I have something that I need to get out there that has been hindering my joy in this whole thing called “blogging”. If this doesn’t interest you feel free to scroll down for the photos.
Up until about a year ago I would post about having a blog crisis, oh, every week or so. I would post about hitting the EXPLODE button, and everyone would be so encouraging…whether to tell me to stay or to tell me they understood. I would wake up the next day and think, “Hey! I have a great post idea!” and forgot that I wanted to quit the day before.
I got tired of sounding like the kid who cried wolf, so I try my very best not to post about having blog crises. I still have them but I just stay silent for a day or so and they usually pass.
Usually.
I am breaking my own self-imposed rule here, but I realized that blogging is part of my life. It is OK to talk about it every once in awhile.
It is not that I do not like or enjoy it. I love to take photos, I like to write incoherent words, I like the community. Apart from the occasional troll, I have had nothing but positive experiences. I have made many friends and relationships through the (cue the voice of Optimus Prime) World Wide Web.
Sometimes I just feel like there are all of these expectations out there. None of my posts are of the caliber that I heard at the BlogHer community keynote. With the advent of social networking sites suck as Kirtsy or Stumble Upon (to name only a few), there seems to be this unseen bar that your posts need to be at. I feel that I need to write Really Great Posts, or not even bother.
Then there are also more and more posts popping up that tell you all that you need to do to be a Good Blogger. Reply to every comment by email, read every site that reads you, comment all over the Internet.
I would love to do that. The problem is, this is not my JOB. We have bills to pay and accounting pays me a whole heck of a lot more than blogging. When I am not working, I have a family. I think they are kind of neat. I like to (Gasp!) hang out with them and it appears that they (No!) like to hang out with me.
I shut the laptop for most of the weekend (like I do most weekends) and steered clear of the Internet for the most part.
The weather was amazing. I did an engagement photo shoot, some accounting work, and then hung out with my three little creatures.
I contemplated life without this site. I have to admit that I was a little tempted to break it off. I thought more about it. Apart from the pressure to be Miss Congeniality, there is so much more about blogging that benefits my family.
If I shut down the site, I would still take photos and edit them. I would get them developed every month (or six). They would sit in the envelope that they came in for another month (or six). A year will have gone by before I put them in albums and I will have a hard enough time remembering when the photo was taken, never mind what was going on/said/thought at the time.
(Another point to support my theory. Graham’s baby book that is not complete, Nathan’s baby book that is barely started and Emily’s baby book that I have yet to buy.)
They get a record of some of the things that they/we do as well as a chance to see that their Mom is a (quirky, odd but maybe also cool) human being too. So I am still here. For now.
Now for the sub-par post you have all been waiting for. Ha!
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Sundays are my most favourite day of the week.
Monday through Friday is full of school drop-offs and pick-ups, small group meetings, errands, etc. Saturdays are still hectic because there is work to do (me) and house maintenance stuff to do (Honey). We like to throw in things like cleaning the bathrooms because it is so! much! fun!
And also, our “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” stance makes for nasty bowls.
Sunday mornings can be hectic with getting everyone ready and out the door for church (myself included), but I always walk away from there encouraged and refreshed. We get home, have lunch, and Emily has a nap.
The same routine happened this past Sunday. Emily napped, Matthew made cookies (He really IS Superman), and I planned to do the Shred. The boys built lego structures and played with their Transformers.
Matthew then went outside to chop/stack firewood. RAWR.
When Emily woke up, I told the three kidlets that we were going to go for a walk down to the creek. Graham burst into tears because he was not done building his newest Lego creation. Emily wanted to watch Little Einsteins in a bad way (Watch Little Einsteins? Mommy! Little! Einsteins! LITTLE EINSTEEEEEEIIIIIINS!!!)
I told everyone to chill out. I then told them to get their shoes and jackets on already before Mommy left them behind. Not that I would do that or anything, but the thought of missing out on the fun usually gets them going.
Graham was still holding back tears but Emily seemed to have forgotten about the LITTLE EINSTEEEEIIIINNSSSSSS!
I have mentioned before that we live in the sticks. One of the highlights is that a beautiful creek is only a five-minute walk away.
The dudes brought Optimus Prime and Bumblebee along.
