Hello Friend,

If you know that I have eight kids with my youngest being only age 5, you might be surprised at my email subject line.

But I am truly feelin' it this week! I woke up earlier than normal on Sunday - with literally no reason. I took my shower the night before, the house was pretty much clean for a change, I didn't have much laundry to fold - yet I felt a nudging to get up.

I am a Christian and thought there must be something I need to read in my Bible today. So I did get up.

Not long after, my 23 year old son comes upstairs and takes a shower. This is not unusual for him. He does take showers and sleeps at weird hours. But then... my 19 year old son, who we often have to wake up for church comes upstairs fully dressed with shoes on about four hours before church would start. That's unusual!

Adult Sons Taking a Trip

Come to find out, they were both going together on a trip to Puerto Rico. They had planned this in advance, long enough for them to take off work, etc. and they never even told me - or planned to tell me. They thought it would be funny if we checked the app on our phones to see where they were and found out that way.

I was hurt. Probably because my love language is quality time / quality conversation. But I smiled through it, woke my husband to say goodbye to them and offer his wise advice - and off they went. I felt a little empty nest syndrome then. Even with my four youngest kids still in the house.

Adult Daughter's Birthday

My adult daughter, Mercedes, turned 22 and it was my first time not seeing my child on their actual birthday. I know that doesn't make sense because my oldest child, Marissa, is 25, so you think that would have happened by now. Even though she is in college, her birthday is in the summer so we always see her.

Mercedes is married now and chose to see us the day before her birthday, which is wonderful. We had an amazing time together and I should have been totally fine with it, but yet I felt a little empty nest syndrome on her actual birthday with not seeing her.

Teen Might Choose Public School

Also, my husband has decided that our teen daughter may choose if she wants to homeschool or do public school for 9th grade in the Fall. I have homeschooled her up until now and would prefer she continue to homeschool. Yet I know my husband is wise and I respect his decision and will support it. Doing this type of thing (dying to my will) is probably one reason we have been married 28 years.

She has been asking other people's opinions and thinking about it and I think she is leaning towards public school. Miranda is an extrovert and will likely have no trouble making friends and she already knows two girls in her grade, one from 4-H and one from church. But yet, I am feeling some empty nest syndrome in this case as well.

​

Yet, I reason with myself, didn't I raise them up in the LORD to shoot them out like arrows into the world like what it says in Psalm 127:4?

Grief Shopping

I went grocery shopping this week (on my daughter's actual birthday - big mistake) and I feel like I was Grief Shopping! I am usually very close to budget, but this time, I was way over! Thankfully, we had enough money to cover it that time.

We are on a budget though, and have only one vehicle between my husband and I - so I need to be more careful, for sure!

If you are feeling empty nest syndrome, even though you feel like you shouldn't be since you still have kids at home, don't go to the store!

Instead, do your empty nest syndrome shopping with my Etsy coupon, get something for yourself or for your Mother or your adult child.

Through February 28, 2025 (midnight EST) - you can get $10 off with a minimum purchase of any three items in my Etsy Shop. You can pick anything you want - physical or printable. Use the code WONDER10 at checkout. Please note that you may still have to pay tax and shipping and this coupon can only be used once. If you already used this, try NEEDED2 for $2 off one item or more at checkout. If you haven't used either one, you can try both and see if they stack, I am curious myself.

There are a little under 400 items in my shop ranging from $1 to $75. You get free shipping within the US with a $35+ order or it is a flat rate of $4.25 for shipping. Sewing & Craft tutorials and all printables come right to your email with no shipping.

If you still have kids at home and are taking a long car drive soon, you might want to add this one to your cart...

Travel Bingo, 28 Printable Road Trip Bingo Cards

See it here

​

Building Up my TPT Store

If you use Teachers Pay Teachers, would you please consider helping me out? I am trying to list printables on there that I already have in my Etsy shop to get them in front of more eyes. Even though I have sold more than a handful of items already, not a soul left me a review. I think it would help my future sales there to at least have one positive review. You can see my TPT store here. Thanks in advance if you can help me.

​

JoAnn Fabric Stores Closing

Speaking of grief shopping... did you hear that ALL of the JoAnn Fabric stores are closing due to bankruptcy? I am bummed about that news. We have one nearby and I have heard they already have items on sale. I better not go this week! :)

​

Leaning On Jesus And Watching For His Return

What I am doing rather than grief shopping today... I am occupying until His return! (Luke 19:13)

Have a joy filled day!

~Amy at NeededInTheHome - Website - Books - Faith Testimony ​

>Find me on these platforms

My favorite physical (paper hard copy) spiral Daily Planner.

*thank you for supporting my large family and small business, affiliate links are used in this email. NeededInTheHome is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*​
​

My Top Favorite Resources are Below but ALL Of My Family's Favorite Resources Can Be Found HERE.

-Amazon Influencer Page is where I share the specific items my family uses for homemaking, homeschooling, home decor, home organization and also shows the books I wrote that are sold on Amazon. Plus, that riding toy everyone asks me, "where can I get one?" - that supports up to 220 pounds.
​

I operate on God's help, prayer, coffee, and support from people like you! I desire to create encouraging, practical, useful content for women at home. Thank you.

​