{I feel a bit like her right now}
... but not dead, just a bit smothered/ smashed ;)
Things have been a little crazy lately & I'm having trouble keeping up with emails, requests, etc. I apologize to anyone I haven't gotten back to (especially those who've asked me to check out their blogs & whom I haven't gotten back to) and hope you can understand that I'm at a kind of busy point in life right now. I have an insane amount of guilt about missing emails/ not having enough time to respond/ not reading all of the blogs I love & I hope you know it never comes from a place of thinking I'm important/ above anything or anyone... I'm just running out of time. As I type right now I hear my husband in the other room tucking in our two-year-old, reading him a story.
Every now & then I'll read a post on a blog that says how we (as bloggers) are supposed to act and what we're supposed to do. I usually agree with them 100% in theory (comment on people's blogs who comment on yours, always thank people for the sweet emails, comments, etc) but am just not physically able to keep up and do what I should do. There are so many amazing new blogs popping up and I sadly have to face the fact that I can't keep up.
I love blogging. I really do. But if I followed all of the etiquette/ rules, I wouldn't be able to even write my blog anymore. There simply aren't enough hours in the day. So I apologize if I haven't responded to you or if you haven't seen my comments lately. I really do care- I just have someone needing me almost every minute of the day here at home.
Also, thanks so much to everyone pointing out that my name was misspelled on the new blog layout. I had caught that too and since it was so confusing want to let you know that it's "Liess" (you can do the whole "I" before "E" thing to remember ;). There are also still a bunch of kinks being worked out with the blog & the links & fonts, etc. and I'm hoping it gets resolved quickly and as soon as it does, I'll give you the real tour ;)
Hope everyone had a good weekend and big hug,
lauren
ps- am still slowly adding back my blogroll. If you don't see yours on here, it's not because I'm removing you, it's simply because it's going to take a while to get it retyped. I know how important our blogrolls are to each other & will get on it as soon as I can. thanks for being patient! :)
And now off to read some bedtime stories!!
As a decorator & a textile designer, this is my place to muse... perfection doesn't interest me; Reality and charm do. Fresh floppy flowers from the garden over long-stemmed roses any day, I love it when things are slightly off and tell a story. 
53 comments:
We totally forgive you!! You are so sweet, how could we not :)
Go take care of your beautiful boys now :)
Funny picture, but it DOES perfectly reflect how life feels, sometimes. Take a deep breath.....BREATHE..... and meet each challenge one day at a time. I think everyone totally understands! xx P&H
When I first started blogging, I was going to write a post called "Bloggers must have dirty houses" or something like that because of all the time it takes to research, blog, comment, etc. Something's gotta give. I don't even post that frequently but took a 2 week blogging break because of work and family commitments. I often wonder how bloggers find time to post everyday or more than once a day - what with work, family, kids, exercise. So don't have any guilt - young family, design business, successful blog - that's a lot.
Lauren--I have never felt so out of whack than in those months following the births of both of my sons (now 3 and 18 mos). You are not alone and it will get better. If someone gets upset that you do not comment enough, or respond timely enough, than they are not worth your "blog friendship." Take your time and adjust to being a mother of two. Blogging should be fun and you shouldn't have to feel bad about it! Your blog is wonderful.
I think anyone with a blog understands how you feel. Someimes there is so much to do it can become overwhelming. You continue to inspire others with all that you do!
We'll always be here! Be kind to yourself and let the unimportant things in life go right now. Enjoy every second of motherhood -- you are so blessed to have two gorgeous little guys who adore you!
OUCH...but hey...look on the bright side,you have pretty red shoes!
Family first. Take your time. savor the moments...we'll survive. We're big.
Take a deep breath, you can blog when you have time! No worries...Janell
Whatever you do, wear a smile and always make time for a kiss goodnight! (and a bed time story too)
Now if only we could invent that via blog land, we could all swap stories whilst the other got caught up.
Never feel guilty about the ole blog or e-mails, the kids come first and that includes husbands.
pve
Dear Lauren,
I want to thank you for your beautiful blog and you should never apologize for putting family first. I am a Hospice RN and when I come home I need peace and tranquility and your blog has helped and taught me to make changes without fear. I nw come home to apreety place because of you, fo take all the time you need. Gina
Feeling a little squashed myself right now, Lauren. Guilty of the very same things but for not nearly as cute a reason. Love the new look so far, btw, kinks and all.
