I found there were 3 stages in raising my girls. The first stage was the physical work from birth to about 5-6 years old. The second stage from about 6 years old until puberty was financial work, as they wanted what other kids had. The third stage was emotional work with puberty. By their teenage years they all had part time jobs so they bought extra things they wanted. They told me they’re glad they earned money as it taught them the value of a dollar. Some stages were harder than others. Each stage had its pros and cons but they were a joy to raise. I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything. Good luck young moms. Motherhood is hard work but the rewards are enormous! Hang in there. Cherish those precious babies!! 😍😘🥰
Amen, mama! It's more important to spend that time with your kids and to teach them how to clean and do daily life than to have "perfectly" clean everything. I have five kids and spending time together doing life is the lens that just about every decision I make is made through right now.
I really needed to hear the encouragement about how things do get easier with the kids. My son just turned 2 and I'm 10 weeks pregnant with my second baby and sometimes I do get so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I find myself looking forward to that season of life but also I'm trying to be conscious of don't wish these years away. Once they're gone they're gone.
I'm a person who needs regular sleep and get touched out easily. It was so hard when I had babies and toddlers. I have 4 kids 2 yrs to 8 yrs old currently and I am enjoying this stage so much! No sleepless nights,no colicky babies. I get to enjoy my children's unique personalities and watch them experience all the new amazing things. It is worth it and it does get so much better and easier, in my experience. ❤you got this,momma 🎉
Could’ve written this. I’m so cognizant of living in the moment while struggling a lot with my 1 year old. I want to get pregnant this summer and the thought of also coping with the nausea and pure exhaustion makes me want to hold off….forever lol
Relish those years. They go so quickly. My boys are 24, 21 and 16. I feel like the years quickly slipped away without realizing. The saying the days are long but the years are short is so very, very true. Find happiness even in the craziness. Believe it or not your gonna miss this!
I've so been there! I would tell my younger self, Don't forget about fitting in some self/soul care for yourself. Don't lose yourself in Motherhood. Keep your creative outlets alive. Let dad or grandma take the little one for awhile and do something you enjoy. You deserve it! You'll be a better mom for it.
I love the encouragement you shared about this stage with the kids. As I had our first kid all I heard was “soak in these precious baby snuggles, it doesn’t last long, it just gets harder from here” etc etc. And I had horrible PP depression with my first two kids and a very very difficult time with each of them as babies. Now they’re 4 and 2 and I am just amazed by how life gets better and better, easier and easier. They’re learning how to do tiny chores and clean up after themselves way more than I thought they would at these ages, and the second kid is learning everything faster since he follows his brother. I wish I had heard that this can also be true!
I understand the sentiment behind the “you will miss this” comments but they’re mostly unhelpful when we’re struggling in the trenches. Hearing “it gets easier” would be so much more productive for mothers’ mental health! ♥️
@@rdb4996 Thanks! It’s really been a focus recently because they just keep showing us they can do way more than we’ve given them credit for. I think they’ve had developmental growth spurts lately for sure! And it can be frustrating to try to teach but I’m just shocked that we’re actually feeling the benefits from it already. I thought I was investing in 3 years from now with starting “chores” but they actually make our days so much easier NOW. So cool!
My girls are 5 now, and they are finally able to do a lot on their own, I feel like I don't have to be constantly DOING things for them. It is just...so nice. Gotta love these girls on their way to being strong, self-reliant, independent women 💪👭
Natalie, you are an AMAZING mother! I loved the part where Hailey showed up in her third dress of the day. You were so sweet with her. She will always remember the love and intention you put into being her mother. You have inspired me 💕
My twins are 3 right now. Thank you for the encouragement. I feel like I get little to nothing done in a day, and I'm still exhausted every night. I adore them and watching them grow, but it is a lot.
You seem to be doing a great job! Having twins can be really, really exhausting/difficult. My sister's twins kept 3 of us on our toes 24/7 for at least half a year, and really stressed out for a year. We are so blessed to have them, but they drove us to the edge (a lot due to all the adrenaline my sister got while laying in hospital for month so a not to give birth too prematurely (34plus0)). Even without that, two at once can be a handful - parents get stressed having 1 baby! It got a little easier bit by bit after that, and seems to have gotten easier once they reached 6 or so (though I guess easier is a relative term with kids) Hang in there! You're doing great!
Love the encouragement!Moms need to hear that,my oldest of five is Married and moved away almost a year ago.I have big age gaps and when you have older kids and younger ones too it’s a blessing to learn so much and never take advantage of the precious moments!The days are long,but the years are short💜
Thanks for the mama encouragement. It was much needed! I have a 4.5yo, 3yo.and 1.5yo twins. This month in particular has been extremely overwhelming, but life in general is always crazy (particularly "keeping up" with cleaning and tidying). Progress over perfection 100%!
This is wonderful news! Time with kiddos is so fleeting, and you are in the sweet spot with them all right now. Time for slowing down and enjoying their beautiful child like souls and letting them bond and get to know you too. Will make the teens years *much* easier! Take care and enjoy your vacay!
