Life Lately | new workouts, postpartum, mom guilt, & feeling like a hypocrite...

[@LilliLyna]

I absolutely love how honest you are. That´s so encouraging to me. "Focus on what matters and whats good" and "own the season you´re in" - I will remember that ❤

[@Mrssupermumm]

Hi Margaret. You're right, minimalism is such a help but it is not a constant, it changes. Please don't be too hard on yourself, you've never had three kiddos before, you're doing a fabulous job. God bless. Sarah.x

[@MollyDoolittle]

What an encouragement you are to me. You keep me motivated and help me focus on the things that matter. I love all your videos, and I rewatch them time and time again. You are so real, and when I look at your life, I can see the ways that God is working in and through you. It is so beautiful, Margaret. Keep up the good work. Every time I watch your videos, I wish that I could come stay with you for a month, or have a long conversation with you about health and wellness, living simply, and so much. Your kids truly have one amazing Momma. You inspire me so much, and I can not wait for your next video! You're my favorite. Sending lots of love, and a hug!

[@ThingsAbove333]

Daughter of the King, Wife, Mother.That's all that really matters. You could try a pack up party to help short term. Box up a bunch of stuff, label and store. It'll help with the day to day. You can pull it out later. It takes a lot of band width to make descisions to let go of stuff. But boxed up, its still there if you need it, just out of the way. Put a numder 1 on a box and a number 1 on a 3x5 card. Write whats in the box on the card. Do as many boxes as you need. Then if you need some thing, just look through your cards to find it. Short term make everything as easy as possible. Super simple meals with little cooking. Some disposable plates and stuff if you arent opposed to it. You can literally serve a simple sandwhich on a paper towel. Its OK to not fold everything. Unders, socks, pants, shirts and all be shook out and layed in flat stacks. (Saves time). We raised 4. It just takes time to adjust to each new addition. I felt overwhelmed every time! Old poem from the 50's Mother, oh mother, come shake out your cloth! Empty the dustpan, poison the moth, Hang out the washing and butter the bread, Sew on a button and make up a bed. Where is the mother whose house is so shocking? She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking! Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue (Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby, loo). Dishes are waiting and bills are past due (Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo). The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo. Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue? (Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo.) Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep. I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep. (((HUGS))) 💜💜💜💜

[@fh4595]

Your honesty in showing the chaos and mess that comes with having multiple children is much appreciated! 👏🏻 We need to get rid of those high expectations. Especially because of youtube where everyone just shows their best moments in life. So thank you! 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@tereniawalti4151]

You are such a gem. Thank you. Sending so much love back 💕

[@IsabellaGiorgio76554]

We have a stuffy infant at the moment and something that works wonders for her is the nebulizer and walks outside in the cold, wet air. Also works for the rest of the family too :)

[@jenniferjacques4971]

As someone that just had a baby as well this was so reassuring to hear. I am there with you! Love that minimalism and simplicity can shift with us as we enter new seasons in life.

[@Rebeccavd92]

I love how real you are!! Your little one looks so relaxed and safe on your shoulder during the video call! Mothers are heroes! And throwing away the shirt to look good on video. Since a few years and also since the birth of my baby, it's so much more important for me to be comfortable than to look a certain way, and i don't care so much anymore what other people think about it! It doenst have to be spectaculair.

[@gemmanova10]

Thank you for being so honest. Hopefully the household is doing better

[@evalindell2757]

You are not failing anything as far as I can tell! ❤️ You have just more important things to do! 3 small kids, one is an infant. I feel at aw over what you do! 🥰

[@rebeccaroyals9011]

You have no idea how much I needed this video today ❤❤❤ thank you 🙏 you are helping more people then you know with being real

[@beverly9572]

While I'm not a mom, your advice is still very helpful to me. What I find most helpful and encouraging is your approach to life, and how you are trying to be gentle with yourself. That is something I struggle with - having self-compassion.

[@ashleymancillashome]

This video is so relatable. I just had my 4th baby six weeks ago and feel ya on every level. Just reminding myself it’s a season and trying to enjoy the blessings right in front of me❤

[@Ma-Says]

I think learning to be flexible was one of the hardest things for me when I was in your stage with little ones. Every day something changes and throws a wrench in your best made plans. It’s hard to accept and learn to flow with. My youngest (of 6) is 13 now and I’m still learning to flex. Thanks for your hard work to encourage us in the midst of everything! ❤

[@rmm4123]

This is the realest video. You are an amazing momma and God sees you in the mundane! ❤

[@michelleleigh007]

Hi Margaret 👋 I'm 57 and just out from raising 4 very young grandchildren, that lasted for 7yrs. I still watch and love your channel ❤️

[@suzannewaldner2074]

Love you Margaret :) you're an incredible mom - thanks for being authentic on here!