Why is it that kids always want to hold something in their hand?
My kids also LOVE to throw rocks.
She has a good arm.
I tried to take a portrait of Nathan and got this:
He was cheesed that I was TAKING AWAY FROM HIS ROCK THROWING TIME.
I asked Graham if I could take his photo as well.
This would be my new favourite if he wasn’t waving that stick in my face (and the camera). I asked for a new one and got this:
Turkey.
I was quite enamored with Miss Emily’s hair wisps blowing in the wind and took her photo as well on the walk home.
Smiling.
Taking the photo shoot seriously.
We got back to our driveway and I had the brilliant idea to take a photo of our shadows.
Can you tell who’s who?
So. Yeah. I like Sundays. We do a little bit of something and a whole lot of nothing. It really is my favourite day of the week.
How about you? DO you have a favourite? (If you say Monday, then we need to talk.)
*Title courtesy of Graham. He quipped that as we were basking in the sunshine. Smart boy, that one.
I sort of get what you’re saying about feeling the need to write better posts, comment more, respond to emails, etc. But as you said, you also blog because you’re writing about your life and it’s a record of what your family is doing. Personally, I try to look at my blog as (1) a record of my life, (2) a way to communicate with family and friends whom I know and love, (3) an outlet for writing/photography, and (4) a chance to possibly make some new friends. I find that keeping the list in that order makes me a happier, less-stressed blogger. Everything else that has come from blogging (money, popularity, whatever) is, for me, gravy.
I realize that list won’t work for everyone—for example, some people use their blog as a way to showcase their writing or art or cake-decorating or whatever in the hopes of getting more business—but it works for me.
I think my favorite day of the week is Thursday. Troy’s ship is on a four-day work week right now so he’s off on Fridays. On Thursday we still are looking ahead at the whole relaxed weekend.
bethany actually’s last blog post..cat-sitters extraordinaire
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I’m glad you’re still around. I think it is a hard balance – even for me right now without kids, it can be a tough thing to maintain. And there is pressure, which I think people who don’t blog can’t understand.
Janssen’s last blog post..Facebook
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How is it possible that you wrote everything that’s been in my head about blogging? Sometimes I wonder, would anyone really even notice if I shut down my blog and disappeared?
catnip’s last blog post..friday blah
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Always choose life over blogging. It wins every time.
sizzle’s last blog post..Pressing Mute
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That is why sometimes I do not like to even read about blogging tips. It seems like all of them advocate putting more effort than I already do into my blog. I feel the same way too about quitting every few weeks. I realize that as long as I do not care about my stats, then I do not feel the stress of needing to post more often and writing better posts.
asithi’s last blog post..Painful Hiking Experiences
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i don’t know. i used to want to be a blogger that got lots of awards (Dear god, one day could i just be funny enough to win a ROFL award?!)…and who had posts stumbledupon all the time. but now, i realize, i do it for me. also …i love being a part of the blogging community…but really, is the world going to end if i miss some twitter action on the weekends when i, by the way, also shut off my laptop?!?!?
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I think life is always a balance, but I also think you seem to balance things well and with humor.
Delurking to coo about your lovely pictures.
Madame Meow’s last blog post..Bystander
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I have been having a similar blog crisis. I feel like I need to leave a comment on every post I read, which leads to me leaving the most inane, uninspired comments on blogs. Which makes me feel guilty because someone put a lot of effort into writing the post and I left a one-word or barely coherent comment. So I stop leaving comments which leads back to the guilt about not leaving comments on every post I read. It’s a nasty cycle! Then there’s the blog crisis I’m having about how uninspired my blog posts are lately. I can’t seem to find the words. It’s frustrating. Part of it is the time of year – the dark mornings and rainy days are making me a tad bit grumbly
As for my favourite day – it has to be Saturday. Pancakes and bacon for breakfast. ‘Nuff said.
hills’s last blog post..I Told ‘Em It Was My Birthday Just To Hear The Waiters Sing Off-key
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I know I say this every time, but it’s true! I love the pictures you take of your kids – too cute!
My favourite day of the week is definitely Saturday. Getting to sleep in, and on most weekends having a lazy and relaxing morning is the best. I putter around in my PJ’s and bathrobe, drink copious amounts of coffee, and enjoy having nothing in particular to do. It’s wonderful!