Already watched this episode on tv! Enjoy your much needed and well-deserved vacation!!! Wish I would have heard your phrase, “Progress Over Perfection”, back thirty or more, years ago!! But now at 72, never too old to learn!! You are a blessing, not just for your home tips, but your shared knowledge and wisdom with the Lord!! ❤
I’m homeschooling 3 kids (one with special needs) and I also have chronic illness. I’m so grateful for your channel and I’m so glad you are protecting yourself and your time.
I want to say how much I love that you weren't upset that Haley had changed her dress three times and you embraced it that means the world to me and means the world to her thank you so much for all the positive motivation Natalie I've been having a rough week and you help a lot! :-)❤
Thank you so much for your “it gets easier” encouragement. I’ve been watching your channel for five years (since I was pregnant with my first), and I’ve always enjoyed watching your family and noticing what I can look forward to in the “next” stage. Right now, I’ve got an almost 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 9 month old, and it’s definitely a lot of work (and not a lot of sleep!). So thank you for giving us hope as we wade through the trenches 😊❤️
I also have twin boys who are going to be 9 in August! They are much more helpful with doing things in and outside the house now. I also homeschool. I think part of them being more helpful for me anyway is that I also take care of my 86 year old mom who has dementia and anxiety and work remotely for my job. I can totally understand needing a break. I hope you enjoy your time away!
Natalie, I’ve watched you for years. I’m getting more comfortable commenting on social media and just wanted to say you have been so influential and encouraging in my life. I relate to you in many ways as a Christian, mother, homemaker, gardener and aspiring minimalist and you have been such a positive example. I deeply respect that you are prioritizing your mental health and family. Thank you for the encouragement for me to do the same! I’m an ICU nurse (very part time) and sometimes feel guilty for not picking up as many shifts as my coworkers, but this is what is right for my own mental health and young family right now. Thank you again so much, blessings to you! 💕
I’m in the same boat! Other nurses ask why I don’t pick up as much either but I choose to be with my family. They might not understand that but it’s where I know I need to be! You do what you need to do momma! You’re doing great!
Same here! I'm an ER nurse and work about every other weekend. There is enough need to work way more than full time, but in this season, this is what's right for my kiddos and my own sanity. Just wanted to send a little hug and solidarity your way 💕
I had to pause the video to message you a THANK YOU! My twins are 2 years old and I really appreciated that encouragement about how someday soon, they will be able to contribute more and it WILL get easier!❤
I'm honestly so excited for you! I've been enjoying your videos since becoming a mom 5 years ago and the Lord has truly used your channel to encourage me and draw me closer to him. I've also thought about you so much in balancing it all. Have a great trip!!!
I am just finishing laundry up... I think I've done 6 loads of blankets, sheets, winter outwear today, had day off of work! I had some nieces(teenagers) over this weekend.... hahaha. I knew I needed to wash things, but having them over helped motivate me afterwards.
Thank you for the truly honest review/update on the sofa!! And I am beyond excited you get help with the dream sofa!! God is so faithful to His kids!!! Can’t wait to see makeover!!
May daughter changed constantly. Today at 15 she still changes many times before heading out the door. She can sometimes pick her outfit out before the next day, but it’s definitely a concern of hers. Picking the right outfit for the day. And challenge putting away all the changes.
I think you’re an amazing woman, wife and mother! I appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos. So please take your time and let God guide you. Again it’s so nice to see a warm loving family. Your kids are so adorable, helpful and smart.
Natalie I’m so happy to see you making time for yourself and kids. Your channel is such a blessing to me and brings me peace and joy. You deserve time for your set and your family. Like you said the seasons of our life change and sometimes we need to make changes and that is ok. Looking forward to your videos next month and I hope you enjoy your time away with your family.
We have driven from TX to CA many times (4 kids) and a gallon ziplock snack bag per child was the biggest hit! So I had little bags of beef jerky, snack bars, cracker snacks, dried fruit, cuties and a couple treats. It was the best thing we have done. I hope it goes SOOO well!! ❤❤
So good to see your kids do this. We did the same with ours - now 20, 17 and 15 - and people would say it was weird. But my eldest is at uni and he has to cook for himself totally, shop, keep his room clean etc. So much of a benefit. Also, learning that it is all part of living in a household. We all make the mess, we can all tidy it up.
I love that you put the Lord and your family first. I’ve been watching you since I retired. Our lives are very different but I feel we are more alike than different. Have a great trip!
We took our kids from Utah (16) hour trip to the Redwoods. It is by far one of our most favorite vacations. To be in nature is so refreshing. Hope you enjoy!
Yesterday I was so thrilled about homeschooling and have had a lot of positive days run smoothly. Today has been like hell. 5 months, 2 years and 4 years old kids. I know it's a season but today feels insurmountable... just keep swimming.
