video! I LOVE the realness and vulnerability! You are such an amazing momma! Keep being you, because that's who your kiddos need!❤
Aww thanks! 😘 appreciate you being here!
This is perfect timing. I've been struggling with this exact same thing too. I've had to step back and stop watching so much IG and YT. It's helping and I've been picking up my bible each day. Thank you for sharing this. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family ❤
Great advice! Merry Christmas to you, too!
Thanks for sharing! I identify so much with what you have shared! As a fellow Mennonite mom of 5 and 1 on the way I often find myself struggling with the mom rage cleaning. When I had 2 children I remember feeling just as overwhelmed at times with it too. Now I have more helpers and also more opinions on what we should be doing and how we should decorate. My desire is to show my children how we can be content with simple in this land of plenty and be generous to those who have much less. Your Christmas Decor is very tasteful and lovely!
Thank you for sharing. 😊 It's nice to hear other's perspectives as well in different stages of life. I appreciate your mindset 💯
Thank you! Thank you for this reminder at this extremely busy time of year! After years of dealing with mom guilt, I graduated to grandma guilt 5 years ago! I hate to say it ladies but the guilt continues on into the next generation! It just changes! It becomes less about the day to day raising of the child and more about the balance between making lasting memories with your grandkids and filling your golden years with your own joy! Time definitely becomes a factor! Anyways, I’m going to promise myself to just be happy with what I bring to their lives and not what any of the other grandmas do! 😄
Aww, bummer! I was hoping it would ease up 😀 i can totally see that I would feel as you do. You got this! A healthy balance is good, and as you get older the amount of noise etc you can handle begins to get less. My mom is that way and we can tell it. So don't push yourself too hard and just relax and do things with them as you can 😀 Xander loves his grandma but he can't be with her as much as he wishes. But it's all good! When he's with her it's special
Awesome words from your heart. So enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing. Your children are beautiful and full of life. That is something to be proud of.
I related to your thoughts so much. Thank you for sharing. Your traditions are so cozy. Merry Christmas!
Raw... and real. Your candid honesty is one of the endearing factors that brings me back to your channel. I am a 2nd time mom. My "starter kids" are in their 30's lol. I can SO relate to the mom rage, the frustration and disappointment when the perfect mom persona did not show up. My second batch of kids I had in my fifties, so I have a whole new perspective but the mom guilt is real. I thank you for sharing this authentic exploration of thoughts and feelings surrounding the yuletide season as it relates to expectations. I am enough and so are you my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Aww wow you have a lot on your plate with a second round of raising when you're older. My MIL is in the same position, with Nolans adopted siblings. Thanks for coming back and for the encouragement. You got this. We got this 😀 have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you for bringing to reality what many of us feel and think. We are enough and to hard on ourselves as parents. You are a wonderful mom who has more to offer to your children than you realize
Thank you. It is a battle that I think is definitely magnified in our era. I agree with you, we are too hard on ourselves
I enjoyed this video and could relate to quite a few things. Thank you for your encouragement and honesty 🤍
Thank you for sharing your heart and helping us all feel heard and understood. I truly believe one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is grace. Be blessed sweet friend 😊💕
A wonderful video. You are right. Don´t compare. You are enough for you, the children and your husband. Wishing you all a merry christmas and wonderful vacations in the next years from germany
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you as well!
What a great video. I can relate so much. This video inspires me to think of ways i can let go of guilt and also just lessen the stresses in my life that wouldn't have to be there. Sounds like a great thing to work on as the new year approaches.
Thank you for this post Jeannine! I love your book tradition. I was made aware that this guilt feeling also hits Grandmas. I am 75 and yes, I deal with this. Comparisons are not good. Will take this to heart.
Enjoy your beautiful family, make it your home, and not someone else's.
God bless and have a Merry Christmas!
I can imagine it's a struggle at every age. Sending hugs and Merry Christmas!
You put words to the guilts I struggled with all the years my children were growing up. Now my children are 27-31 years old. I still have moments that I feel like I fall short as a mom. My adult children assure me they had a good childhood and nothing to feel guilty about.
