Taking The Time To Slow Down

6/30/2015

I met my husband online almost 18 years ago ... he lived in England and I lived in the US. After six months of calling and emailing each other everyday we decided to meet in person. I flew out to England and he gave up everything he had there to come back home with me.

We were married a short time later. He and I never once looked back and wondered if we were making a mistake. He is everything in the world to me and I would be lost without him.

Last week he became seriously ill and I began to fear the worst. All the things we had planned on doing together and never did because I was always too busy hit me like a ton of bricks.

I had been living life at such a crazy pace since I began teaching twenty years ago. There never seemed to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that I wanted to get done. But did I really need to get everything done? Was the world going to fall apart if I didn't complete all of my daily "to do list" goals?

As I sat in the hospital I made a promise to myself that I was going to slow down and change my priorities. All of the "someday we will do that when I have the time" became "I have the time now".

I'm cutting back on teaching for a little while and there will be some changes made to my website. I will no longer post a daily printable ... art project ... or learning sheet. I will instead be posting those items straight to the blog so be sure to check there for the latest materials added. There will still be new free and membership printables along with new videos and teaching ideas. I hope you can understand why I am making these changes.

Thanks to the excellent care my husband received at the hospital he was able to come home yesterday and will begin his recovery. I feel so blessed that we have been given more time together.

I am usually a very private person but I wanted you all to know what was happening and about the changes I am making. If you've made it this far thank you so much for taking the time to read this post!!

143 Comments

Sabina

6/30/2015 07:10:43 am

OMG Shelly. I absolutely love your website. I hope your husband will recover quickly. Will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You site is and always will be my favorite go to site for early years material.

Shelley

6/30/2015 03:55:27 pm

Thank you so much Sabina ... I appreciate your kind words!!

Michelle

6/30/2015 08:18:02 am

Even though my children are older now, I have still remained on the e-mail list. I wish you and your husband the best and thank you for helping my children.

6/30/2015 04:05:36 pm

Thank you so much Michelle!!

Robin May

6/30/2015 08:21:06 am

May God bless you both and am happy that your husband is getting better. You are so right. Life is way too short. Enjoy, laugh, and love what you have together.

6/30/2015 04:07:33 pm

Thank you so much Robin for your kind words!!

Cheryl Martin

6/30/2015 08:24:18 am

Shelley, I have enjoyed your site and teaching activities for the last 5 years. I am very sorry to hear this news, and I have you, your husband and family in my prayers for a speedy recovery. I fully understand why you are making these changes and stand behind you 100 percent.

6/30/2015 04:12:49 pm

Thank you Cheryl ... I appreciate your understanding and kind words!!

Angie

6/30/2015 08:26:18 am

Shelly --- Good for you to realize that life and time are precious things that we can never get back once they are gone. I'm happy for you and we will survive without that daily lesson from you....,as well as you will too! I love your website and will keep up doing all of those activities you've taught. It's your turn to live with your husband and enjoy each other --- healthy and happy thoughts being sent your way!

6/30/2015 04:13:39 pm

Thank you so much Angie for your support and kind words I truly appreciate it!!

Nena

6/30/2015 08:26:42 am

I have been a long time follower and have many of your first CD's prayers for you and your family

6/30/2015 04:15:19 pm

Thank you so much Nena!

Sandra

6/30/2015 08:28:55 am

Shelley...I want to personally thank you for what you've done for me and so many other providers who teach and teachers as well. I've been a part of your group since 199 something and I'm still here!

Take the time that you need to be with your husband! whoever doesn't understand can kick rocks!!! Time is precious and God has allowed you and your hubby more time.... Use it loving and taking care of him!

We'll be here it and when you return!!!
Be blessed!!!

6/30/2015 04:17:38 pm

Thank you so much Sandra ... I'll still be around ... just a little bit less. Your kind words mean a lot to me!!

Tina Minges

6/30/2015 08:45:02 am

When it comes to the ones we love, nothing else matters! Enjoy your time with your sweetheart!

6/30/2015 04:18:14 pm

Thank you so much Tina!!

Maria

6/30/2015 08:46:08 am

Shelley, I wish you and your family well. I have been using many of your items even though I have been teaching 2's.
Speedy recovery to your husband.
Maria

6/30/2015 04:23:19 pm

Thank you Maria for your kind words!!

Teri Foster link

6/30/2015 08:47:42 am

Love to your family. Thank you for sharing yourself and your talents with us.

6/30/2015 04:25:09 pm

Thank you so much Teri!!

Gracie Aguirre

6/30/2015 08:48:11 am

Shelly I truly understand there comes a time we all need to slow down and make changes. Good to hear your husband is home in his comfy place that's a good sign he's doing well. Well keep you both in my prayers and well be looking out for your blogs. God Bless your husband to good health, you take care.

6/30/2015 04:46:49 pm

Thank you so much for your support Gracie!!

Lisa

6/30/2015 08:51:36 am

My prayers are with you.

Thank you.

6/30/2015 04:49:04 pm

Thank you so much Lisa!!

