Wednesday, August 14, 2019

The New Blogger Mama

(our little family on July 4th. See the last picture of this post to see that our son can smile =))

I've been thinking a lot lately about this platform and what exactly I want for it. There is so so much I always want to say, but I'm not a full-time blogger, and neither do I want to be one. I enjoy popping on here and posting about the things + people that I love, and topics that are close to my heart, but the first moment I start feeling pressure, or "falling behind", it just makes me want to lose my computer and forget that I have a little .com spot. I've been sorely tempted at times to just delete this blog, but somehow that just hasn't seemed the right thing to do.

With being a mama now, I find myself contemplating this all more than ever. In the past, I always liked to at least give a bit of a general recap about as much of my life as I could. Somewhat like an online journal of sorts. I hated the idea of months and months of time that somehow weren't documented here. Not sure why it bugged me so much, it just did. (I can tend to be a bit of an all or nothing personality!)

Now I am re-thinking that. And the one thing I've realized is this: this blog isn't a scrapbook. It isn't my entire life. (not by a long shot!) It isn't "everything summed up". And nor do I want it to be.

It is a little corner of occasional highlights, musings, and tools + tips. I might post about my son's birth story, but I might not post any pictures or details of the first four months of his life. I might write about a special little family vacation, and then I might never make mention of the equally fun and varied little trips here and there that happened during the same season. I might blog multiple times a month, and then you might not hear from me for months and months on end.  That's a snippet of what this blog will probably be in the coming days and years.

Also, I don't intend to exactly become a "mama blogger", but I am a mama now, so you might see more of that style on here than posts on singleness. Makes sense, yes?

In closing, I'm curious: who are you all? Wives? Mamas? Singles? I know many won't respond, and that's just fine, but as I post about different things on here, I would be curious on the life stages of my current readership. I know many of my followers are more recent (as in, the past several years) but some of you have "grown up" with me, so I imagine there may be more in my current life stage than I think.

Leave a comment below and let me know in a word or a few, what your "status" is! (note: commenting on here is super easy; literally will take about 60 seconds of your time! And I love hearing from you readers!)
(having one of his cousins make funny faces sure helped to produce the grins!)

Happy Wednesday! 
-Chels

89 comments:

  1. Love reading your blog updates!! I am a mommy to a 9 month old girl, and a baby on the way come January!! Blessings to you,
    Hannah

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  2. Wife and Mama to a 3 month old little boy. Do keep up the blog, not many of my friends are at the same stage of life as we are so it is so lovely to read here and be encouraged by a family who value the same things that we do.

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  3. I am a recent follower of your blog (I have followed your in-laws' blog for many years, and found yours after you became engaged). I don't read a ton of blogs, but I love the ones like yours that simply share normal life! I am a young mama myself to two little boys, and I really enjoy reading what other like-minded mothers are doing to love their families, serve others, and live joyfully in daily life. Even just in reading your posts these past several months, I've been encouraged by your example to be more hospitable! All that to say, I love all the simple and normal details of life that you share!
    ~Tiffany

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  4. Mama of 3 �� 7 yr old boy, 6 & 3 year old girls. I enjoy your posts!

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  5. Hello Chelsy! I'm just your typical blog-loving teenager! I'm always looking for wholesome, Christian blogs to read in my spare time. Always look forward to reading your posts!
    Grace

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  6. I'm a single young lady who has been so inspired by your example of joyful service- in each stage of life. One of my favourite posts was several years ago- about how to live a joyful and productive life as a single. It was super inspiring and practical and it was a huge help to me! And your story gives me hope that God CAN bring me a godly husband- even in a rural setting with few options. ;)
    Love in Christ,
    Claudine

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  7. Hi Chelsy, I'm a young teen who enjoys reading your blog. I always look forward to your posts!

    Blessings,
    Emmanuelle

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  8. I've been a long time reader! I'm a little bit later in the game then you (3 kids), but we are similar in age, so I've always felt encouraged by your writing. I'm excited you are a mama now and look forward to hearing your thoughts from a parenting perspective. Also, as I mother myself, I totally get where your coming from in terms of how often you'll blog. I follow other bloggers who take breaks from time to time, with some even taking breaks as long as a year! I hope you'll never get rid of your blog but to use it as a way to jump in and say hi whenever you want to. Thanks for sharing snippets of your life!

