Hey Reader
Two weeks to Christmas break! So today I wanted to share a little update, a little more mom-content than usual, a freebie, and a poll!
Life Update:
To be completely honest, the last couple of weeks have been really hard, which is why the emails have been shorter. I didn’t really have the mental capacity to do much. I knew the holidays would be hard…but I didn’t realize how hard, and it’s been an adjustment.
When you’re walking through grief, even innocent Christmas songs take on a whole new meaning.
You think about what you “should have been” or “could have been” doing more often.
You can’t help but imagine what might have been—
presents,
matching PJs,
that first Christmas.
Even the Christmas story (the entire reason for Christmas!) can hurt - Mary and Joseph and BABY Jesus.
And it’s been hard. And I’ve definitely cried many tears.
But ultimately, God is sovereign. And I keep going back to the rest of the Christmas story. It wasn’t just Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. It was Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus… and GOD.
God, who sent His ONLY Son to die FOR US so that we can live.
Those of us that have lost our babies, we aren’t alone. He knows our pain. He lived it. And not only did His son die, but He loved us SO MUCH that He sent Him, knowing He would die an awful death.
I am so thankful that God loves us beyond comprehension so that I can spend eternity in heaven with my baby girl, and with all of my family who also knew Jesus.
So when it’s hard, I try not to stop at Baby Jesus, but think all the way to the cross.
God is with us.
He knows us.
He loves us.
He weeps with us.
I’m taking it a day at a time, trying to live for eternity, not just this life. It’s still hard, but it helps. ❤️
If you are struggling this holiday season, sharing can help. Send me an email, or reach out to someone you love. We are here for you. I would love to hear your story and encourage you the way so many people have encouraged me. ❤️
Mom with Toddlers Update:
Okay moms. Those of you who potty trained boys… HOW?!
How do you get them to care!?
We have been working on potty training for MONTHS. He’ll do really well a few days in a row, then we are back to peeing our pants every. single. time.
He does consistently tells us when he needs to poop and then poops in the potty!
But he will not tell us when he needs to pee and I’m about to lose my mind. 🫠
Wisdom? Anyone? PLEASE reply and share what worked for you!
Yes we have tried the 3 day method. Twice.
Yes we have tried going commando, but maybe we need to try again?
Yes we have tried bribing. He legit does. not. care. 😂
So… I’m out of ideas!
(Waiting until he’s “ready” is not an option. He is capable—just not willing. 🤪)
Toddlers are hard. But as they get older, it’s so sweet to watch them play together!
My girl is now 3.5, and my boy 2. They’ve started playing together and it’s so fun to watch. The younger years are hard when they’re so close together, but it becomes SO FUN as they get older.
So if you are debating a close age gap, do it! I’ve loved it. ❤️
New in the Shop:
I’ve been working on some fun projects lately because when I don’t want to deal with life, I create. 😅🫣
So, new in the shop: several fun notebooks!
Skinny rule, regular rule, dot grid - a ton of patterns, including a Christmas-themed one!
And because I love y’all…I just decided right this second while writing this email to give you a coupon as a thank you for reading:
🎁 Use code BECAUSEICAN at checkout for 40% off everything
OR
🎁 Use code FREEBIEWHODIS for one free item!
Make sure to pop into the store and check it out!
Lastly, my favorite makeup brand, Crunchi, is in the last few days of their free shipping on $50+ promo, AND their body care sale is happening right now!
So for a few more days you can get 25% off their body care.
You can also use code ADVOCATE10 to get 10% off all regular price products also!
Their body oil and lotion have been a total LIFESAVER the last few months—my skin has been super crazy since Myla. It’s worked really well for my insanely dry, itchy, hormonal skin.
If you want product recs, reply to this email with your skin type or what you're looking for—I'd be happy to help!
As always, I want to be transparent—I'm a Crunchi Advocate, which simply means if you choose to shop through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my family in this season; it truly means a lot.
Poll Time!
I’ve been writing lately as a form of therapy for me, but I want to serve you well.
So tell me — what kind of content are you here for?
Want something not on the list? Just reply — I’d love to hear from you!
And that’s all for today. ❤️
See you soon!
Mrs. Holman