[@leahf5193]

This video was so encouraging. Margaret, thanks for being honest and vulnerable. It's so easy for me to believe that every other mom has it all figured out and that they adjust to new seasons seamlessly. So thanks for letting us into your living room and into this unique season.

[@paigeb7214]

Idk why but this is my fav video that you have posted! You have such a genuine energy. Loved seeing Rory too

[@victoriajohnson3034]

Give your self alot of Grace in this season. Focus on the quality time!!! Also, minimalism is great, but make sure you have enough storage for what is necessary for simple living. And make sure your getting plenty of food and sleep. Take care of you too!!!

[@angelalumia5759]

You are so real Margaret!! Your youtube family loves you :)

[@emily814]

I have two boys. 5 months and 2 years. I can definitely relate! House always feels a mess and everything is overstimulating. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@modelsaresofetch]

Thank you for being so pure

[@JuliaK-H]

So much love to you too! I just had my 4th baby... I feel like I'm back to scratch with working things out, finding new rhythms... And it's okay. It's the season for presence and patience, not for achievement and perfection. ❤

[@soulsamlove]

LOVE THE AUTHENTICITY!!! Yaaaas mama ! You got this !!!! Congrats on your brand too!!!!

[@thesimpelifemanning1131]

Take one day at a time and be patient with yourself! You're doing great. I can tell you're a good mom just by how your boys interact with you. I love your videos

[@papertownhome]

I’ve had that same thought about physical strength helping in mothering. I haven’t taken any steps to get strong again, but I know it would make a huge difference. Way to go getting it going!

[@ameeratraut7102]

Your videos always make me feel so much better. Thanks!!

[@SusieQZee]

I have to say, you look stunning post pregnancy. Like, you’re still glowing!

[@amandajunebrawner]

What I'm seeing here is that balance is a verb, not a destination. ❤❤ Thank you

[@katschme79]

Thank you so much for your transparency! I have three kids ages 5, 3, and 12 months and I related to your video SO much. It was perfectly timed encouragement for me. I’ll be praying for you in this “figuring it out” season!

[@stefanyhiatt6772]

I can relate, we recently moved from a 3500 sq foot home to a 1600 sq foot townhome and while it’s adorable, it’s a tight fit for the six of us and it looks cluttered FAST because it’s such a small space

[@Mama.mindfully]

Please don't be hard on yourself!! This journey we are on is not easy but that's why it needs constant work. I see you with 3 children mama, and you are KILLING IT!!! 🎉 👏 Literally. You are doing so amazing, you are far from a hypocrite about what you share. I'm in a season of life where I have no help from family or friends and I'm at home with my toddler and 15 weeks pregnant while my back is out and it is so tough to get things done.

[@SterlingDriver-id6cv]

Love your channel and all your videos. I am a fellow Missourian and I follow some other minimalist and slow living influencers and as much as i love their content yours always hits home. You show the real of it. We don't all live on a beach or living on a homestead. I can so relate to you and your always just so down to earth. Please keep sharing the real.

[@nicolekolacinski6955]

Every baby, comes with a new shift! Love your authenticity, keep it real Mama! God is good!

[@tanya1863]

Life happens, you're doing wonderful! You're living and that is what's important, Merry Christmas from Farmington MO!

[@grassrootedgal]

My favorite video of yours!! I can relate to it all even with just one 10m boy ☺️ such a great message thank you for making this!!

[@saragoetze6204]

Margaret! You are an inspiration. Rebrand minimalism to fit this stage of life. Let’s call it Kidalism. The version of minimalism that works with and supports having kids :).

[@8ElenaGilbert]

To help a sick baby/infant sleep better: Put 2 filing folders underneath the matress to elevate their head without putting a (potentially dangerous) cushion in their bed. Helps a little with breathing through the stuffed nose.

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Margaret ❤ you are such an inspiration to me! I will pray you all feel better soon!❤❤❤🙏

[@codylee.w]

Margaret, I found your channel about a month ago, I’ve just had my third baby also and am in the exact same stage as you. ❤ I couldn’t relate more to this video. For years, I’ve been wanting to begin my own channel along the lines of simple and mindful living, your honesty and relatability is so connecting, beautiful and inspiring…that I’m finally seeing how imperfection is the reason to actually begin, not waiting for perfection!

[@jamie-leewatson3565]

Mumma of 5 here (3 boys, 2 girls), my tips... (which you would already know, but its hard to think when youre in the thick of sickness) LOTS of Nursing & snuggles. Maybe some saline nasal spray & snot sucker. Its hard feeling weak physically but I always wait till my bubbas are 12 months old before starting to work out at all (need all my energy to go into mothering, plus its nice to relax & know that my time is coming!) My 5th & final bub is 12 months this week so Ill start back at the gym after the new year.