May you find peace in times of storms. Gratitude is a great attitude changer.
Merry Christmas
I'm so glad your kids have a good view of their childhood. I think we moms are way harder on ourselves than our children ever perceive us. It likely stems from all the love we have for them combined with trying to stretch around and our humanity shows up. Thank you for sharing
Don't be so hard on yourself your a great mum and wife! Your a lovely lady and I love your Channel! Gods Blessings Hugs Liz x
Thank you Liz, that means so much!🥰
I love this message!!! You are making the very best home that every child would be blessed to receive. Merry Christmas friend ❤
That means so much, thank you! Merry Christmas to you as well!
Great video and reminder. Comparison is so easy to do. As a mom of a grown daughter and almost son it is not fun to look back and have regrets of wasting time on this!🥲
All beautifully said. The reality of being a mom.
You do a wonderful job with your kids.
You give beautiful gifts to your family. Experiences they will always remember. Sweets and decorating they will not. Plus I love you simple, tasteful decorating. Go mama!
I am 80 and so agree with you… wish I could go back and feel needed again.
I need people like you in my life!❤
I love you so so much! Everything you said in this video is so true!!! Love love love!!! God bless your heart and your family, have a blessed time togheter in this season! Greeting from Romania!🤗
thank you so much, and blessed Christmas to you!
I love all the lovely things you do with your kids. I can relate with the art/craft but we had heaps of Lego& that was gr8 for us😀 my kids are now teen-agers. Keep up the good work. Your motivation inspires me. Merry Christmas to Ur beautiful family. From Australia
Jeanine, you should write a book my dear! You have such a good gift with words! Youre a fantastic mom,just the way you are❤😊Hugs from Missouri ❤
Aww thanks 😀 however that looks like a mountain 😀 but I appreciate it
You are a blessing too your family and friends. I call you friend even though we have never met. You have my out look on many things. I relate! Your doing a wonderful job in your space and life.❤
That is so sweet, thank you!
Loved this video! Agree with what you said! And I love your new tradition it’s something for me to think about!
Keep up the good work! ❤️
-mama of 6 😊
I hear you! Life isn’t always a walk in the park! You are a wonderful mother, your two children are adorable, and you have a wonderful marriage! I love the ending of your video…..you have it all in order! Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Love from Pennsylvania 💕🌷🐻
I absolutely loved this! I wish I could sit at your kitchen table and sip coffee with you!
Kindred spirit here - The struggle is real! Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm sure we'd have great chats 😀 Merry Christmas!
Good job, Jeannine. :) Merry Christmas!
Beautiful message ❤
I wish there was a love button!! I love all your videos, but this one is so good. You have such a way with words and are so relatable.
That means so much to me! Thank you!
Yep that's me, I get energized about decorating but I buckle under the thought of planning a vacation. Let it go Janine! Your home is so beautiful and I look around at all of my Christmas decor and ended up dreading the thought of taking it all down. I also do it because it brings me joy, but I dread when my friends come in and almost mock my talent as something they will never attain. So I end up apologizing for it all the time. I've learned to say "Its just hobby that makes me happy" and that kinda silences them, but I wish I could just let it go too. Merry Christmas Janine
Aww I'm sorry your friends do that. They likely feel insecure 😕 I truly admire people that enjoy decorating, so you just lean into that gift and don't apologize! My sister has that touch, and I love walking it her home. It's a gift, embrace it!
Your words ring loud and true. Although I “suffer” from a different kind of mom guilt, I appreciate your thoughtful words. Now, to embrace the strengths I do have!
Hi Jeannine!! What an excellent reminder to all of us mamas! I fall into that trap of mom guilt all the time.
I find that my super power is giving my children a fun childhood. Rather it's park days or going to the trampoline park or going to the library and sometimes miniature golf. When time and money allows we do mini trips.
My children will remember more of having fun rather then doing art and crafts.
Plus I'm like you where I get over welmded with all the things that take place in doing arts and crafts.
I'm no baker but I do bake occasionally.
I do provide my family a clean and safe home.
I'm not the best cook but I try.
