Diamonds in the Rough : May 2015

Monday, May 25, 2015

Mamas, How Are You Doing Out There? AND This Week's Link Up Party!

The Mom 2 Mom Encouragement Link Up Party

Mom 2 Mom Encourage brush border blank new

This week I wanted to do something different...

I wanted to send a big shout out to those who read my blog :)

I do realize that in this season, I haven't had the time to read the comments as much, post as often, & interact as much as I usually do.

I do appreciate ALL of my faithful readers. I know I do not have a large blog by any means, and that having you come by 'to visit' is so encouraging to me.

I love my fellow blogging friends as well.
I want to give a BIG shout out to you also!

Keep those blog posts a comin'.

And lastly, to the Mamas out there, know that I am thinking of you all...

This parenting thing is seldom easy (I'm in a very busy season where I can personally attest to this!) but I am always encouraged by this particular bible verse -->

"When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2b

Now, a big THANKS to everyone who was able to link up with us. We love to see all the posts that you share :)

So, please come & join in this week`s party, link up any applicable posts, AND please don`t forget to visit some other blogs as well.

The Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up is built on the foundation of 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)"

This is a place you can come to offer encouragement to other moms as well as be encouraged.

Your Hosts:

Sarah from My Joy-Filled Life {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

Jenn from The Purposeful Mom {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Tauna from Proverbial Homemaker {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Rachael from Diamonds in the Rough {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

You are welcome to link up AS MANY of your own posts that would offer encouragement, tips, wisdom, or advice to other moms.

Some suggested post topics are:

Homemaking, Motherhood, Meal Planning, Recipes, Christian Faith, Encouraging Words, Homeschooling/Education, Financial Stewardship, Health & Wellness, Hospitality, Marriage, Discipline, Ministry, Pregnancy & Childbirth, Time Management, Organization, Crafts & Activities for Kids.......

Each week we will be featuring the most clicked on post and each of our 3 favorites from the previous week. We will also be sharing the featured posts on our social media outlets.

Most Popular From Last Week

How I Finally Got Organized...

& please be sure to check over at Proverbial Homemaker, The Purposeful Mom, and My Joy Filled Life to see if you were featured there!

Don't want to miss a Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up?

Sign up below to get an email reminder every Monday morning when the link-up is live (don't worry, we won't send you any other kinds of emails - this sign up is exclusively for the Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up).

Subscribe for Mom 2 Mom Link-Up Reminders

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday, May 18, 2015

5 Ways To Support A New Mama Post Partum!

Five Ways To Support

A New Mama Post Partum

If you're a fellow Mama out there,

then you know how much you're thankful for (or wished for)

that post partum support...

In any form that it came in:)

I just gave birth to number six a number of weeks ago.

& let me tell you, any & ALL support was greatly appreciated!

I can't tell you how much it meant to me when a surprise meal

greeted me at the door.

Or a friend sent me a "I'm thinking of you" text message.

After giving birth, hormones are still fluctuating, baby is often getting

settled in, and our hubbies soon return to work...

Are you hoping to support a new Mama in your life?

Here's FIVE ways that you can:

DIY building block people for children! Six adorable girls and boys to mix and match.

1) Bring her family a meal.

Is there anyone out there who doesn't like FREE food?! I can't even begin to tell you how much it blessed me to receive those free meals. It was blissful :)

Just be sure to ask Mom (or her close friends): if there are any food allergies/aversions in the house, and see when's a good time to drop it by (try to remember to knock lightly, as baby or Mama may be sleeping!)

2) Check in to see how she's doing.

Postpartum blues is very normal. However, depression can set in, and psychosis (although very rare) is a real risk. That's one of the reasons why social support is SO beneficial to new moms, no matter if they seem to be doing well emotionally or not. Even sending a quick message letting a new Mama that you're thinking of them can do wonders in encouraging their souls. I know many times after a birth, when I was feeling super hormonal (with postpartum blues & my milk coming in)...& just unable to get on top of things, those message meant everything to me :)

3) Even better, stop by for tea.

Offer to bring her favourite drink & snack. Reassure her that you do NOT care how the house looks, or how she may be dressed...you just simply want to stop by & see that new little babe! I know some Mamas like to wait a bit before having visitors, so respect her if she prefers to wait. Honestly though, I know I CRAVED adult interaction after birth (probably because I have other children!) & having someone over was exciting for me in the post partum season. Don't forget to keep your visit short (especially the first couple weeks after birth). Also, if possible, shy away from negative or heavy conversational topics. A post partum Mama probably doesn't need to hear all the latest (negative) world's affairs...(more often than not, she's already pretty emotional )

4) Offer to come over & help.