I really connected with your decision to pull back a tad and focus on family, I recently changed my career path to better fit my family’s season. My daughter is 14 and I’m finding she needs me home more than ever. I look forward to your videos and will miss not having a vlog every week but the whole reason I watch your channel is your values toward family and showing the reality of life as a mum in an honest and kind way. This decision just shows your values even more. Enjoy your trip would love to see some of the redwood forest.
I seriously admire you Natalie. Thank you for doing you! You will never regret taking this step back to take time with your family. ❤️ Also, I loved the traveling tips with the clear tote for the kiddos and the basket for easy to grab travel items for the van.
Aaand it keeps getting easier! My 17 year old was of school today and kept the laundry and dryer going the entire day. I’m watching this hole cooking dinner meanwhile both my teenagers are cleaning their rooms 🙌
Hailey dancing while you folded laundry was so sweet! I used to do that when I was little. 🥰 I’m excited for you about your upcoming couch upgrade. I have a guess as to the company, and even the finish - it might be the same couch I have on my radar for future purchase. 😉 We decided to settle for a less-expensive couch in the meantime, but I am absolutely noticing the discrepancy in quality. I think I’m officially at the point in life where if I can, I want to purchase quality that will last “forever” because that’s where the value lies, especially for a large family. 😉👍 Hope your family has a marvelous time on your road trip! 🌲
@@NatalieBennett Just for fun, I’ll share my guess. 😉 The couch I’ve had my eye on for a couple years is the brown leather finish from Allform. If yours is different, I’ll be delighted to learn of another great option. 😊
I have a very similar brown jug! We live in Sheffield England just next door to Chesterfield! My youngest is 22 months so still very much in the toys everywhere but living in it and trying to enjoy the creativity of the 6 and 8 year old too as their creativity knows no bounds. It’s a joy 🥰
Have an amazing trip!!! This is literally my fav channel and I’ll support your decision. I love how you are upfront and always find the way to naturally incorporate Jesus in your life. See you in a couple weeks! 🧡
Thank you for the encouragement! This stage with a young child can be challenging with keeping the house clean. I’m trying to remind myself to be the best parent I can be first and the other stuff can happen as I’m able to get to it. Love the videos!
Thank you!! I was sick for 2 days and my house is so behind. I am finally back feeling better and the chores are heavy. My 3 year old and infant aren’t fans. The balance of doing things but spending time with them!
Love the clear tote packing idea. I did a version of this out of necessity because our luggage was at my in laws. I used a laundry basket. It made my visit so much easier than living out of a Mary Poppins suitcase! The tote is a better hack because of the lid though. That way you can put stuff on top in the car. *noted* thanks for another lovely video!
I just want to say that I LOVE the music in your videos!! Please don't ever change it to anything else!! It's always SO refreshing and as a Christ follower myself, it just refreshes my soul!! 🥰
Awww I love so much about this video! My daughter is an early bloomer for losing teeth! She lost her first when she was 4. Now at not yet six and a half shes lost 5 and has a loose one!!! I'm folding laundry along with you today.
Great life choices Natalie. We support anything you do. Just being invited into your home and life is so kind anyway. Your time is precious. And your bird has a white heron painted on his back. 💜💙😉
I hope it’s Allform!! We need a new couch and I’ve been looking at Allform! I am dying to see what you get!! I’m hesitant to about the legs it stands on. I’m so happy for you!! Love your new thrifted birdie!!
I think there is a limit to brown toned vintage pottery, but there is no limit to collecting cute pitchers! Have a wonderful trip and see you in two weeks. I love how you have your priorities straight and take the time as needed to focus on what's most important in your life.
Thanks for the Ikea couch update. Such a bummer! I'm glad for it so I can take that off my list. Furniture these days it's too expensive for the junk they are. ☹️ But what a blessing to have the brand you wanted work with you to get the couch you want! Yay!
Thank you for the encouragement about the baby/toddler years! I’m watching while nursing my one year old, and while I do my best to enjoy the stage I’m in, I also look forward to the stage you’re in! ❤
Listening at work while doing busy work. Love the music and gentle encouragement and jokes. Thanks Natalie for being a great role model for this new mama
I love how you inspire us all to work on our homes. I was prepping for dinner when you were talking about your vegetables. Its the afternoon in California. I feel in my heart, that I am a minimalist like you as well. I have always loved simpcity. I live in a small condo with my husband who thinks our place is cluttered. It's so small I don't have room for stuff I really love. Honestly, over the years, I have gotten ride stuff because it no longer serves a purpose in my life. I don't buy stuff unless it has multiple uses. I also been thrift store shopping too finding all kinds of gems. I am just excited to be on a new journey and to really let go what clutter was physically holding me back from life. Thank you for your videos!! Have fun in California visiting the Redwoods. Some of my favorite places in my state are all the beautiful outdoor places you can go and visit. Welcome to CA for when you get here and enjoy the weather now that our rainstorms have calmed down. We finally got spring this week! :)
Thanks Natalie👍. I sat down to relax with tea and watch your video.. but felt guilty when you talked about the Amazon boxes.. so now I'm off to pack my shopping away and deal with recycle😂... thanks for the motivation 😊.