I just like to see my children smile and laugh and have fun.
❤️ 💙
Hey Becca, I love seeing this peek into your home. You're a fun mom, and I love that! Your children have a great childhood, lean into that and let go of the rest. Easier said than done, isn't it? 😀 have a blessed Christmas!
I so enjoyed this video. Regardless what the enemy tells you, you are doing an awesome job and your family is a light of craved normalcy to this upside-down world. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the kind words. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Lexi has grown sooo much !! I love the garland w the dried oranges !! You did a beautiful job !! 🎅 ❤️💚❤️💚
Thank you! Yes she's growing like a weed!
I loved this video! Thank you so much for sharing!
Hugs!!! Not the only mom with mom guilt. Thankful to our Lord that He is with us, guiding us and growing us. He made us for a reason for His Glory, just as you are.
I really enjoyed this video, took me back to my days when my kids were young. I struggled with patience and wasn't always kind. But my kids turned out wonderful. They're 37 and 32 today with kids of their own.
Whew.... so good to hear! Thank you for sharing. I wish i never lost my cool, but it happens and I apologize, but I do worry about them sometimes. Loved hearing your perspective looking back
Merry Christmas To You And To You'r Family, You'r A Amazing Mom And You'r Children Are Amazing.
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you too! God bless!
The dried oranges are lovely in the swag. Bread looks beautiful
Just what i needed this month!!! Thanks. Made me tear up
Aww thank you. Hugs!
I loved this video! I identify in a different way. I feel like I'm "a little bit good" at most areas, but not great at anything. So I find myself bouncing around from thing to thing and comparing myself to all the "experts." Thank-you for this beautifully done video essay.
I get that 😀 enjoying to dabble in everything a bit. You do quite well 😀Thanks for watching!
Your son happy for biscuits and gravy is all you need! That is precious!!! Us moms need to get off the Internet and just be real maybe the real you is just what someone else needs!
I can relate so much to most of the video. Just so you know your not alone.
Thanks for sharing ❤ Just what I needed to hear!!
The AUTOIMMUNE LIFE !
✨Fantastic TRUTH! Having comparisons and expectations in our lives and hearts…disrupts and embitters the joy that GOD desires us to have. Knowing this I still struggle with mom/wife guilt. I’m plagued with several autoimmune diseases. I can’t clean our house or fix most meals. I’m in bed lots of days till the afternoon. My husband is the bread winner and maker of our home. I do struggle with guilt. My
strength is in knowing that my life doesn’t take our precious Lord by surprise.
❤ I fully enjoyed this video. Thanks Janine. I want to be the mom that my children need. ❤
thank you! I echo your desire. Have a blessed Christmas!
I can’t believe how big your kids are getting! And Lexi’s beautiful curly hair 😍😍😍
Yes, they are growing so fast! I love her hair. It goes all over the place, LOL.
You’re a great mom! No one can do all the things!! ❤
Thank you 😀 i hope you have a lovely Christmas
@ y’all Merry Christmas!!! ❤️
You're an awesome mom!!! Love the 'book-a-night' concept! I'm a minimalist too. I think your travel planning and adventures are the most incredible gift - such memories are being made! I was in the military and my son traveled with me all over the world. Some of his favorite memories were made in different areas of the world....and because I was in the military, not much money was available. We were minimalists before it was cool to be so!
Aww that's great! I'm sure you have many memories with him. Thank you for your service
“Mom Rage Cleaning”! I love that expression!!! Thanks for the laugh. My own mom used to do it sometimes and now I do too. The frustration with untidiness (and in my case a lack of help from the mess-makers) builds up and sometimes the only outlet is a good rage clean. As long as it doesn’t happen too often, I think it’s therapeutic!
It is therapeutic! Haha I agree. Although I get dangerously close to sweeping the family right out the door too, and they don't deserve that. That's when things get out of hand and I need to watch it 🤪 p.s. i can so relate to the 'lack of help from the mess makers.' 🤣 they do really well actually, but sometimes it feels like nobody cares about it 😅
Oh my goodness you speak truth guided by God. My family is like yours. We don’t worry about anything other than showing love. I use Christmas hand soaps all year. I love the smells better than the florals. Thank you for this heart warming video. ❤️🎄
Love this! 😀 sounds like me. I also could use Christmas scents all year because I love them 😀 i think we'd get along quite well
❤ love this video. You are doing an awesome job.