[@thedupontnest]

You use Earthley’s products, right? Their lymphatic cream is an absolute game changer for colds with babies! No scent or EO’s involved, and I rub it all over the mask of the face/down the neck. All the ingredients are super gentle for babies, and it is one of our favorites for colds because it keeps things flowing! I use it at night during allergy season as well and it’s so amazing. I used it on my 1-2mo when he got his first cold and every one thereafter and he had an overall easy time with them 😊

[@stephanierodriguez7387]

I love your approach to minimalism and intentional living ❤

[@Shiju-ta]

Hi Margaret It would be a good idea to keep a draining basket for the washed utensils..

[@claireosvatics8480]

I had my third just around you. Same gaps as you and my house look the same way at the moment. My baby is pretty high needs, very feisty. He's very strong and smart, so he doesn't tolerate much other than me. I too am getting back into my strength training. I appreciate that im not alone and that you are showing it. This is not how I like to live but i know im doing the most. Spiritually we are thriving as im closer than ever to my children but in other ways just surviving.

[@sarahlerego7279]

Something that I found that worked was Olbas oil in a diffuser in baby’s room at night…maybe some tea tree oil xxx

[@brookedallimore7101]

I’m right there with you in this season of life! 3 boys (4 months, 2.5, & almost 5). The new baby hasn’t been the best napper so the last 4 months have been a doozy. He’s finally starting to take some longer naps on his own and I’m feeling like I’m just coming out of that newborn bubble. And, feeling eager to tackle things I haven’t been able to the last few months. Had to put the blinders on and just allow things to be the way they were/are until I could take on more/adjust our life with 3 kids. He’s also my first infant to have been sick so early on. A viral fever at 1 month and RSV over thanksgiving for all 3! Big brothers love to share germs lol

[@MrsAintheLibraryWiththeCoffee]

Thank you for sharing! I'm feeling so much of this. I used to be known as probably the most minimalist/tidy among my friends, but I can't keep about half the house tidy anymore! My bedroom is a wreck...like all the time! 9 months in as a foster mom, and I'm definitely still trying to figure things out.

[@MrsAintheLibraryWiththeCoffee]

Also, I swear by Airborne fizzy tablets for myself (not kids), and Equate brand works just as well. It really helps me to prevent or shorten colds. Others recommend elderberry. I do give my young kids Benadryl sometimes because I would rather avoid ear tubes, which have been suggested. :0 Finally, in the past when I just couldn't shake a cold, I would take a break from dairy and gluten for a few days.

[@arianascott]

So honest and raw. Thank you

[@oliviautz1771]

I feel you, sister! I've just got one very rambunctious boy and a new baby and it's just a hard season of life. Trying to take care of everybody takes so much time that our house is a disaster most of the time. And when i do get to clean my 3 year old makes a mess almost immediately. But it's so good, even in the chaos of it all! You're so right, just keep paying attention to what matters most.

[@ftnqv]

When my babies are sick, I cut a onion and leave it in a bowl in their room at night, or in the main area of our house! Also for coughs and congestion, we dampen a cloth and add Olbas oil to it. It’s super strong it works wonders! You can wipe it on their crib rails so they can smell more of it. Hope this helps!

[@BritanyRoby]

Hey girl!! I've missed you!! I have a humidifier going 247 and at night I make sure it has Vicks vapour in it, also massage between his eyes and on the sides of his nose to help loosen mucus

[@BritanyRoby]

Also lovely please please give yourself grace, it's really hard to take care of a baby and 2 older kids let alone your home and yourself and husband, you have so much knowledge on all of the most wonderful tools to help with life but right now if you keep up with all the things life is throwing at you and also try to do everything your channel says you do then your going to burn out, one day your rhythm will come and things with be tidy and the house will be perfectly clutter free but in this season it's not and one day it will, sending all the love and prayers embrace the chaos ❤

[@aylalaraine]

For my sick babe he was about 3 months old.. we did lots of steamy showers and the nosa Frida did wonders! And just time and rest of course ❤ praying your family gets better soon 🙏🏻

[@michalinarus9497]

Hello Margaret, have a blessed Advent! 🤗

[@michelleduckett22]

Those previous boys! Love to you all ❤❤❤

[@ritabartasiute]

Try replacing the cool overhead lights with warm light bulbs. The white light stresses the body. Small change but big impact. :)

[@elizabethnichole4094]

I just had a baby too and I feel like I’ve been less minimal as well like the house is definitely messier but my mom keeps reminding me it’s just a phase… and as each week my baby gets older we learn new things to get back to our normal

[@kendrawelsh1682]

Wow, yes! Relearning life with another kiddo and being patient in that process. So real! My cold tip: i agree with steam showers, i sat in the bathroom and ran the water on the hottest setting for my 4 month old to help congestion. But Cell Salts are my favorite. They are homeopathic so nontoxic and safe for all ages. Kal Mur is for cough and congestion and I would drop the dosage pellets in my water bottle so every time I sipped my water I would get a dose of it. It cleared up the cold so fast. I put it in my 2 year olds water as well.

