Livinglovingandexploring!

It’s been a while since I’ve just taken a moment to write down how we’re doing here in the Gegg home and give an update. So I figured why not now. Life sure has been strange the past two months here in Missouri. A complete lifestyle change for us here and everyone else we know too!

I went from waking up each morning at 5:30/5:45, getting dressed and eating, then waking up my toddlers, quickly getting them dressed, and throwing cereal in a bowl. Usually, with the help of my hubby, Tyler. Then hopping into the car and racing to daycare to drop them off by 6:45 so I could make it to work by 7:30.

Flash forward to COVID-19 life, and quick update, I am now working from home. This pandemic saves me about 4 hours a DAY, between the driving, fighting traffic, strapping everyone in/out of the car, walking a block to work, and more! It’s eye-opening how much time we’re all wasting every day on minute little things you wouldn’t even consider until your whole world goes topsy-turvy!

The only routine around my home that hasn’t changed much is Tyler’s. He still gets up before the sun and is out the door before me, or the boys wake up for the day. Typically putting in 10-12 hour work days (without proper compensation from his company, to boot!) and then sometimes making it home in time to spend some one on one time with the boys before bed.

Something that I hadn’t realized when this all began was how much I was truly missing out on in my boys’ lives. The number of things they were learning at daycare and figuring out, all without us being around! It’s pretty sad as I WANT to be there for all of the essential things for them, which update; when you’re two-and-three-years old is everything!

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That’s not to say that I don’t want an occasional break, because I do! I’m so glad I get to be here for the little moments, which all add up to big moments for my boys. We get to spend time together, even when I’m working. Since I have a “desk” job, there are specific periods where I’m not overly busy. The same way it was when I was physically at the office! Update: now, when I have some downtime, I get to give hugs, kisses, and cuddles to my favorite people!

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I, like you, have no clue what the future is going to bring! I’m OK with that, so long as the update to come doesn’t ever involve me going back to a physical location with my job. It’s clear to see, from every perspective, that my job, along with probably hundred-thousand others, is perfectly capable of being done in a home environment. Does it mean that we need to be more diligent with what we’re doing? Yes! Which we’ll do if given the right to do so!

An additional bonus for me personally is how many other things I’ve gotten to accomplish since working from home! I’m still working my 40 hours a week and raising my two tornadoes, but I have TIME to do other things. Such as reading! I have gotten around to reading so many books lately, and it’s made me so incredibly happy! I love to read! In the day, you could either find me in my room reading, on the couch reading, in the backyard reading, at the playground reading, etc. I’m sure you get the picture. Things change when you have kiddos, though! For the better in most cases, but my reading ability suffered terribly! Check out the books I’ve gotten around to (so far!) this year here!

Last but not least, as I’m sure I could come up with another fifty things I’ve managed to accomplish while being home always, is this blog! I have had such a great time getting this blog together, posting consistently, and interacting with other bloggers! A few of my favorite blogs to go and catch up on are The Librarian’s page; Hazelnut Musings (she gave me the 2020 book list idea!); and Linda-Roche! Two of those ladies I “met” on Instagram and we interact all the time! I honestly had no idea that there were so many bloggers out there! It’s been a huge eye-opener! My goal is eventually to have this be my whole “job,” but that’s going to take time and dedication! Wish me luck!

I’ve been trying to stay honest with ME and only post about things that I care about here. I enjoy reading, so being sent books by several publishing companies to try and help spread the word about the books they’re promoting is a no-brainer! I’ve also received several different types of actual products to test, which I only accept if they’re something my family or I can use! It’s not worth my time to write up fake posts about things I don’t honestly care about one way or another! Sure, there are books that I enjoy more than others! Sure, there are items I enjoy more than others, but I’m honest about them all.

Here are some products I’ve tested – definitely more to come! Hand sanitizer from Zoey’s Naturals; Pretty Litter; and SalonPas products!

Here are some (there’s a TON more) of my book reviews: Little Hands Help, Parenting Right from the Start, & The Middle Sister.

I like to think of my blog as a place to talk about books I’ve read or am reading. Discussing places I’ve traveled to or WANT to go to (I LOVE traveling too!) Getting my thoughts and feelings out of my head and onto
“paper” as it were. Sharing my hopes and dreams. Just anything that comes up for me and seems worth sharing. I know some people could care less about me and what I have to say. But if there’s just one person out there whom I could make a difference to, I’d like to do just that. Or if I could make some friends through this outlet, sign me up as I’m pretty much a loner LOL!

What kind of things do you post about in your blog? Or are you thinking of starting a blog? I was tentative at first, but now I love it! It’s a great creative outlet! Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Love ya,

Kelly Ann

Relevant hashtags if you choose to share: #livinglovingexploring #life #daily #kids #raisingboys #boymom #crazylife #workingfromhome #pandemic #covid-19 #differentworlds #crazy #different #update #dailylife #littlemoments #moments #ienjoy