Dear sweet Lovely Woman....Mother.....Wife....Believer...Extraordinary Entrepreneur
I am a 78yr old raving fan. Your children will remember and cherish the kitchen time of making and consuming. They will repeat your holiday traditions of live tree swags and baked orange ornaments. They will cherish the Nativity carrying the truth it represents through to the next generation. I taught 2yr Old children Sunday School. My son was in the class and remembers more than I do😊
You are teaching arts and crafts all day long with the gift of your love and presence in their lives. The book per day is a wonderful advent calendar for all ages.
You are one woman who is always available to support and help your son and daughter with love. You are a strong protective
compassionate kind intuitive caring mother. God bless you.
P.S. Dust is a protective covering. Shared by a friend and toddler Mom when teaching the two year old group😊
That is so sweet, thank you! You left such a kind message, it means a lot. Dust is a protective covering 😀 I'll tuck that one away. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Comparison is one of the biggest robber of joy! And yet it it something I still deal with. God has made each of us unique, given gifts that we are to both bear His image and bless others with. I have also found that less time on many of the social medias, and more time focusing on Him and in His word is refreshing. Each day asking to only say and do what we hear the Father tell us, becomes freeing!
Amen! It's so easy to understand, so hard to implement. And I agree with the social media and focusing on our heavenly Father. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and being real. 🙏🏻
I love your garland!🙏🏻❤️🎄👍🏻
Growing up, we didn't have crafts or projects either. Just coloring books. I never felt like i missed anything. For me, the most important thing was that my mom was HOME. If i needed something, she was there. I just pray I can keep being blessed to be a stay at home mom, as many are not able to
You know, I echo that. When mom wasnt home something felt off. I didn't grow up with much extra goings on either. Just entertained myself. And it truly is a privilege to be able to be a stay at home mom. I completely agree
You’ve made a beautiful home. I love having dinner overnight together as a family. The laundry is never finished so don’t worry about it. As soon as you catch up someone changes their clothes and there you go more dirty laundry.
Laundry is like a never ending battle! 😄 what you said is truth. Thanks for being here!
Oh wow so so relatable!! Thanks so much Janeen! You had me laughing at the relatable-ness. I love your thoughts and shots of normal life. I am that Baking mom-I just love it!! But then I’m easily guilted by the Cleaning mom and Healthy mom. This is a journey for me too. Thanks again for sharing…
😁 I'm glad you enjoyed. I figured i can't be the only one! And hats off to you for the joy of baking. Lean into and feed the starving families that have dreamers for mothers. 🤣🤣 just kidding. I couldn't resist. But I love a baking mom's kitchen and fridge.
Haha will do. Come over and stock up for your family anytime… gives my Healthy Mom ideal a sigh of relief to get them out of here🤭
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the palette you used and trying to strive to do it! Off white, pine boughs, tan or camel colors. It's easy in the eye. I always did Too much and kids grew and don't want all my lights and decorations it all the totes. I do exactly like you, anxiety where to place it. I move it 4 times over a couple weeks until I'm ok then take a picture thinking I'll do it the exact same way next year. But I open a tote then think where are those pictures on my cell phone and just do it ..same process. You have to remain in the moment. Sounds like you're hyper vigilante and fretting to do it perfectly or comparing. I've learned if I see a picture of room I like I screen shot and then examine what it is that I like. I like too much. It's actually helping me organize my thoughts and get rid of it repurpose things to give it a new look. You've described everything so comprehensively here so it's like identify with it like it's a soft blanket. Hope your holidays are soft, cozy, warm, spicy, laughter and building memories. You're special. Stop beating yourself up. Your kids will thank you when they are older and have already learned that you're giving nature is huge to them, your husband, home and you're even juggling a business and entertaining us. I'm humbled by you and your strength. Yes. Now so take a long bath with some white noise ocean or Christmas music. Then have some hot cocoa to calm you for bedtime. 🌲 🎁🌲🎁🌲
Each year add oranges or small red berries even from a hike. Kids can paint acorns to change the color scheme or add to it. The greenery is what makes us happy. 😊
I just found you through Lynnette Yoder. I’m loving your blogs. Great.
