“Nothing”

I did “nothing” today. At least, nothing that earns promotions or applause.  

Our simple days start with cuddling instead of rushing out the door. Letting the boys sit and rock and wake up slowly. 

Baby is up first. I make him breakfast and watch him eat it. It’s amazing to me, how he can feed himself an entire bowl of chia seed pudding in two minutes. Then hand the bowl back to me with a little “Tank ew” in the sweetest voice. It’s worth cleaning up the mess from letting him do all by himself because he’s a big boy. 

Brother makes his way to the table, hair sticking up every which way. By the time I’ve fed everyone and cleaned up the kitchen, it’s time for school. Brother’s learning how to add three groups of numbers; Baby’s right beside us counting “one, teeeew, phreee”. 

The two of you wrestle over the crayons. And the workbook. And the eraser. It’s funny. 

Lunchtime. Naptime. I don’t think Baby has ever gone down without being rocked. Is there anything sweeter than baby snuggles? 

I hesitate to lay him down, but there’s chores to be done. And Brother wants another snack. 

While Baby sleeps, I fold laundry, go through papers, wipe counters, and prep dinner—the quiet work that keeps a home feeling like home.

I can’t get to him fast enough when I hear him stir, but before I’m even to the hallway, Brother is there. “Here, Caleb, I’m here. I will tell you a story.” I don’t think either of you will ever know how many times I cried and prayed for moments like this. 

My phone must have a couple dozen photos of you both together. You’re the best of friends. Not because I made you be, but because you spend these days together, doing life together. All these hours at home doing “nothing” have done so much. 

Supper. Family chatter. Listening to my boys offer commentary on the world around them. This might be my favorite time of day.

Clean up the kitchen. Switch over the laundry. Tuck in the house. And the kids. Finally myself. 

It’s quiet. I go to my planner to see what’s been done and what’s still waiting. I give myself 30 minutes on Instagram where every scroll tells me success looks louder than this. Bigger than this. More productive than this. But I don’t believe it anymore. 

I’m often given reminders, big and small, that the little “nothings” I do all day might really be everything. They become the place my boys grow up. A peaceful, well-kept home. Full bellies. Stories before naps. Brothers who become best friends because they’ve simply done life together. 

Countless kisses, tickles, and little moments we wouldn’t get if I worked a 9-to-5.

Being a stay at home mom isn’t flashy. It’s just tending to the hearts of the family God has blessed me with. 

I really believe that someday I’ll see the fruit of the sacrifices it took to make this way of life work. I’m grateful for the grace of God that flows in abundance, giving me the strength to keep going even when I do believe the lie that we’re not doing enough if it’s not impressive. 

I loved my family well today. The world may consider that nothing, but it’s more than enough for me.  ♥️ 

©️ Grace Baeten 2026