Sharon’s last blog post..I took on Samuel L. Jackson in my dreams last night
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I love Sundays as well. It is sometimes the only day of the week that Hubby has off. No trips to the horse barn, no sports or singing engagements (unless chicken is singing in church) Just laid back and relaxing after we get home from church.
The internet will always be here, family grows up too quickly. I think you do a fine balance of both and I love your posts!
Heather-Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Better late than never
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My favourite day is Saturday and Sunday. Jay’s home, Jack’s home and there is NOTHING to do. Until Nov3 when the next module starts but since last april, it’s been the weekends that are my fave.
I do have to say that I don’t hate monday’s like I used to when I worked…Sorry!
Kami’s last blog post..I love your blogs!
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My only gripe with Mondays is going from the relaxed-ness of Sunday and diving into the busy-ness that is Monday
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I’ve been blocked from accessing my stories by anxiety, and a friend reminded me of a few. I’m so grateful!
witchypoo’s last blog post..Weiner
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I have MILLIONS of things to say about the being a good blogger thing. But, I shall refrain.
I think I like Friday at 5 best. Its when I’m off work and on my way to my sweetie’s house (I am a cheeseball).
Rhi’s last blog post..And So She’s Coming to Portland
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I know you didn’t want to hear this, but Mondays are my favourite days right now. I only have class from 12:30 ’til 2:20. This means I can sleep in, and I hardly have to be at school; but when I AM there, it’s m Kid’s Lit class!
Meg’s last blog post..To Do: Part Two
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I feel the same way–what would I be doing if not blogging? I make it a point not to blog on weekends (although I sometimes check comments). In the end, since I work from home, for me, it’s good interaction.
As long as I put up some boundaries.
Like uninstalling twhirl. Really, that got a little crazy.
Heather’s last blog post..Art and Christianity: An Interview with Dr. Glenn Kreider, Part Two
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I don’t know why you wouldn’t think your blog posts aren’t as good as any of the “better” bloggers..? I have a much easier time and am more interested in reading yours than say, Dooce. I do read hers, but I’m saying I check your site more often and relate to you more- you write more personally, hers is just.. for entertainment I guess. I personally am just more into blogs that are about real life. They don’t have to be super hilarious or witty every time, you know? I understand about the pressure, but if someone is expecting more than you want to give, that’s not your fault or problem to deal with. With that said, I really enjoy reading your blog and I think you do a great job!
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Sunday is my favourite day too!! I love going to church, fellowshipping, then hanging out with family & friends in the afternoon. Like you, my internet is OFF-LIMITS for the whole day. And I love it.
My boys have to take one toy (in Tyler’s case, usually Optimus Prime or Bumblebee!) with them. Everywhere. We. Go.
So I am pleased to see that it’s not just my kids who do that!
Hannah’s last blog post..Reborn
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I like Saturday and Sunday best, of the 2 I don’t have a fav.
As usual great pics of your cute kids.
Emily is going to be ready for pigtails in NO time!
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Definately a Saturday night/Sunday girl! Your kids crack me up…They know what makes a good photo – Especially with a stick in your mouth!
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I used to want to write for pay – you know, be popular but then I realized, a part of me wouldn’t be true to myself. I wouldn’t get to cuss and say what I really feel and think. I’m just fine with me not writing for a week or two and the lack of quality in my posts. Usually when I’m quiet is usually when I feel like quitting.
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I’m taking the hint that ALL toddlers like Little Einsteins? Liliana will watch nothing else.
I’m glad you’re not quitting. I get the same overwhelming feeling, and then remember why I do it. For my FAMILY and their MEMORIES (and for my lack of memory).
The pictures are breathtaking, as usual!!
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Liliana’s Rules of Life
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Lovely. Sub-par, my arse….
ELizabeth’s last blog post..Father & Son, A Leeeetle Bit Excited
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Please don’t go, yours is one of the only blogs I have taken a liking to and continued to read (with great pleasure and excitement) daily (okay, I check daily, even if you haven’t had the chance to post). I hope your ego gets a little boost with this next comment…I have searched out other blogs (my reading time is limited during the school year, sad I know, but blogs feed my need) and I just haven’t found many that have the “something” that you have. Honestly! I have slowly but surely whittled my choices down to three.
