tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post619064906847760669..comments2023-11-05T06:23:41.645-05:00Comments on Pure Style Home: "Mommy" DecoratorsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-68759385374659127342011-09-13T14:01:34.040-04:002011-09-13T14:01:34.040-04:00Lauren,
The most important job you will ever have...Lauren,<br /><br />The most important job you will ever have in this life is being a mom. God gave you the responsibility to love, guide and nurture your chidlren growing them up into mature, productive, loving people. A career is always second to that. You absolutely did the right thing bringing your baby back home!!!!<br /><br />From everything I have seen of your design work I think you have absolutely stunning taste and amazing talent. God has given you many gifts girl!!! I know it can be overwhelming at times but as long as we keep are perspectives in the proper place everything lines up as it should!<br /><br />Love your blog~Ginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13111064620503580685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-13009887493376584202011-09-09T02:19:21.013-04:002011-09-09T02:19:21.013-04:00I've never posted a comment before-- but I am ...I've never posted a comment before-- but I am crying as I read your post. I have four kids-12 (girl), 4, 2 and 8 months (boys). Trying to run a business, be a mom-- not to mention a wife, sister, friend-- I am failing at them all! Letting someone down everyday-- my clients or my family-- someone always suffers. Anyway-- I think you are doing amazing and an inspiration to me for sure!ashley clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16844599691966696411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-22169185963204584802011-09-02T10:32:06.909-04:002011-09-02T10:32:06.909-04:00You absolutely did the right thing! We did find Ma...You absolutely did the right thing! We did find Mary Poppins and I still feel guilty leaving my daughter every day. It's such a tough situation. You'll find something that works for you and your family!Laurenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03159211441073182387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-69151419018477334812011-09-01T02:47:18.448-04:002011-09-01T02:47:18.448-04:00I wrote a whole post.....and the computer ate it. ...I wrote a whole post.....and the computer ate it. I will write another. I have been there......and my "baby" is 41 years old!<br /><br />XXOO more later. <br /><br />I guess I don't know how to "save" comments!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-40774378186497488702011-08-31T18:43:17.875-04:002011-08-31T18:43:17.875-04:00Lauren,
Do not worry. You are doing just fine. Ha...Lauren,<br /><br />Do not worry. You are doing just fine. Having lived through it all myself with two teenage girls, I can say that if you care about your kids, you will be fine. If you did your job, they will still be rolling their eyes and avoiding you as soon a they turn that corner into the teen years. The bad news....they end up moving away and never call enough, as soon as they get the chance. The good news...they will come back as soon as they need that good ole motherly advice when they buy their first house and start their own family! Hang in! It is all very worth it!katiedidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12682823255667624459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-78632940730695094272011-08-31T14:15:20.132-04:002011-08-31T14:15:20.132-04:00I've done it all ways...FT work with children....I've done it all ways...FT work with children...home five years with them...PT work while they are at school...working from home, etc. And just when i think I have it figured out, something changes (like the HOMEWORK--God, I don't remember my parents being involved in my homework at all...or having it in gradeschool). Know that a lot of your success as a designer is because you are approachable and real. You understand the chaos we all live in! You get things like needing things to clean up but not wanting microsuede. You did the right thing with your son. And you will figure it out. You can do both--but somedays, it's just hard. You will find the right balance...but somedays you just topple over! Hang in there. I love everything you do and am proud that you did what you felt was right for your little man.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07378096593784750923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-70101579274231870462011-08-31T12:04:57.665-04:002011-08-31T12:04:57.665-04:00So many people have said that you are doing a grea...So many people have said that you are doing a great job and encouraged you to trust your instincts. I emphatically agree with them. I have worked full-time throughout my children's formative years. <br /><br />Here is what I learned: I raised my children as the very best parent I knew how to be. I loved them without condition. I stayed home when it was the best thing to do (a lot of working from a home-office now that they are teenagers). I demonstrated to my boys that women are 'can do' and 'successful' and 'strong' in the world. I told them that moms who stay home are amazing. I told them that moms who work are amazing, too.