Apologizing is hardly necessary. The people who love you and your blog will be here whether you're posting daily or not. Besides, it's about quality not quantity. Family first. We've all been there (or are there as the case may be!). Keep doing what you're doing :)
xo Marija
OMGosh! That exact picture used to scare me to death when I was little!!! :) I look forward to your posts and will wait patiently while you attend to what really matters most ~
Sarah
Blogging should be fun sweetie!
Just do what time allows and enjoy!
We're all busier at certain times, blogging should be guilt free,
Like ICE CREAM!!!!!
Ha!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...
Hang in there, Lauren! (And, we completely understand!)
Sometimes life moves too fast, especially with the "stress" of social media! Take care...everyone can wait! ;)
Hang in there! Enjoy those little ones.
Lauren, You poor thing. I am sorry you feel guilty at all. It is not necessary on my account. I always admire the blogger that is so popular,as you are, that they keep family first. When it feels like a job instead of an outlet and fun then it is time to re-group. You do what you need to do and we, your followers will still be here.Take off the ruby slippers and put your feet up and rock your babies, that is what it is truly all about, Hugs Kathysue
I've always thought May is a tough month for moms. So much crammed into 30 short days!! Take it easy and enjoy your fam. We love you!
Sigh, I know exactly how you feel. But I know you have your priorities in order. Those that really count come first. Take a breather sweetie.
By the way, the "new" place looks beautiful.
Going from one to two children was the hardest adjustment for me. All of a sudden you have to split your attention. It's a juggling act, I have four kids now and there are just not enough hours in the day (unless you can live w/o that pesky thing called sleep). Some days I feel like I never stop moving but yet nothing seems to have gotten done. Take a break, time off and get adjusted to your new life!
Blogs are meant to be fun! Certainly not another guilt inducing thing in our lives. Enjoy your family do the things you have to and those of us who really care will be here anyway.
I certainly don't need responses.. ...unless...well maybe...if you see something I have done you really like...then perhaps a small comment sort of...might be ...well pretty good. Tee Hee!!
No worries. What a sweetheart to care so much. Take care of your babies. And have fun. -s
Trust me, I know exactly how you feel!
And I think you're doing great!!
xoxo
dagny
I just found you're blog and thought you'd like this one
about making more interesting stuff from Ikea furniture
http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/
Regards
SBW
Lauren...hang in there. I have moments too where I wonder if I am doing 1/2 a job on everything I try to do. I cannot even imagine how life will be when I am having a baby, tending to a 2.5 year old and moving across country this fall. You have a huge loyal following....I don't think anyone is going anywhere!
You're funny. And you're so sweet- can't imagine anyone being upset with you over blog etiquette!
I'm personally glad you posted this. I sometimes wonder how these other young moms/bloggers seem to get it done effortlessly. Glad to know I'm not the only one who feels like I'm drowning :)
hahaha...that image is so funny!!! I feel like that sooo many days, finally I have an image to go look at that expresses it perfectly!
Lauren, this is something we all struggle with. If I had a newborn at home, I wouldn't get any of this blog stuff done, so you just hang in there girl. It's gotten impossible for me to keep up too & we just all have to do the best we can do. There's no way that I can comment back to everyone who comes by my blog either. There just comes a time when you have to let it go & release the guilt. :)
You just do what you have to do for your family to come first.
You are so sweet - you put a smile on my face! As the mother of five (11yrs. 9,twins 6 & 20 months)I can tell you it's true when they say it goes by so fast...so take all the time you need to read those stories!!!
xoxoKerry
I'm where you are that's for sure!! Love this sweet post Lauren! x Maria
No matter what....being a mom is that hardest job inthe world...smiles.
I started blogging when my youngest was 4 1/2, and just about to start school full time, and I can't even imagine how I would have done it with two little ones in tow! I have never really done the 'reply to every person who comments on the blog', although I do read each and every comment and love hearing from my readers. I think people understand that sometimes blogs need to be less about interaction and more about inspiration.
girl, read those bedtime stories! you can always catch up on the blogs/emails/whatever, but you can't redo time with your sweet babies!
I'm feeling the same way and I probably don't have half as much going on as you do! Hang in there!
life is so busy and we all need more balance..i think we are all in similar boats.. rest well when you can sweetie... xoxo pam
I'm one of those new bloggers that feels like an insane person trying to do all the things we have been told we are supposed to do to increase our readership. I don't know when I have worked so hard at anything. I've often wondered if I ever do "arrive" how much more time will it take? As I have watched your blog, as well as others grow with small children husbands and design businesses I have been completely amazed.
You are precious and your family has to come first. We all admire you even more for showing your true spirit.