Practical help probably tops my list as one of the MOST helpful thing a friend/family member could do. Having someone come by: & do a load of laundry, help with the dishes, or even watch the older children while you have a rest with baby, that IS such a blessing! I've recently had a 'mother's helper' come by once/week. She is a tween & able to help me with the older children (they're home since we homeschool them) & I can't tell you how much I appreciate her. Just having an extra set of hands around makes such a difference.

5) Pray for her & her family.

There is no season that's probably as trying as when a new baby enters our lives. At least that's been my experience. The lack of sleep & frayed emotions can leave BOTH parents struggling to cope with even what's normal in the home. I am so fortunate that I have a supportive church chock full of small groups. My hubby & I each have found a small group of people to call our 'home'. I am so thankful for their prayers over our lives...ESPECIALLY after a new baby has arrived!

**If you don't have that supportive community in your life, I'd encourage you to find one. Look in your local area, ask around & even online (not a substitute, but can be helpful) can one find a supportive & prayer-filled group of fellow ladies.

& If you've recently met a new Mama, who hasn't really connected in your community, perhaps this is where YOU can help her. Perhaps a language or cultural barrier exists & you could help by pointing her towards a community that would best support her needs. Be intentional & mindful whenever you meet a new Mama :)

& don't worry if you can't do all of the above for that 'new Mama' in your life....by doing what you CAN do, you'll probably never realize how much that WILL be a blessing in their lives!!!

From your own post partum experiences,

what have YOU found to be the most helpful?

Vote for me @ Top Mommy Blogs - Mom Blog Directory

Our Precious Lil Guy & This Week's Encouragement Party!!

The Mom 2 Mom Encouragement Link Up Party

If you're wondering why I have not been blogging as much these days...

It's cuz of this lil guy...

A sweet friend took these precious photos.

& if you're even remotely close
to our area in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
you'll want to look her up:

Tara @ Little Red Suitcase

You wouldn't be disappointed if you did!

Now again, a big THANKS to everyone who was able to link up with us. We love to see all the posts that you share :)

So, please come & join in this week`s party, link up any applicable posts, AND please don`t forget to visit some other blogs as well.

The Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up is built on the foundation of 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)"

This is a place you can come to offer encouragement to other moms as well as be encouraged.

Your Hosts:

Sarah from My Joy-Filled Life {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

Jenn from The Purposeful Mom {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Tauna from Proverbial Homemaker {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Rachael from Diamonds in the Rough {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

You are welcome to link up AS MANY of your own posts that would offer encouragement, tips, wisdom, or advice to other moms.

Some suggested post topics are:

Each week we will be featuring the most clicked on post and each of our 3 favorites from the previous week. We will also be sharing the featured posts on our social media outlets.

Most Popular From Last Week

Why You May Think...

& please be sure to check over at Proverbial Homemaker, The Purposeful Mom, and My Joy Filled Life to see if you were featured there!

Don't want to miss a Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up?

Subscribe for Mom 2 Mom Link-Up Reminders

An InLinkz Link-up

Monday, May 11, 2015

Featured: No Bake Energy Bites! & Ano Fab Linky Party!!

The Mom 2 Mom Encouragement Link Up Party

& welcome everyone to another week at the blog party!!!
Another week of an amazing number of posts shared!

Again, a big huge THANKS to everyone who was able to link up with us. We love to see all the posts that you share :)

So, please come & join in this week`s party, link up any applicable posts, AND please don`t forget to visit some other blogs as well.

The Mom 2 Mom Monday Link-Up is built on the foundation of 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)"

This is a place you can come to offer encouragement to other moms as well as be encouraged.

Your Hosts:

Sarah from My Joy-Filled Life {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

Jenn from The Purposeful Mom {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Tauna from Proverbial Homemaker {Facebook} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Bloglovin'}

Rachael from Diamonds in the Rough {Pinterest} {Twitter} {Google+} {Instagram} {Bloglovin'}

You are welcome to link up AS MANY of your own posts that would offer encouragement, tips, wisdom, or advice to other moms.

Some suggested post topics are:

Each week we will be featuring the most clicked on post and each of our 3 favorites from the previous week. We will also be sharing the featured posts on our social media outlets.