<br /><br />Whatever you decide, you are doing the right thing! <br /><br />BethFly Away Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02336642611039572391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-31149893321851964782011-08-31T11:33:57.078-04:002011-08-31T11:33:57.078-04:00Hi Lauren! I am also a day late, but have to tell ...Hi Lauren! I am also a day late, but have to tell you to find another center or Mary Poppins or whatever. I am also a working design Mom and one of the things that allows me to be able to focus and concentrate is knowing my kids are in good hands (ages 5 and 2 - Actually my 5 year old just went off to Kindergarten, but that is a whole other story!!) They have been going to the same day care since my oldest was 6 months old and that would NEVER ever had happened, no matter how busy they are. You need to find the situation that is right for your family -some people prefer day care and some a nanny. But whatever you do, go easy on yourself. We Mom's have a tendency to be really hard on ourselves - know that it is okay to have days like these and that it will get better. Hang in there!!!! You are not alone!!!Bryant Park Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14690051836086166581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-13552485906041743762011-08-30T22:50:39.953-04:002011-08-30T22:50:39.953-04:00I'm a day late but wanted to make just one mor...I'm a day late but wanted to make just one more comment. The zillions of comments on this subject show you what a hot button this is for women...mothers. While many women don't choose to be childless, still, they miss out on learning how to adapt to so many elements that make up life. Anyone that say things you're talking about, whether they're talking about mothers or elephants..is the stuff of some very sad, unfortunate people. I wonder what the cost difference is for a person to come in and care for the kids vs. You delivering them to daycare. I'm sure you've thought about all this. It's what I did and I never worried about the care of my kids. I also worked a lot at home and was there if they really needed me. Well, enough already. It will all work out. Take care!Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home}https://www.blogger.com/profile/01566967029105521709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-51993447543349264212011-08-30T18:44:23.301-04:002011-08-30T18:44:23.301-04:00I think that it is perfect that you trusted yourse...I think that it is perfect that you trusted yourself and took him out of there. You are very smart and talented!Lynda @ Happenstance Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02480242848686464671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-78150055574060818272011-08-30T16:43:41.705-04:002011-08-30T16:43:41.705-04:00Lauren, you are amazing! Trust your instincts abou...Lauren, you are amazing! Trust your instincts about Justin's daycare, but also trust your instincts about creating just the type of business that's right for you and Dave and your family. Only you two know what works for you guys and you're both so real, genuine, and grounded that I have every confidence you'll continue to surprise and excel us all with your professional career and with your awesome kids. :)<br /><br />Hugs!<br />JoannaJoannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13742063099245165226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-66084604281519839632011-08-30T16:06:21.208-04:002011-08-30T16:06:21.208-04:00Oh Lauren don't be so hard on yourself. As my ...Oh Lauren don't be so hard on yourself. As my mom always says 'this too shall pass' and it will. Just go with your gut instinct and know that you have a ton of friends that wish you nothing but the best in the world because you are so true and honest to yourself and to all. Hugs sent your way and know it will all work out the way it is meant to! xx DanielleDanielle Sigwalt Interiorshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01064602921304008822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-9736896716429885272011-08-30T12:59:38.702-04:002011-08-30T12:59:38.702-04:00Working moms of all types (full-time, part-time, f...Working moms of all types (full-time, part-time, from the home, whatever) need to stick together! Every situation has its challenges and the best you can do is figure out what works for YOUR family. And yes, having small kids sets you apart from the strictly professional world (or at least it seems to in my life). Don't let it get you down! I know that you believe your life is fuller and richer because of those two blonde baby boys :) Hang in there!!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12746777760318892646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-5684654282224515092011-08-30T11:47:41.866-04:002011-08-30T11:47:41.866-04:00I share in the same sentiment as everyone else on ...I share in the same sentiment as everyone else on this post! Good for you for following your instincts on this one. I am a designer who hopes to have children very soon, and often wonder how I will balance the two. I know it won't be easy, as your post attests to. It's extremely challenging running your own business, not to mention with children, and those who don't realize it have no idea what they're talking about! Keep your head up, you've got lots of (virtual) support!!CHIC HABITAT INTERIORShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01151672018427139838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-59389307170276997282011-08-30T11:34:52.019-04:002011-08-30T11:34:52.019-04:00Lauren,