Loved the encouragement about motherhood! Hit home for me as I have twin 1 year olds. I’m sure you remember the twin baby years! But it’s also so refreshing watching you make decision for your family even though I’m sure it effects other areas in your life. But the Lord sees that and he is providing as you already shared! ❤
I'm not sure about furniture, but I do know that Ikea is very generous with returns. We bought items while driving through a city that had one and wound up not liking the way some of them worked out in our home and was able to take them back even thought it was six months later before we made the trip again. They were totally okay with us just saying it just didn't work out for us. It's worth the try! Especially if you haven't had that couch long and it's not working out at all.
Good for you for stepping a little back on your upload schedule. Grief doesn't have a timeline, so time off work is totally necessary and understandable.
Can't wait to see what this new brand of couch is! I've had hand me down couches for most of my adult life! I would like to have at least 1 time purchase the brand, color and style that I want!! So excited to see the whole makeover of the living room !❤
I paused the video in the middle of your expression of the stage of life you're in with your kids and how much you're enjoying it to discuss with my impending community college graduate the joys of getting a full-time job and preparing for the next stage of life such as budgeting and getting a place of his own eventually.
I hope your lovely family has a wonderful vacation! I don’t comment much, but I just love you and enjoy your channel so much, and I appreciate you. And I think it’s great that you’re putting your family first. I love the songs you chose for your vlogs, too. God bless you!
Natalie, I will surely miss you next week, but I am so proud of you for making more time for what you and your family need. The Lord is good and He surely will provide. I am praying for your health and for your family. I am a homeschooling mom of 4 - one with special needs, and my two youngest very close in age to your children. I hope you had a beautiful vacation and I wish you many blessings! 💜
Have a safe trip! You are so wise to take a break when you need it, whether for your own health, or for family needs. You have to do what's right for you.
I took a leaf out of your book and started decluttering my attic storage. That will take several days but hope we can have so much more space after it's finished. Love the scope, my mom has a tiny one for her salt pot. Really hope the house to home with the new couch works out as you hope! having a good couch is so important for some family comfort. We did years with and uncomfortable couch and I wish we had looked for an other one sooner then we did. Have a great trip! Enjoy some family time, after the last couple of weeks you so deserve it and it makes it more precious. And I totally agree your kids are your number one priority, together with your family life and Weston of course, so do whatever you need to tent to all those needs. I'll wait for the next video.
So thrilled to hear about your new couch. Can’t wait to enjoy it with you ❤so lovely to hear when good things come to good people. Thanks for brightening my day Natalie.
I found there were 3 stages in raising my girls. The first stage was the physical work from birth to about 5-6 years old. The second stage from about 6 years old until puberty was financial work, as they wanted what other kids had. The third stage was emotional work with puberty. By their teenage years they all had part time jobs so they bought extra things they wanted. They told me they’re glad they earned money as it taught them the value of a dollar. Some stages were harder than others. Each stage had its pros and cons but they were a joy to raise. I wouldn’t trade a second of it for anything. Good luck young moms. Motherhood is hard work but the rewards are enormous! Hang in there. Cherish those precious babies!!
😍😘🥰
I love that you're putting family and mental health first rather then content and views. It's refreshing to see
Amen, mama! It's more important to spend that time with your kids and to teach them how to clean and do daily life than to have "perfectly" clean everything. I have five kids and spending time together doing life is the lens that just about every decision I make is made through right now.
Mom of 6 here... I totally second that, Mollie 🙏🤗
Wow! The Christian music was a real breath of fresh air in the background. Thank you 🥰
I really needed to hear the encouragement about how things do get easier with the kids. My son just turned 2 and I'm 10 weeks pregnant with my second baby and sometimes I do get so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I find myself looking forward to that season of life but also I'm trying to be conscious of don't wish these years away. Once they're gone they're gone.
I'm a person who needs regular sleep and get touched out easily. It was so hard when I had babies and toddlers. I have 4 kids 2 yrs to 8 yrs old currently and I am enjoying this stage so much! No sleepless nights,no colicky babies. I get to enjoy my children's unique personalities and watch them experience all the new amazing things. It is worth it and it does get so much better and easier, in my experience. ❤you got this,momma 🎉
Could’ve written this. I’m so cognizant of living in the moment while struggling a lot with my 1 year old. I want to get pregnant this summer and the thought of also coping with the nausea and pure exhaustion makes me want to hold off….forever lol
You’re not alone! Mine is almost 1.5 and it’s definitely hard to keep everything together. But this is only for a time! ❤
Relish those years. They go so quickly. My boys are 24, 21 and 16. I feel like the years quickly slipped away without realizing. The saying the days are long but the years are short is so very, very true. Find happiness even in the craziness. Believe it or not your gonna miss this!