[@nattyophelia7879]

Hey, this feeling of “am i failing at X” is so normal. But remember, this is a season. You will get into the swing of things again. Ive had 7 babies and it is always chaotic the first year.

[@yiramariani8236]

Hi Margaret. I am also a mom of 3 boys and my last one is 2. I felt all the time like i was a new mom, the last ones always do that to you. Hang in there it does get easier :)

[@lohenymanley4740]

We need to be friends! I’m in a similar season of life as you with 3 small kids. Hang in there! We got this! 💪🏼

[@capricebachor7632]

Your boys are so sweet. You're doing great! We do a humidifier, and sometimes just a hot steamy bathroom with shower on. Nose Frieda with some baby nasal spray too. As a fall/winter baby, I imagine cold weather is probably a contributor. Its so hard when they're sick :( I have three little boys too, and a daughter on the end :). Praying your little ones and you feels better soon! Its been the same at our house. Hang onto the Lord! Merry Christmas!

[@elizabethsummermeado]

Idk if this helps but I've been doing research on cold showers/plunges and the amazing benefits overall mentally and physically, helps with immunity. Wim Hof. So much science behind it. I'm excited to try them consistently. I have three girls, and you are an amazing mom!!!

[@storytimewithelisa3607]

I have a 2 month baby, my first! Everything is a mess around me! I have never admired more those mums who have other kids on top of their baby. Seriously how do you do it?!

[@paulinacomesclean]

What workout program do you do? Are doing the full knees over toes program? Please shre-- I would love to know :)

[@annettebromley9190]

When my daughter was first born she was really sick and I let her sleep in the bouncy seat more upright next to my bed. You could also put him in a bouncy seat while you're in the shower to let the steam help.

[@Faithfulthroughmotherhood]

What alarm clock do y’all use now with a baby in the room?

[@9807654]

My tip for sick infants! Take him in the shower with you. I have never really bathed my babies, but have always just showered with them...because my first got sick once or twice and the way I got through it was constant warm showers with him. A waterproof stool is helpful if you have a weak core 😅 and it allows you to stay a little longer.

[@elisa7357]

Steamy shower, just have a good shower yourself and have your youngest in the same room. Also, the nose aspirator might come in handy or saline drops for the nose. Some remedies like half a cut onion next to the bed (grandma's tips) there might be good ones. Just make sure it's not RSV or seal barks. If it sounds like that, check with your gp or paediatrician 😊 And you know what, you can still be minimal, but still be messy sometime, you only got 1 pair of hands, and a few tiny ones, let things be for now, and take them up again when your newborn is older. The house serves you, and not the other way around

[@KatharinaTsengelidis]

❤

[@heididibetta934]

Menthol rub like Vicks on the bottom of their feet before bed. Put socks on. My sister did it with her three babies and I with my 2. Good luck, you are doing great.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

❤👍

[@clairetomes617]

Don’t guess Margaret! Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit and trust that he is giving it you. This is something I’m learning too.

[@paigecardiel5481]

For sick babe, cool mist humidifier, hold in steamy bathroom, saline spray, nose sucker, baby vapor rub on chest and feet, and lots of cuddles ❤️

[@stacycarrillo4313]

Jesus praised the widow who "gave what she could". All you need to do is love on those boys and not worry about the rest. There were days that I was "stuck" in the mothers' room alone watching service through a one way window wondering why I even bothered going. . .the discouragement comes and goes, but I want you to know there is sweetness on the other side seeing that you did it. . .I made it through the days of rearing young ones and so will you. . .just give what you can. (I want to know how you find time for the gym!)🙂

[@naomiupdike9450]

🩵

[@TGYtco]

Oh, girl. This is real life, even as a minimalist! I actually hate it when minimalists go on about how easy life is once you declutter your stuff and say no to extra responsibility, etc, etc. No matter how much you simplify, life as a mom can feel overwhelming. Yes, minimalism makes it easier. Totally does. Imagine your life without it! But, it doesn't mean that we get to sit around drinking tea, enjoying the silence all the time. I am 16 years ahead of you in my motherhood journey and just have one boy left at home. It really does go by faster than you can imagine now when the days feel so long. Every crazy moment is precious. And minimalism makes all the transitions easier, too.

[@gabrielarodrigues7597]

Am I the only one that thinks she sort of reminds me of Meryl Streep?

[@jeanrose111]

❤