I love your blog and your style. As a wor...Lauren,<br />I love your blog and your style. As a working mom, I totally understand where you are coming from. I woudl have done the same thing with my kids if I felt that way you felt yesterday. I think you are in the Herndon, VA area, my children go to a wonderful daycare called Robert E Simon Center in Reston, I would highly recommend it and am actually happy to drop my children off every morning knowing they are being taken care of with all the love and teaching possible. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-22819452646011312752011-08-30T10:24:43.993-04:002011-08-30T10:24:43.993-04:00I completely 100% understand/empathasize/relate......I completely 100% understand/empathasize/relate...everything. Being a mom is already the hardest job in the world...throw a career on top of it and you're pretty much Superwoman. Give yourself a hug and know you're doing a brilliant job:) xoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00764480778381406769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-57432174168521902112011-08-30T09:48:15.969-04:002011-08-30T09:48:15.969-04:00I am a lawyer, a wife and mom to 2 boys 18 months ...I am a lawyer, a wife and mom to 2 boys 18 months apart. Now they are 7 and 5, but when they were 2 and 4-YIKES! I felt just like you are feeling-my life will never be "normal" again. But rest assured- after a couple years-when the kids start doing things for themselves and you can leave them alone in a room to play together without worrying that they will break something (or each other) it gets much much easier. You CAN have it all-you are fabulous and don't give up!khugheshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14103258612250758274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-26573867508208632972011-08-30T08:02:12.693-04:002011-08-30T08:02:12.693-04:00As a non-parent I would never call you a mommy blo...As a non-parent I would never call you a mommy blogger. You are a wonderful designer that blogs about your designs. You just also happen to be a mom. <br /><br />When I think of the term "mommy blogger" I immediately (negatively, to be sure) think of those women that blog about nothing other than the day-to-day minutia of raising their children. As a childfree-by-choice woman in my mid-30s, there's nothing for me to gain from reading about Timmy's loose tooth, or Johnny's potty training adventures, or little Sally's tea party. I'm somewhat continuously amazed that there is such an avid following of these types of blogs. Yours I understand because you do beautiful things to homes and give people inspiration to make their homes better. I think you do a huge disservice to yourself by lumping yourself in with the "mommy bloggers" of the world.casacaudillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17737547597204258314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-23939524914122420392011-08-30T01:09:01.091-04:002011-08-30T01:09:01.091-04:00You did the right thing. Nothing is as important a...You did the right thing. Nothing is as important as your children. You are incredibly talented and I love your passion for both design and your family. I still struggle with the balancing act and my kids are grown!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14645300685584089367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-64016291493751012432011-08-30T00:36:12.966-04:002011-08-30T00:36:12.966-04:00Lauren, I completely emphathize. I'm in school...Lauren, I completely emphathize. I'm in school part-time right now for interior design with a 2 year old in toe. At times I think-its going to take me forever to finish and I question the credibility I already recieve because I am a part time student, full time mommy. Ultimately however, if it is your passion than it is worth all of your time, effort and emotion. As for your credibility, Lauren, there is no question. To run the risk of sounding creepy-I've been blog stalking you for a while now and I always find your style fresh, original and full of genuine talent.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01765567747399589127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-66731362661505790242011-08-30T00:27:32.115-04:002011-08-30T00:27:32.115-04:00I wish I could give you a big hug! Sorry you had a...I wish I could give you a big hug! Sorry you had a rough day, but please don't doubt yourself. You are a fantastic designer and mom. You have good instincts in both areas of your life, and a willingness to listen to them.<br /><br />It's hard to balance so many hats. I'm struggling with that myself right now. I so desperately want to go back to school for interior design, but the childcare issue is a deterrent at the moment. I've been wracking my brain for months now trying to find a solution that will work for us that won't cost a boatload of money for childcare, never mind trying to think ahead about what I'll do when someone gets sick and can't go to school (or daycare.) It's frustrating, and it really makes me wonder how single parents juggle it all.