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  9. An unmarried teenager...living my life😀

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  10. I'm a mom of 6, all in their teens and older. I've been reading your's and your parents blog for a little while. I enjoy reading your posts!

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  11. I am a single teen. Also a homeschooler... I've really enjoyed reading your blog in the last few months! Monique

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  12. A soon to be wife, and I have enjoyed reading your blog for several years!

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  13. Hey Chelsey! I love your blog! I'm just a young single girl
    reading who loves reading about y'all's adventures!
    Mia

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  14. Hi Chelsy!

    Wife (just celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary) and Mama to 6 year old girl and a 2 year old boy. We are in process of building a new home for us. My husband needs to travel for work every now and then (he's in your continent as I type this). And my work responsibilities as a Tissue Bank responsible nurse makes me cherish every minute that I get to spend with my family. I wouldn't want this to be any other way. It's team work and I love it. :)

    Your blog is breath of fresh air in todays blogosphere. I can relate to what you are writing. Keep on doing what you do whether it is every week or once in a couple of months.

    Please say hi to your family. :)

    Greetings from Finland!
    Love, Hanna

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  15. Single mom of soon to be 3. I have an 11 year old, 6 year old and one due end of October. All boys. My life has been a crazy roller-coaster but seeing posts of commitment, faith and fellowship give me hope to one day get off the coaster and have calm to my life.

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  16. Hi! I'm a mom of a 2 year old boy and currently 34 weeks pregnant ! I love reading your posts!

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  17. I'm a SAHM to two boys... 5 and 3. They both attend public school, so I'm guessing I'm a bit different than most of your readers.

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  18. Hi Chelsy! I am a young single woman and have found so much encouragement in your blog posts and also your sister's blog. I've gotten to meet your in-laws a couple of time and was at Joseph and Elissa's wedding. I've also met the Bowers at several conferences, but in-law's is the closest I seem to be able to come to the Bontrager family. :)

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  19. Good morning! I'm a 22 year old wife and mama to a sweet 11 month old little boy! We live in MI and I so enjoy following your little family!

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  20. We are celebrating our 53rd wedding anniversary in just a few days and appreciate all you and your family write. It helps me stay in touch with places I will never visit and wonderful people I will never meet. We have no grandchildren so love to see the little ones. Thank you so much for taking time to write. I certainly wish all of you well as you continue to serve God and others.

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  21. Hi, I'm 19,single and have followed you and your sister's blog the last several years.

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  22. A teenager who loves your family and loves reading inspiring blog posts!

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  23. I am a single lady and have been following along for a few years now! (I am 24)
    I just love your vibrant way of sharing life event and other life tips. I really enjoyed reading all about your wedding and watching your little boy grow! It's so inspiring seeing how beautifully you've transitioned from each season the Lord has placed you in! Your joy in each circumstance is a blessing to see!

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  24. I'm a wife and homeschooling SAHM of 3 wonderful children ♡

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  25. I'm a newly-wed and mama to be! Love reading about your heart for the Lord and your family!

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  26. I'm an eighteen year old girl who loves seeing what you post and share!

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  27. Single mama of a beautiful 4 year old blonde hair blue eyed boy

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  28. I’m 23, single and I check your blog off and on :-) I really enjoy reading anything you post. And I especially loved reading one of your more recent posts about the birth of Axton. It was just so special to read of how God worked and you trusted Him through it all (and yes, I may have cried a few tears during the reading of it...:D)

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  29. I'm a single college student who enjoys hearing about what God is doing in your life! It encourages me to not give up.

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  30. Single woman, 30 years old who lives in the Netherlands

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  31. Hey Chelsy! I'm a single lady, 28 years and enjoying everytime i see you have shared something on here. I am from mexico and have met you and heard you singing here quite a few times. I am a doula so i enjoy a wide variety of topics but your birth story you shared really touched me. Blessings to you and your little family!

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    1. Hi!! I am also from Mexico and am also a doula, single and 23!...I haven't met you Chelsey but have enjoyed following your family's blog as well as your in-laws for quite some time.

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  32. I regularly (read frequently :) check your blog for new posts! I'm a stay at home mom of 5. I love to see pics of what's happening in your life. So keep blogging... I would miss it very much! :)





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  33. I've been reading you blog since I was a teenager. I'm about 2-3 years younger than you.
    I'm married and have 2 children.