I've so been there! I would tell my younger self, Don't forget about fitting in some self/soul care for yourself. Don't lose yourself in Motherhood. Keep your creative outlets alive. Let dad or grandma take the little one for awhile and do something you enjoy. You deserve it! You'll be a better mom for it.
I love the encouragement you shared about this stage with the kids.
As I had our first kid all I heard was “soak in these precious baby snuggles, it doesn’t last long, it just gets harder from here” etc etc.
And I had horrible PP depression with my first two kids and a very very difficult time with each of them as babies. Now they’re 4 and 2 and I am just amazed by how life gets better and better, easier and easier. They’re learning how to do tiny chores and clean up after themselves way more than I thought they would at these ages, and the second kid is learning everything faster since he follows his brother.
I wish I had heard that this can also be true!
I understand the sentiment behind the “you will miss this” comments but they’re mostly unhelpful when we’re struggling in the trenches. Hearing “it gets easier” would be so much more productive for mothers’ mental health! ♥️
The independence and doing of age appropriate tasks, is really a testament of you as a parent. Great reflection of how you approach raising children 😊
@@rdb4996 Thanks! It’s really been a focus recently because they just keep showing us they can do way more than we’ve given them credit for. I think they’ve had developmental growth spurts lately for sure!
And it can be frustrating to try to teach but I’m just shocked that we’re actually feeling the benefits from it already. I thought I was investing in 3 years from now with starting “chores” but they actually make our days so much easier NOW. So cool!
Love your mindset about motherhood and the day to day. Helps to out in perspective and reassuring 😊
My girls are 5 now, and they are finally able to do a lot on their own, I feel like I don't have to be constantly DOING things for them. It is just...so nice. Gotta love these girls on their way to being strong, self-reliant, independent women 💪👭
Natalie, you are an AMAZING mother! I loved the part where Hailey showed up in her third dress of the day. You were so sweet with her. She will always remember the love and intention you put into being her mother. You have inspired me 💕
My twins are 3 right now. Thank you for the encouragement. I feel like I get little to nothing done in a day, and I'm still exhausted every night. I adore them and watching them grow, but it is a lot.
You seem to be doing a great job! Having twins can be really, really exhausting/difficult. My sister's twins kept 3 of us on our toes 24/7 for at least half a year, and really stressed out for a year. We are so blessed to have them, but they drove us to the edge (a lot due to all the adrenaline my sister got while laying in hospital for month so a not to give birth too prematurely (34plus0)). Even without that, two at once can be a handful - parents get stressed having 1 baby! It got a little easier bit by bit after that, and seems to have gotten easier once they reached 6 or so (though I guess easier is a relative term with kids) Hang in there! You're doing great!
Love the encouragement!Moms need to hear that,my oldest of five is Married and moved away almost a year ago.I have big age gaps and when you have older kids and younger ones too it’s a blessing to learn so much and never take advantage of the precious moments!The days are long,but the years are short💜
Thanks for the mama encouragement. It was much needed! I have a 4.5yo, 3yo.and 1.5yo twins. This month in particular has been extremely overwhelming, but life in general is always crazy (particularly "keeping up" with cleaning and tidying). Progress over perfection 100%!
This is wonderful news! Time with kiddos is so fleeting, and you are in the sweet spot with them all right now. Time for slowing down and enjoying their beautiful child like souls and letting them bond and get to know you too. Will make the teens years *much* easier! Take care and enjoy your vacay!
Already watched this episode on tv! Enjoy your much needed and well-deserved vacation!!! Wish I would have heard your phrase, “Progress Over Perfection”, back thirty or more, years ago!! But now at 72, never too old to learn!! You are a blessing, not just for your home tips, but your shared knowledge and wisdom with the Lord!! ❤
I’m homeschooling 3 kids (one with special needs) and I also have chronic illness. I’m so grateful for your channel and I’m so glad you are protecting yourself and your time.
Good for you Natalie. As the kiddos get older life changes, don’t worry we will always look forward to videos whenever you can upload them!
I want to say how much I love that you weren't upset that Haley had changed her dress three times and you embraced it that means the world to me and means the world to her thank you so much for all the positive motivation Natalie I've been having a rough week and you help a lot! :-)❤
Just patiently waiting waiting for a curriculum plan for next year ❤️
Enjoy your vacation. Enjoy your breaks from uploading. Time spent with children/family is priceless.
Thank you so much for your “it gets easier” encouragement. I’ve been watching your channel for five years (since I was pregnant with my first), and I’ve always enjoyed watching your family and noticing what I can look forward to in the “next” stage. Right now, I’ve got an almost 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 9 month old, and it’s definitely a lot of work (and not a lot of sleep!). So thank you for giving us hope as we wade through the trenches 😊❤️
I also have twin boys who are going to be 9 in August! They are much more helpful with doing things in and outside the house now. I also homeschool. I think part of them being more helpful for me anyway is that I also take care of my 86 year old mom who has dementia and anxiety and work remotely for my job. I can totally understand needing a break. I hope you enjoy your time away!