<br /><br />As for the "mommy decorator" comment- I call bull. You are a professional. You're inspiring (and part of the reason I decided to change my major when I do go back to school.) You breathe design AND family and it's lovely to see.Confessions of an Undomestic Divahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00641500951914326312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-55482542666093916802011-08-29T23:46:47.246-04:002011-08-29T23:46:47.246-04:00I just want to share some of my experiences with y...I just want to share some of my experiences with you.. I worked for 12+ years and both my kids went to daycare. The oldest went at 1 yr. and the second went at 6 mths. I spent my lunch hours going to nurse #2 at the caregivers everyday for 6 months so he could be breastfeed as for his first year. My daughter{#1} always had a terrible time adjusting to daycare. It was horrible at times. We changed daycares when she was 2 and she went on a hunger strike and wouldn't eat while she was there. This went on for a week. I laid awake at nights worrying about her.I thought the caregiver was a wonderful lady with an amazing day care...great play areas, a beautiful outdoor space, great toys...lots of love & patience to give. The problem was not the caregiver...it was simply my daughter adjusting to a new place. Eventually, she adjusted and loved it there! We just needed to give her time. And she actually stayed at that daycare until she was 7 years old {before & after school care}. Maybe Justin needs more time to adjust to new surroundings after being home with you all summer? Maybe he is not going to be a 'drop off' kind of child at this age. He may need more time to adjust...like maybe short visits of an hour or two before he gets left for the whole day. If you have lost confidence in the daycare, that is a very good reason to take him out. I know we want our children to be comforted in times of distress, so in that, the daycare failed. But if he went there last year, you must have been somewhat happy with the care they delivered? Maybe it's time to move on? Or maybe it was just a bad day? You are a great mother. You are a great designer. It's just sometimes...the balance of the two is not so easy to compartmentalize. And it's frustrating. Sometimes being a Mommy and having a career has no clear boundaries...as hard as we try! Even when the kids are older and in school, it's hard because of sick days and illnesses. You just do the best you can! I think your clients hire you because they love your work and I think that if they have to wait a few days because of commitments at home... they should understand! Tomorrow will be a new day! Angie xo<br />PS- The daughter who had a terrible time adjusting to daycares and went on a hunger strike is now a very confident 15 yr. old starting Grade 10 who makes new friends easily, babysits and has a grand social life.Angie@Echoes of Laughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16020199846432437909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-70822464920932211742011-08-29T23:13:44.341-04:002011-08-29T23:13:44.341-04:00I got to this one late. I'm late because from ...I got to this one late. I'm late because from 6 am to 2:30 I am getting teenagers out the door and managing a toddler until its time for me to go to work. <br />I think that it is awful when people diminish a woman's capabilities because her duties in life are varied. Being a mother AND doing a job,in or out of the home is really hard. People who do it with even the tiniest bit of organization are amazing.<br />Next time your mommy world blows up, look at those little faces and remember that you put them first and that's what they need and a decorating emergency can wait.Kerry Steele- Design du Mondehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13066816712379181399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-28687019079539600982011-08-29T22:38:41.372-04:002011-08-29T22:38:41.372-04:00i don't regret becoming a stay at home wife an...i don't regret becoming a stay at home wife and momma when my children were your children's age. I didn't want the mistakes made toward my children to be done at the hands of daycare or by a babysitter.<br /><br />At that time in life, I decided to be a full time momma. <br />Life is start.......this developemental time and phase of life cannot be redone.<br /><br />I don't regret being a homemaker that raised my own children.<br /><br />The Lord has showed me how to do this. <br />dDeannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08019741103496608961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8030308239398272700.post-91607842260728588762011-08-29T22:22:18.648-04:002011-08-29T22:22:18.648-04:00I feel your pain! Unfortunately it's not just ...I feel your pain! Unfortunately it's not just limited to designers but most professions. Even as a lawyer, I feel my work is sometimes discounted because I work a reduced schedule (of course cramming in more work than some full-timers but I digress!). You'll find the right situation. Perhaps a home daycare may be better suited to your needs. Ours has been a godsend for both of my kids!Melissa at HOUSEographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02540947655101366391noreply@blogger.com