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  34. I'm a 24 yr old lady, still at home with lots of sisters and brothers, and my older sister is just married this year! I have always enjoyed your posts because your family is so much like mine, and you have encouraged me by being you... and by your good example of joyfulness and realness, with a heart for wholesomeness + spunk! Definitely a kindred spirit! Just knowing there are people like you around is comforting. :D I've enjoyed your single girl type of posts+life and will also enjoy your married/mama life posts as well! I know I hope to be a mama someday, so seeing what your life is like will just get me excited and I will probably learn a lot since you are going before me. :D
    So yeah! Post to your hearts content, girl!

    Love,
    Joy

    P.S. I know you already know lots of people, and so do I but it would be so neat if our paths cross someday! :D

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  35. Wife and mama to a 5 month old little boy!

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  36. Single gal encouraged by God’s provision in your life!

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  37. Another young teenage girl who loves reading inspirational blogs. :)

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  38. Mama of three 4 and younger! Been following you and your families blog for many years!!!

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  39. Single, low 20's. I really enjoy what you write, but I know life does not always allow for frequent, consistent posts.

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  40. Hi Chelsy. I am 24 and single. I've followed your blog for years and loved it! One of your posts in particular was so good and encouraging that I go back read it again every once in a while!

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  41. Hi!
    I'm a teenage girl, who enjoys reading your and your sister's posts. They are very encouraging and often give me a lot to think about. Thanks so much for making the effort to write and be a blessing. Greetings from Bolivia :)

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  42. A recent widow who with an 18 year old daughter who loves to see families following the Lord and pray for them.

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  43. Newlywed wife of 3 months in her 30's :)

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  44. Another teenage girl who loves reading your blog! I love reading how you joyfully serve God in every season of life.
    -Janelle

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  45. Hi, Chelsy!
    I love following along on your posts... especially love the ones with your candid thoughts on life relationships, love for the Lord, and joyful service.

    I am a homeschooled teenage daughter seeking to serve her family more joyfully in the little things of life - treasuring up the moments I have in this stage of singleness with my family before this season is over. I don’t want to look back with so many regrets over precious time wasted! Your posts back as a single daughter at home have spurned me on to be even more intentional as a daughter and sister and to live a life of faithfulness to my Saviour.

    Please keep posting what’s on your heart... you are a blessing and encouragement to find joy in these often seemingly trivial and meaningless tasks that we are called to.

    Blessings to you as you seek to be faithful in this stage of life as a wife and mother... I look forward, Lord willing, to reading more of your posts. :)

    Blessings from a sister in Christ,
    Katie

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  46. Bible college student looking forward to a life of ministry =)

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  47. I'm married, in my middles 30s, and a stay at home/homeschooling mom of 5 children ranging in ages of 10-4 years old. I have been following your blog for a few years. I also follow your family's blog, your sister's blog, and your in law's blog. Love how encouraging and God honoring you and your family's blogs are.

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  48. Wife and Homeschool Mommy to 6 ages 11 to 1 year. 3 boys 3 girls. I enjoy your blog.

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  49. Stay at home mom to 2, turning 30 in a few months. ;) I'm one of those who has "grown up with you" ;) you and your blog are so sweet and encouraging.. Definitely keep it up but don't let it take away from time with your precious little guy ❤ he is your first priority. And your big guy too. Haha. Love you & look forward to spending time together soon.

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  50. Thank you sooo much for posting on my birthday!! I'm 42 years young and single. No children.

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  51. Hi Chelsy! I've been reading your blog for several years now, and I'm at the same stage as you. I'm 29 yrs old and have three children 6 and under. So motherhood post are perfectly fine for me....I enjoy them very much. I'm homeschooling as well. Well that's a bit about me , and I enjoy your blog very much.
    Blessings
    Ana

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  52. Wife n homeschool mom to 3 ages 1, 4 and 7. Got to know about your blog thru the Maxwells. From Singapore!