What do you mean you haven’t started Emily’s baby book? Need I remind you that you have been blogging about if since she was born! 
It may not be something she can touch to look through, but I would bet that the stories you share are far more indepth than most items you would put into her baby book. Each of your children will be able to access this for years to come and see not only what you have written, but what others have to say too. What a precious gift you have given them!
That said, goodness I don’t know how you do it! Heavens if you take a break/break it off I couldn’t blame you. It’s only as good as the fun you are having, if it’s not fun, what’s the point.
There is one thing I feel the need to point out.
And on yet another note….I am jealous! I would love to live out there, sadly Ontario is where we will stay for the time being. My little patch of the country will just have to do.
take care.
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If you should quit then I should definitely quit =) You get what hunrdeds of people reading your blog, 30 comments on most. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.
I use blurb to have my blog made into a book. That’s kind of like my baby books. They take everything from your blog and put it in a book you can buy.
Jenn
Jenn’s last blog post..His Girly Side
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I have checked out Blurb, but they did not support self-hosted blogs when I looked at them. Boo. There are other services, though, so I need to just print everything already
Thanks for the kind words! Turns out I had an, ahem, cyclical reason for my sensitivity.
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You are awesome and I hope no-one is telling you that you need anyone’s approval (other than your own) when you write. This is for you and your family, and we just get the sweet ride along deal.
I love your photos and enjoy pretty much every post. Don’t stop being yourself — you are great!
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I adore those children of yours.
Everyone, even the most established to the least read and newest bloggers, feel this way.
I hope you stay, I’m glad you stay. You are a bright light, I learn a lot from you and I adore your style.
Rachel’s last blog post..Dirty Stuffed Peppers: Mouthwatering Monday
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I think it is part of your in-born nature, type A personality or whatever you want to call it, that drives you to be the best at whatever you do. You seem to try to do it all and as you’ve said, you usually do and succeed. You work hard and you usually get what you want…but then it comes to a matter of priorities and trying to keep all the balls in the air at the same time. I’ve taken a real chill-pill on the whole blogging experience and see it more as a way to record things (as you mentioned) and share photos…but I’m not trying to win any awards or get a huge audience as I’m not about that. You just have to go with what works and what you’re willing to put into it.
And yes, i like Mondays!!! I have to explain. I have a hubby who leads worship some Sundays and a baby who HATES the nursery, so Sunday’s (church) is not fun for me. But on Monday, both the boys go to school, I drop baby at grandma’s and I go to the pool. Do the pickups/drop offs too, but then get to play floor hockey at night too. So it is my favorite day…but a close second is Fridays when my sis and SIL join me at the pool with all our kids and swim and then we all have supper and play games at my house afterwards. I love that too.
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I like Friday the best. We can stay up a little later and not have to rush around in the morning. I don’t like Sunday because it feels like we spend the whole day getting ready for the next week.
Sarah VM’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
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Great photos as per usual, as much as I know you are missing summer, fall sure does give some beautiful colours.
Ashley Stone’s last blog post..I’m pregnant, not Budda, ok?
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Funny that you wrote in your first part about the baby books. My daughter’s first year of life was documented so well online for family and friends around the globe. Her baby book is pitiful compared to it. That blog has since been hidden due to major changes in our family, but it still lives in cyberspace. I have always wondered what is the attraction of what I have to say or what others have to say. I guess it is a way for me to just get stuff out there and for a way for me to find things out. Blogging is a strange world that tangos with reality and creativity. Please keep it going. It is bloggers like yourself who have inspired me not only to keep writing, but also in taking photos and finding my faith.
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It’s MONDAY! Does this mean I get a personal sit down with you at BlogHer ’09? *lol*
Maria’s last blog post..You’re My Weekend
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I feel you on the blog stuff. It is hard to balance, but I always figure real life is better to live than an online life. I try not to get caught up in all of the other stuff. I started my blog to write and share stories and I try not to lose my focus and get too obsessed. Because the minute the blog changes from being me, truly who I am, is the day I have to shut it down. Because I don’t want that to happen!
Kristabella’s last blog post..The One Where You All Tell Me ?I Told You So?
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