Natalie, I’ve watched you for years. I’m getting more comfortable commenting on social media and just wanted to say you have been so influential and encouraging in my life. I relate to you in many ways as a Christian, mother, homemaker, gardener and aspiring minimalist and you have been such a positive example. I deeply respect that you are prioritizing your mental health and family. Thank you for the encouragement for me to do the same! I’m an ICU nurse (very part time) and sometimes feel guilty for not picking up as many shifts as my coworkers, but this is what is right for my own mental health and young family right now. Thank you again so much, blessings to you! 💕
I’m in the same boat! Other nurses ask why I don’t pick up as much either but I choose to be with my family. They might not understand that but it’s where I know I need to be! You do what you need to do momma! You’re doing great!
You are so sweet to comment with such kind words. Thank you, Charity!
Same here! I'm an ER nurse and work about every other weekend. There is enough need to work way more than full time, but in this season, this is what's right for my kiddos and my own sanity. Just wanted to send a little hug and solidarity your way 💕
@@jthenson920 Thank you! Same back to you!
@@jennburk Yes I understand! Solidarity to you as well; sounds like you are making wise decisions!
I have used totes for clothes for vacation time, camping etc. for years. So so easy!
I had to pause the video to message you a THANK YOU! My twins are 2 years old and I really appreciated that encouragement about how someday soon, they will be able to contribute more and it WILL get easier!❤
I'm honestly so excited for you! I've been enjoying your videos since becoming a mom 5 years ago and the Lord has truly used your channel to encourage me and draw me closer to him. I've also thought about you so much in balancing it all. Have a great trip!!!
Loved this video Natalie. I needed this breath of fresh air with having a toddler and a three month old. Thank you so much! 💕
I am just finishing laundry up... I think I've done 6 loads of blankets, sheets, winter outwear today, had day off of work! I had some nieces(teenagers) over this weekend.... hahaha. I knew I needed to wash things, but having them over helped motivate me afterwards.
Thank you for the truly honest review/update on the sofa!! And I am beyond excited you get help with the dream sofa!! God is so faithful to His kids!!! Can’t wait to see makeover!!
May daughter changed constantly. Today at 15 she still changes many times before heading out the door. She can sometimes pick her outfit out before the next day, but it’s definitely a concern of hers. Picking the right outfit for the day. And challenge putting away all the changes.
I think you’re an amazing woman, wife and mother! I appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos. So please take your time and let God guide you. Again it’s so nice to see a warm loving family. Your kids are so adorable, helpful and smart.
Natalie I’m so happy to see you making time for yourself and kids. Your channel is such a blessing to me and brings me peace and joy. You deserve time for your set and your family. Like you said the seasons of our life change and sometimes we need to make changes and that is ok. Looking forward to your videos next month and I hope you enjoy your time away with your family.
Yay for the couch. Looking forward to how it holds up to the active world.
We have driven from TX to CA many times (4 kids) and a gallon ziplock snack bag per child was the biggest hit! So I had little bags of beef jerky, snack bars, cracker snacks, dried fruit, cuties and a couple treats. It was the best thing we have done. I hope it goes SOOO well!! ❤❤
So good to see your kids do this. We did the same with ours - now 20, 17 and 15 - and people would say it was weird. But my eldest is at uni and he has to cook for himself totally, shop, keep his room clean etc. So much of a benefit. Also, learning that it is all part of living in a household. We all make the mess, we can all tidy it up.
I love that you put the Lord and your family first. I’ve been watching you since I retired. Our lives are very different but I feel we are more alike than different. Have a great trip!
We took our kids from Utah (16) hour trip to the Redwoods. It is by far one of our most favorite vacations. To be in nature is so refreshing. Hope you enjoy!
Yesterday I was so thrilled about homeschooling and have had a lot of positive days run smoothly. Today has been like hell. 5 months, 2 years and 4 years old kids. I know it's a season but today feels insurmountable... just keep swimming.
So glad to hear that you're taking more time for your family. You'll never regret it. God be with you.😊
Happy birthday, Hailey! I hope y’all had a great vacation! I totally get the break and change of focus. Enjoy your babies, they grow so fast!
Boundaries are beautuful. Cheering you on as you take a little step back. 👏
I really connected with your decision to pull back a tad and focus on family, I recently changed my career path to better fit my family’s season. My daughter is 14 and I’m finding she needs me home more than ever. I look forward to your videos and will miss not having a vlog every week but the whole reason I watch your channel is your values toward family and showing the reality of life as a mum in an honest and kind way. This decision just shows your values even more. Enjoy your trip would love to see some of the redwood forest.
We love and support you Natalie! Also, thank you for the encouragement with the littles, it was much needed 💕
I seriously admire you Natalie. Thank you for doing you! You will never regret taking this step back to take time with your family. ❤️
Also, I loved the traveling tips with the clear tote for the kiddos and the basket for easy to grab travel items for the van.