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  53. I hope you keep your blog no matter what direction you take it! I just turned 31, am single and a Christian. I work in healthcare and love anything to do with home remodeling and decor (hgtv anyone?!). I'd love if you could show us as you fix up your house. I also enjoy your in-laws blog and admire how their kids have bought and fixed up their homes debt-free. Maybe your husband could do a guest post from time to time with tips or advice for those of us aiming to do the same thing? :) I was also homeschooled, I love to read about current events and history, enjoy cooking, home decor, and fitness. Maybe share a review of a book you've read or recipes you've tried or what your exercise regimen is?
    Alright that was a lot, whoops! :)

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  54. I'm a wife and SAHM to three, ages 5, 3, and 5weeks. 🙂

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  55. I am 19 (currently single) and the oldest of 9 kids in a pastor's family and I've been following you for probably 4 or 5 years. I've always loved how real you are and always been encouraged to go on and love the Lord and my people more after reading your blog! Thanks for the effort you put into updating it! :)

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  56. 37 weeks pregnant with #1! Could you do a post recommending other blogs that you like to follow?

    I really liked your laundry series from a few years back.

    Cheers and thanks for sharing your uplifting posts.

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  57. wife and mama. expecting #3. :) almost 30 years old.

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  58. I'm happily single never married at 40. I enjoy reading your blog.

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  59. Currently serving the Lord single. Thank you for sharing little bits of your life:)

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  60. I'm a mom (I wish I could say young but,alas, I've seen the wrong side of 40!) Of two boys, ages 4 and 22 months. I'm thinking of starting my own blog so I'm following lots of them for inspiration!

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  61. Wife and mama to three children. I'm in my 30s. I've been a Maxwell Blog follower for years and found you through their blog.

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  62. Hello Chelsy,
    I have been following your blog for a few years now. I found you from your in-laws when your relationship was announced. I want to encourage some young ladies here so I will give a little history. The Lord saved me at 26 and blessed me with a husband at 28. I now have 7 children and one on the way. We had 4 boys first: our eldest is 10. My first has the same birthday as yours and my labor was almost the same. I labored for 2 days at home and then had to be transfered to the hospital by ambulance and get an episiotomy and has a very fast hospital birth. The Lord was directing it all and I am thankful for his help and mercy. My next 4 were home births and last 2 have been hospital. I have sons 9,7 and 6 and then 2 girls 4 and 2 and a 1 year old boy.I am SO thankful that the Lord is my daily help. I do homeschool and love my husband and am thankful for him! 1 Peter 5:6-11 May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him!

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  63. I'm a mamma to one in heaven and a baby girl due in September. I've been reading your blog probably for the past 6 or so years.

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  64. I'm a young single. I enjoy your posts to give me ideas about growing in womanhood and preparing for whatever the Lord has next!

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  65. Love your blog. I'm a foster mama pf 2 littles 2yrs and 14 months. Working towards adoption for both Lord willing very soon! Crazy stage of life right now, but God has/had a plan!

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  66. Hi, I'm a single college student and always enjoy visiting your blog. I enjoy all types of posts, but I am always most interested in the pictures!

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  67. Hi, Chelsey! I am 18 and single. Really appreciate your blog and its focus on Christ and practical, everyday life. :) I also follow your family + Allison's blogs, and knew your cousins (The Schrocks) personally in MO before we moved.

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  68. Hey Chelsey!!!
    I'm a 17 year old girl with 6 siblings! I'm in my last year of highscool and plan to attend college for music and missions. I want to be a missionary!!!

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  69. Hi There! I enjoy your space so much! From your mad sewing skills, (ie, from your wedding gown), to your adorable baby boy, I love following along. Im not a mom yet but have been married for a little over 2 years. I was raised in a large, close knit, farm family so I feel like I can relate to your life a lot. Thanks for sharing!
    Ina, from VA:)

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  70. Wife and mama here! 🙋 We have a little boy almost a year and a half and another babe due the end of February.

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  71. Hey Chelsey!!
    I always love reading your blog! You have been a great example and encouragement to me over the years! And you continue to inspire me. :-) My life is very full and blessed as I enjoy these single years God is giving me! God is always so good!

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  72. Swiss, living together with my boyfriend since 11 years. Not married, and no kids (by choice).
    Atheist, so not sure why I follow your blog, but your life facinates me, probably because it's so diffent compared to mine.