I loved reading your blog post. I constantly feel this way without all the comments you get! As I write a style blog aimed at Nashville, I get lots of readers but not so many comments. I think we've become more of a reference guide... I used to be a wee bit jealous, but now I 'm not as I think so many of you are in this boat. We all love to blog but coming up with creative new posts and following proper etiquette is really hard. I applaud you for even trying but even more for posting the lady under the house as your mea culpa! Hang in there. As mine are 12, 8 an 6 I can tell you that you want their impressions to be of you lovin on THEM not lovin on the blog
-Liza Graves
www.styleblueprint.com
Hey, your husband and kids are way more important than saying thanks to some random e-mailer.
Love your blog!
Love the new design so far!!!
I have a hard time keeping up too, and I don't even have kids! So I can only imagine....
I enjoy reading your blog regardless - keep up the wonderful inspiration! And I hope you're able to at least take a deep breath soon.
Take care of yourself - and those little ones. The rest will wait - and be there when you're ready!!
You are one of the younger bloggers out there--I've noticed that many of the "bigger" bloggers don't have young children. Their kids are in school or even grown. So...all of that to say--take care of your babies. Everything else will wait. They won't!!
The new blog looks so clean and happy--congrats!
Oh, the sweet blog, the blog monster. Everyone understands! It's okay to use that delete button instead of reply...especially when young'n's call. :)
So are you going to redecorate that house that just fell on you? ;)
I hear you, Lauren. I had one of these moments yesterday ... and just about every day, to be candid. There's just not enough time in the day. And I don't even have a newborn! Anyone else with small children totally understands where you're coming from. So don't be so hard on yourself ... and make sure to take care of yourself, too! At least that's what I tell myself ...
Hi Lauren, guilt is a killer and I am sorry you are feeling it. I am sure you are overwhelmed right now and wish I were there to answer emails for you. I would write them crazy answers, like 'use a leopard print rug" and they would be like "what is Lauren smoking?" hehe.
I feel the same (busy at work and getting home late) and I don't even have two little ones! I never feel like there is enough time to write someone a proper email, properly follow people's blogs (who I love, let alone the ones I just like!), and even make phone calls and see the people who are real friends. It all feels like a half-assed rush basically.
I know it must be hard trying to promote the business and do jobs and raise the boys. It can be overwhelming. I can imagine, and I can feel your pain, the guilt, the hurrying. I think if we could all get rid of guilt we'd all do much better in life. So try not to feel guilty for anything. You don't owe anyone (except maybe Dave). Give him a kiss and call it a night.
And don't email me! I will be here when you have time in two weeks or two months or two years!
: )
Your number ONE fan,
xox Terri
I'm sure everyone understands. Little babies and life have to take priority and also, if your blog is really really popular and you get lots of comments, I think people sort of realise that you can't respond in the same way as someone who just has to reciprocate a few.
Enjoy your lovely family. I bet that new nursery is a fab bedtime story setting!
I love reading your blog and one thing I learned in business that a man would never do is apologize. We always want to do the right thing but life is a cycle. Sometimes you will have plenty of time and sometimes you won't. It's like friendship - your great friends will be there no matter what and while I'm new to this blogging world - I work full time and only do my blog for my friends - as there are so many blogs out there I don't know how everyone can read them. Take the time for yourself, relax, enjoy your family and your blogger family will be here to support you. :)
Aw, Lauren. **big hug**
I understand how you feel. I suffer from the same type of guilt. When I discover superwoman blogging powers, I'll share. ;) Hang in there and keep up the good work - when you have time. Life first.
Take care.
Roeshel
I love that you put this out there. It looks like you are mega-busy! I just got back to blogging after pregnancy and 8 months with my twins. Blogging was a joy that I didn't want to put totally behind me, so I'm just going to take it as it comes.
Family first, always! The rest finds its way in the cracks of our lives. Hang in there!
Hello Lauren,
I hope you are feeling better.
This is how I have been feeling lately. Family comes first and we have to remind ourselves that we should never feel bad about that. I also want you to know that I leave you comments to let you know that I love what you do. I am really inspired by you. I would NEVER expect you to comment back to me or email me because I left you a comment.
Besides, there isn't enough time in the day to do that. I don't know how you do all that you do & have a blog. You inspire me that is for sure.
I actually almost quit blogging because I started receiving negative comments from an anonymous person. Then I found a great post that another blogger wrote about blogging, and realized sadly I am not the only one who has experienced such a thing.
I hope you are feeling better!
You are such an inspiration and I LOVE your blog!
Take Care,
Maria
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