Thank you for being honest about the couch. Ive been shopping around for one as well and its nice to see how real life has affected the wear.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when you mentioned the brown jug being from Chesterfield, England. I live 12 miles away from there.
We love you Natalie! Thank you for this reminder to us that we sometimes need to take that extra time for what's truly important to us.
Aaand it keeps getting easier! My 17 year old was of school today and kept the laundry and dryer going the entire day. I’m watching this hole cooking dinner meanwhile both my teenagers are cleaning their rooms 🙌
We champion you no matter what! Excited you’ll have a teensy bit more margin. Thank YOU for your constant encouragement and inspiration. ❤️
Thank you for the encouragements. My boys are 2 and 3,5 y.o. and it’s hard!!
Hailey dancing while you folded laundry was so sweet! I used to do that when I was little. 🥰 I’m excited for you about your upcoming couch upgrade. I have a guess as to the company, and even the finish - it might be the same couch I have on my radar for future purchase. 😉 We decided to settle for a less-expensive couch in the meantime, but I am absolutely noticing the discrepancy in quality. I think I’m officially at the point in life where if I can, I want to purchase quality that will last “forever” because that’s where the value lies, especially for a large family. 😉👍 Hope your family has a marvelous time on your road trip! 🌲
I resonate so much with this! Quality has become so important and worth the extra time to save up!
@@NatalieBennett Just for fun, I’ll share my guess. 😉 The couch I’ve had my eye on for a couple years is the brown leather finish from Allform. If yours is different, I’ll be delighted to learn of another great option. 😊
Hope you all have a fantastic trip
Time is so precious. We all support what is best for you and your family.
I have a very similar brown jug! We live in Sheffield England just next door to Chesterfield!
My youngest is 22 months so still very much in the toys everywhere but living in it and trying to enjoy the creativity of the 6 and 8 year old too as their creativity knows no bounds. It’s a joy 🥰
Have an amazing trip!!! This is literally my fav channel and I’ll support your decision. I love how you are upfront and always find the way to naturally incorporate Jesus in your life. See you in a couple weeks! 🧡
Enjoy your week off! I do enjoy my Tuesday video. Glad it's adding peace to your life.
Thank you for the encouragement! This stage with a young child can be challenging with keeping the house clean. I’m trying to remind myself to be the best parent I can be first and the other stuff can happen as I’m able to get to it. Love the videos!
Totally love and support your decision to work space and time into your life for what matters!!! ❤
Thank you!! I was sick for 2 days and my house is so behind. I am finally back feeling better and the chores are heavy. My 3 year old and infant aren’t fans. The balance of doing things but spending time with them!
Hi Natalie! I’ll be here waiting for your videos. Love your channel! Thank you for sharing. ❤😊 have fun! God bless you all!
Love the clear tote packing idea. I did a version of this out of necessity because our luggage was at my in laws. I used a laundry basket. It made my visit so much easier than living out of a Mary Poppins suitcase!
The tote is a better hack because of the lid though. That way you can put stuff on top in the car. *noted* thanks for another lovely video!
Total respect and support for your decision to adjust your upload schedule!
Packing with a clear bin is such a game changer for sure!!! It's so much easier to pack, unpack, etc. 👏👏👏
So glad your able to get a new couch. I hope you had an amazing weekend celebrating your sweet girl and family.
I just want to say that I LOVE the music in your videos!! Please don't ever change it to anything else!! It's always SO refreshing and as a Christ follower myself, it just refreshes my soul!! 🥰
I just love following genuine youtubers and you are totally one of them. Continue what you think best for you and your family. Love from Turkey 💕💕
Awww I love so much about this video! My daughter is an early bloomer for losing teeth! She lost her first when she was 4. Now at not yet six and a half shes lost 5 and has a loose one!!! I'm folding laundry along with you today.
Thank you for your excellent and encouraging videos. You won't regret taking a break each month. Family time and rest is a good thing.
New sofa is exciting! Can’t wait to see it. Have a great time on your trip! ❤️
Great life choices Natalie. We support anything you do. Just being invited into your home and life is so kind anyway. Your time is precious.
And your bird has a white heron painted on his back. 💜💙😉
Fully support a mom putting her children and family first!! Looking forward to seeing that dream couch! ❤
Safe travels! Relax and enjoy!
Have a fabulous vacation!!
I hope it’s Allform!! We need a new couch and I’ve been looking at Allform! I am dying to see what you get!! I’m hesitant to about the legs it stands on. I’m so happy for you!! Love your new thrifted birdie!!
I think there is a limit to brown toned vintage pottery, but there is no limit to collecting cute pitchers!
Have a wonderful trip and see you in two weeks. I love how you have your priorities straight and take the time as needed to focus on what's most important in your life.
Thanks for the Ikea couch update. Such a bummer! I'm glad for it so I can take that off my list. Furniture these days it's too expensive for the junk they are. ☹️ But what a blessing to have the brand you wanted work with you to get the couch you want! Yay!