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  73. I've been reading your blog for a few years. Not sure when and how I found you. We heard your family sing once when you were in Ephrata, PA, but I was reading your family blog before that already. I'm in my mid-40's, married for nearly 23 years, mom of 4 boys. Your principles of family life and sibling relationships and godly living and husband/wife relationships and contentment in singlehood have been a refreshing view in the midst of so much empty chatter online. I enjoy reading your posts but you're never under any obligation to write to keep your readers "happy" =)

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  74. I'm a long-time reader but haven't commented before. I've appreciated learning about your life and faith over the past years, and am so happy for you in your new stage of life! I'm 30 and married with a 6-month-old and a 2-year-old, both boys. I'd be interested in any motherhood-related posts of course, and would be especially interested in your reflections on new motherhood, particularly in light of your background as the eldest of a large family. I'm from a small family and have wondered how new motherhood feels to someone with a different childhood experience. Thank you again for taking the time to write and encourage your readers.

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  75. Wife and mom to three, ages 4, 2, and 3 months! :)

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  76. I'm a wife and homeschool mom to 5 boys. I've seen your family sing a couple of times in Alberta, Canada. I enjoy your blogs,and hope you'll continue writing when you have the time!

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  77. Im 20, single and got to know about your blog from your sister Allison's blog. I love the simplicity and elegance I find in your lives..it's easy to relate to :)
    Thank you for inspiring, do continue to do so!
    God bless!!

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  78. Im a young mom of 2 and really enjoy your blog! I especially enjoy seeing your clothing styles.

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  79. Hi Chelsea! I've enjoyed reading your blog. I've followed the Maxwell family blog for years so it's been nice to read yours along the way.
    I'm a happily married musician's wife and mommy to 3 (3rd due in January). I'm also a fellow blogger, so I TOTALLY get the new "mama" blogger status. I had a thriving blog before I married, but have come to the same conclusion that I can't keep it up as faithfully as I did when I was single. So I've learned to become happy to post on the highlights.
    On a side note, I also enjoyed reading Axton's birth story. It sounds very similar to my first labor of 52 grueling hours. I'm happy to say the next one was soooo much quicker and natural. We got our home birth we wanted with a short 6 hour labor. So don't despair. You're next should go easier.
    Blessings to you and yours!
    Kelsey D.

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  80. I'm a wife and a mama. Been married for 14 years and have 5 girls. Love reading your blog.

    Alayna

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  81. Hi Chelsy, I'm newly married and due with my first in February.
    I followed your journey when we were both single, and have enjoyed following along in marriage and motherhood too! I hope you pop up once in a while, when you feel like it, with little updates, tips, or anything else you'd like to record!

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  82. Hi Chelsy!
    I've been reading your blog for a good amount of time now, and I appreciate all the work you put into it and love how I walk away encouraged or learning something new. I'm 15 years old.
    In Christ,
    Nora

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  83. I’m a 20 year old Christian formerly homeschooled college girl :). I want to be a wife and mother in God’s timing and love your posts about your courtship, wedding, marriage, birth story ect. And I totally get the all or nothing personality because I am the exact same way :)

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  84. You cannot have it all. You cannot post twice a year and expect people to check out your blog all the time to find out when and if you posted. If you lost your interest that's ok

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    1. You are so right! Honestly, that is why I am quite surprised that I have so many readers left.
      It is also why I highly recommend the handy dandy little "Follow by email" feature near the top of my page. Then you can have my posts delivered straight to your inbox and don't have to have the hassle of so many "no new content" checks to this space. =)

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  85. Hey there! I'm Hannah from India.
    I am a 20 year old Chirstian, studying in college! I love love love reading blogs on the whole, especially, one's on faith and life as a Christian! I follow your family's blog, Allison's blog and your's too! It's not just edifying to the mind but also helps to know that there are so many out there with the same mind and thinking as me and I feel blessed!
    Love, Hannah

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  86. I'm a 25 year old Christian wife, and stay at home mama to two little boys (ages 3 and 10 months). We live in Idaho, and I grew up knowing the Bowers family... And when the Bowers girls married your brothers, I ended up discovering your blog! I love hearing about your life as a boy mama, as I'm right there with you! Thank you for your stand for what's right!
    ~Anna

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  87. I am a wife to my wonderful hubby, and also a mommy to my sweet little man who is 4 1/2 months old. I absolutely love reading your blog!

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Comments containing profanity and/or hateful language will not be published. I will not be posting comments with questions regarding either John's or my extended family. If you have questions about them, please go ask them on their blogs. =)
Also, anyone with a question related to a post must provide their full name. Feel free to email me with questions on topics not pertinent to the post. Thanks y'all!