I’m sitting here in the living room, catching up on some bills and enjoying the stillness of nap time. Little Buddy has slept ninety minutes for the past several days, which is a huge game changer. From the time he was little, I can count on two hands the number of times he has slept longer than an hour. I know this is probably just a short stage, perhaps a growth spurt, so but I’m thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. Silence is rare when you have a toddler.
It has been quite some time since I have posted a space for questions. I’m eager to film some more videos, so go ahead and post all your questions in the comments section. They can be questions for me, Mr. Handsome, or the two of us together.
And yes, today is a no-makeup kind of day, as you can see from the photo above.
Eileen
If I can say, Ellie, you look beautiful without makeup. I for one, love to fully see people’s faces. It tells me who they are, and it is real and honest.
Ellie
Thank you, Eileen! That made my day.
Kristy
Tools are pretty great, you never know when or what kind you’ll need!
Agh we live in a small house with too much junk. I keep donating things but the empty spaces just fill back up.
We are moving so today I learned about an app called freebies. Have you heard of it?
I put a kids dresser and a faux fireplace on the app and it was picked up a few hours later by someone that wanted them. It saved me a trip to goodwill and I know the person really wanted it!
(Now I find myself looking at the app seeing if anyone is getting rid of something I want. Oops)
Ellie
I haven’t heard of that app. Sounds interesting! It’s a great idea, as I know goodwill gets inundated with so much stuff these days.
Anonymous
What are you finding to be the most challenging part of being a mommy of two?
Anonymous
You alluded to your church in another post. Can you explain your decision to attend a non-denominational church? Is it a mega-church? What doctrines does it follow? It is inclusive to people who might get judged by other churches, or do you adhere to certain expectations of lifestyle? Asking because some churches have specific statements addressing this, and if your church does, then I’d like to hear someone’s explanation as to why they would attend a church that excluded certain of God’s children.
Ellie
The definition of the Gospel is “good news.” Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment that we all deserve, so that we can be holy and blameless in God’s sight. We ALL fall short, and we ALL need Jesus. God has given is His Word, the Bible, so that we can learn more about Him and this free gift. I pray that you will be able to experience the unconditional love that Jesus offers.
Anonymous
Have you decided on the nickname for your little one yet?
Anonymous
When did Little Buddy start sleeping through the night? Did you and Mr. Handsome sleep train, cosleep or neither?
Are you thinking about enrolling Little Buddy in preschool or will you be homeschooling? If homeschooling, do you have any favorite resources?
What are your favorite activities to do with Little and Littlest Buddy?
What are your go-to meals to make for your family?
Anonymous
Could Mr. H tell us something about his two youngest sisters? We haven’t heard anything about them for a long time. How old are they now or if they live af home? Ellie you have told us that your father, brother and you liked to go skiing. Did your mother ski?
Gabrielle
Can you tell us your face care routine?
Do you want more kids?
What are your favorite YouTube channels?
What is your favroite book in the Bible?
Mary
What were your favorite books as a child or teenager that you would still read today.?
Anonymous
Are you wearing eyeliner?
Ellie
I usually do, but not in that photo.
Cathy
Hi Ellie, I was wondering if you and Mr. H hope to plant a garden and grow much of your own food?
Ellie
Funny you should ask…we’re working on that right now. We planted a few things last year, but this year we are doing more. We will keep you updated throughout the spring and summer! Do you do a garden?
Regina
Can you share your testimony of how you came to know the Lord?What are your favorite classic books?
What are your favorite Bible studies?
Else
Would you like to be more like Michelle Duggar?
Ellie
I would definitely like to have her level of patience.
Anne
How have you changed as a person in the last ten years? In what ways has having children impacted your life?
JenniferH
Was it easier/harder going from 0-1 or 1-2 kids?!! Did you get any baby blues/PPD and how have you handled it? (I have 5 children and every postpartum has been so different- get some baby blues in the evenings still and my last was born in November.)
Anonymous
You mentioned your mom moved. How is all of your family?
Karen
Just wondering what nickname you gave the baby.
I was thinking little guy
Jessica
I have 7 children, can your husband talk about how it was like growing up in a big family? I can’t remember how many siblings he has, but I think it’s similar. Any advice from the perspective of someone growing up with many siblings? Can we ask his mom questions? 😃
Ellie
Hi Jessica! Sure, I can have Mr. H do that. And I’m sure my mother-in-law would be happy to answer questions. Tell me what you’d like to know, and I’ll send them to her. 🙂
Jessica
How did she make sure she wasn’t neglecting important training opportunities? There’s so much going on that can fill our time, how did she know she was busy doing what would actually matter? It’s hard to explain.
How did she cultivate a deep love and friendship in each of her children for each other?
This might be personal, but what’s her biggest regret in raising her children? And how did she find joy in the midst of all of the craziness?
What advice would she have for mother’s of many children?
I’m sure I could think of more. I don’t really have anyone to ask. Not much family or friends. But I really want to glean from wiser mothers who have raised Godly children. I don’t want to follow in my parent’s footsteps. And I want to be intentional. Being a mother is a wonderful calling and I don’t want to fail. But I know I am, so I could use advice.
Please tell her thank you. And thank you.
Ellie
I will pass those questions on to her. 🙂 I’ll either email you or post the answers. Could you email me your email address? NashvilleWife@gmail.com
Anonymous
Jessica, you are not failing as a mother. I do not know you, but I can tell that about you because of your loving words and your desire to learn.
Jessica
Thanks. That’s very sweet and encouraging. I’m my biggest enemy. And I’m hard on myself. I focus on my mistakes too much sometimes.
Jasmine
What Bates girls are you closet too?
Tina, Greece
As far as I know your main job is the Bates and Duggars blogs. Have the recent Josh Duggar accusations affected you in any way?
Anonymous
Did you have a hard time discussing with your mom, when you wanted to get your ears pierced? What age did you get them done? (guess as a teenager)
Ellie
I can’t remember the exact age, but it was in middle school. She was completely on board. 🙂