Thank you for the encouragement about the baby/toddler years! I’m watching while nursing my one year old, and while I do my best to enjoy the stage I’m in, I also look forward to the stage you’re in! ❤
I love that you are making the choice to *scale back* in one area of life to *scale up* your family & mental health!
Natalie prompting me to sort my laundry is a godsend ngl 😅
Listening at work while doing busy work. Love the music and gentle encouragement and jokes. Thanks Natalie for being a great role model for this new mama
I love how you inspire us all to work on our homes. I was prepping for dinner when you were talking about your vegetables. Its the afternoon in California. I feel in my heart, that I am a minimalist like you as well. I have always loved simpcity. I live in a small condo with my husband who thinks our place is cluttered. It's so small I don't have room for stuff I really love. Honestly, over the years, I have gotten ride stuff because it no longer serves a purpose in my life. I don't buy stuff unless it has multiple uses. I also been thrift store shopping too finding all kinds of gems. I am just excited to be on a new journey and to really let go what clutter was physically holding me back from life. Thank you for your videos!! Have fun in California visiting the Redwoods. Some of my favorite places in my state are all the beautiful outdoor places you can go and visit. Welcome to CA for when you get here and enjoy the weather now that our rainstorms have calmed down. We finally got spring this week! :)
Thanks Natalie👍. I sat down to relax with tea and watch your video.. but felt guilty when you talked about the Amazon boxes.. so now I'm off to pack my shopping away and deal with recycle😂... thanks for the motivation 😊.
So happy for your family. I can't wait to see your new furniture!
Loved the encouragement about motherhood! Hit home for me as I have twin 1 year olds. I’m sure you remember the twin baby years! But it’s also so refreshing watching you make decision for your family even though I’m sure it effects other areas in your life. But the Lord sees that and he is providing as you already shared! ❤
What a fun adventure! I’m looking forward to when road trips won’t be so hard to do. Loved this video, and am happy to see you thriving as a family.
I'm not sure about furniture, but I do know that Ikea is very generous with returns. We bought items while driving through a city that had one and wound up not liking the way some of them worked out in our home and was able to take them back even thought it was six months later before we made the trip again. They were totally okay with us just saying it just didn't work out for us. It's worth the try! Especially if you haven't had that couch long and it's not working out at all.
Always family first. Health must be a priority.
what a fun video! Haylee is a just a little ray of sunshine! love seeing how helpful the boys are too! I'm going to show this to my girl.
You are such an inspiration, including for taking time for your family and health! ❤❤❤
Good for you for stepping a little back on your upload schedule. Grief doesn't have a timeline, so time off work is totally necessary and understandable.
Can't wait to see what this new brand of couch is! I've had hand me down couches for most of my adult life! I would like to have at least 1 time purchase the brand, color and style that I want!! So excited to see the whole makeover of the living room !❤
I paused the video in the middle of your expression of the stage of life you're in with your kids and how much you're enjoying it to discuss with my impending community college graduate the joys of getting a full-time job and preparing for the next stage of life such as budgeting and getting a place of his own eventually.
“To every time there is a season!” ♥️
I hope your lovely family has a wonderful vacation! I don’t comment much, but I just love you and enjoy your channel so much, and I appreciate you. And I think it’s great that you’re putting your family first. I love the songs you chose for your vlogs, too. God bless you!
Thank you for a great video. Hope you have a great vacation and enjoy your family they need you more than RUclips 🥰🥰🥰
Have a great time on your trip 😊 soak up all the family time 💞
So happy you are seeking the Lord, listening, and doing what is best for your family.
Natalie, I will surely miss you next week, but I am so proud of you for making more time for what you and your family need.
The Lord is good and He surely will provide.
I am praying for your health and for your family. I am a homeschooling mom of 4 - one with special needs, and my two youngest very close in age to your children.
I hope you had a beautiful vacation and I wish you many blessings! 💜
Finding a couch that can withstand a family is so difficult! Looking forward to seeing what you get. We desperately need a new one.
Have a safe trip! You are so wise to take a break when you need it, whether for your own health, or for family needs. You have to do what's right for you.
I took a leaf out of your book and started decluttering my attic storage. That will take several days but hope we can have so much more space after it's finished.
Love the scope, my mom has a tiny one for her salt pot. Really hope the house to home with the new couch works out as you hope! having a good couch is so important for some family comfort. We did years with and uncomfortable couch and I wish we had looked for an other one sooner then we did.
Have a great trip! Enjoy some family time, after the last couple of weeks you so deserve it and it makes it more precious. And I totally agree your kids are your number one priority, together with your family life and Weston of course, so do whatever you need to tent to all those needs. I'll wait for the next video.
So thrilled to hear about your new couch. Can’t wait to enjoy it with you ❤so lovely to hear when good things come to good people. Thanks for brightening my day Natalie.
Great video! Those kids are precious!