Thank you, I'm honored to have you here!
Thanks so much for this video,Jeanine! So needed ,so true! -Another mama
"Love is everything" ❤from a Mom of 5 daughters
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!!!
I needed to hear this 💖
You are a beautiful person. You have a beautiful family. Your words speak so much truth …. having a loving home, faith in God. I once had all of that. Losing a son at 18, then life takes your husband during Christmas season n lastly you just found out that your other son is separated from his wife ( which you found out it hasn’t b a marriage in 10 years).
My life felt perfect until I started to lose those that I loved dearly. I have not lost my faith my belief in God. Through all of the years He had kept me strong. Let us all except what comes our way n be thankful that God made each of us all different n blessed us with love.
I am guilty of not being faithful in seeing your videos. Life has taken many turns in my life lately but I’m so thankful I watched this video. It touched me deeply. I meant what I said “ you are a beautiful person.”
Merry Christmas to you Janine n to your whole family. God blesses you dearly.
♥️🥰👍🌟🌲
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and difficulties. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child and then your husband. And now you have to face each Christmas season with mixed emotions. Sending hugs I've this time. I appreciate your testimony and faith. Stay strong and prayers for you and your family
@ Thank you Janine. I truly appreciate your prayers very much. I sure can use them. God bless you
I needed this today! I'm a mom of two too. I guess we're struggling with the same thing.
The battle is real. 😀 I hope you have a lovely Christmas
Great video! We mothers need to give ourself grace.
Amen to that!
Great reminder. Just focus and embrace the things you enjoy doing for your family....your the "fun experience" and "book reading" mom, you dont have to be the tidy house and crafty mom! Im the book and crafty mom which automically cancels out any tidiness! But thats because messes dont stress me out😂
I love that! The craft mom always fascinates me and makes me want to be a kid again. Keep it up!
Another lovely video ~
Merry Christmas 🎄
I needed your video today! Thank you so much! 🙂
I am the worst at putting terrible expectations on myself, far more than anyone else would expect. It’s been really tough since my husband died because I don’t get any help. He was always so willing to run the vacuum, load the dishwasher, cook a meal, or scrub a floor if it helped relieve some pressure on me while decorating, baking, and wrapping gifts.
I have spent the last 3 days working on my tree. It’s an old artificial tree that’s gotten difficult to wrangle and then the lights were giving me fits. I finally gave up and went to Walmart this morning to buy some new lights. I have finally gotten the garland strung and started putting the ornaments on. Hopefully I’ll have it done before dinner time.
First I'm so sorry for your loss... I don't see how you do it alone, as i look at my life and how most I rely on my husband. Don't stress out of you don't get it done! Honestly. It's OK. 😀
Daily mom guilt here. As a single mom with no family close to help, it’s constantly on my mind that I can’t sit down and play with my kiddo as much as I would like. I’m always doing laundry dry, dishes, cleaning or cooking. Meanwhile my ex has his father under the same roof to help so the work load is split.
Someday my kiddo will understand the weight of being a single parent. And hopefully 🤞🏼 appreciate how hard his mama worked at giving him a clean loving home.
You’re doing a great job, hang in there. Being a single parent is so taxing and difficult. Your children will understand and appreciate all you've done for them. Hang in there!
You have a very wise words you need to follow your own thoughts and practices! God’s blessings 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏 stay safe and warm!! Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year! 💜🎆💜
thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too!
Great video, all l see is 2 happy , smiling kids, so you're doing something right, the sour dough bread looks delicious, so don't fret the small things, the house cleaning will can wait,enjoy yourself. Robyn .... Australia
You're right, it's all about perspective! Thank you 😀 Happy Holidays from the states!
Well done in open honesty. I’m similar in my joys.