Debbie

6/30/2015 08:58:18 am

Thank you for all of your materials through the years! God bless you and your husband! Life is to short not to enjoy with those who mean the most.

6/30/2015 04:50:50 pm

Thank you so much Debbie ... I appreciate your kind words!!

Randa Campbell

6/30/2015 09:01:32 am

Hi Shelly,

I'm praying for a speedy recovery for your husband and family. Family comes first and enjoy every minute your family. I will follow your blog. I have been following your website for many years and have enjoyed all the materials you have developed. God bless you and your family.

6/30/2015 05:00:21 pm

Thank you Randa!!

Fay Borgatti

6/30/2015 09:13:48 am

God Bless you both. You are absolutely doing the right thing. I am glad he is on the road to recovery....do not waste a single minute on your to do list unless your husband is the first 10 items... Blessings

6/30/2015 05:01:01 pm

Thank you so much Fay!! I appreciate your kind words!!

Heidi

6/30/2015 09:17:52 am

Thanking God that you have time to spend with your husband. I would like to say that you have touched many lives. Thanks

6/30/2015 05:03:20 pm

Thank you so much Heidi!!

D Carpenter

6/30/2015 09:24:29 am

Thoughts and prayers to your husband, family and you. I have enjoyed your website and pray that you will come back full force, when you've done all you have to do, right now. You spoke of blogs, can you direct me to those. My grandkids enjoy your activities.

6/30/2015 05:15:33 pm

Thank you so much Dee!! The blog is at childcareland.com which is where you commented on the post about my husband.

L Miller

6/30/2015 09:28:05 am

Sending prayers to you and your husband!!
Slow Down and enjoy each other. ❤️😄

6/30/2015 05:16:25 pm

Thank you so much!!

Brenda Boisseau

6/30/2015 09:34:50 am

Your inspiring post makes me feel I should look at my life as well. Enjoy every minute you have together.

6/30/2015 05:17:50 pm

Thank you so much Brenda!!

Lisa L.

6/30/2015 09:42:21 am

Shelley,

We are all here for you. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless!

6/30/2015 05:25:52 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words Lisa!!

Kathy Arens

6/30/2015 09:43:05 am

I will keep you both in my prayers! Your website has been an inspiration to all of us here at Bright Futures and we enjoy all of your wonderful teaching aids. We will totally understand your need to prioritize your life but will continue to look forward to your posts. God Bless!

6/30/2015 05:27:32 pm

Thank you so much Kathy ... I really appreciate your support and kind words!!

Fern Murtagh

6/30/2015 09:52:40 am

Enjoy every moment that you have together. You have supported so many of us in our teaching, now it is time to support you. There are many prayers for both of you.

6/30/2015 05:28:11 pm

Thank you so much Fern. You kind words are greatly appreciated!!

Cheryle

6/30/2015 09:55:52 am

You have changed home daycare, by giving providers simple access to a program and daily activities!! You deserve some time to yourself, now. I think you should take more personal time than you've announced, but that's coming from the other end of the timeline...my husband passed five years ago. You never get time back. You know that. God bless you both. xoC

6/30/2015 05:29:40 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss Cheryle. Thank you so much for your support and kind words.

Beth

6/30/2015 09:58:59 am

I have always marveled at how you were able to, "Do it all." Now, I will think of you often as you take the time to do what matters most, for your husband and children....and you. You are a very special lady! Wishing you all the best, and a return to good health for hubby.
:0)

6/30/2015 05:34:09 pm

Thank you so much Beth for your support and words of encouragement!!

Sandy Prosen

6/30/2015 10:00:09 am

Godspeed and God bless!

6/30/2015 05:35:30 pm

Thank you so much Sandy!!

Marita

6/30/2015 10:16:43 am

You and your family are in my prayers <3

6/30/2015 05:36:06 pm

Thank you so much Marita!!

Donna Holmen

6/30/2015 10:26:16 am

Sending many prayers and good wishes your way. My hubby almost died from cancer and I know how scary life can be.
Thank you for all that you do for the children and teachers in the world.
Hugs, Donna

6/30/2015 10:39:48 am

P.S. I think we went to the same high school? East? If you still live there, the medical care is wonderful!!

7/1/2015 07:18:40 am

Yes!! I am a purgolder!! What year did you graduate? I haven't lived in the area for over 26 years now.

7/1/2015 07:16:51 am

Thank you so much Donna. I'm glad you husband is doing better now!!

Lisa Gattone

6/30/2015 10:33:53 am

Shelley,

You are absolutely doing the right thing! I can completely understand when you have someone that you love with all of your heart and they are ill. I am so glad to hear that your husband is able to be home with you. I hope that you can do all of the things that you wanted to do. Please take care of yourselves.

7/1/2015 01:16:23 pm

Thank you so much Lisa for your words of encouragement!!

Debbie Stowe

6/30/2015 10:52:51 am

Great idea! Enjoy your time together! Love your site!

7/1/2015 01:16:45 pm

Thank you so much Debbie!!

6/30/2015 10:57:44 am

Thank you for everything. You have brought so much joy and learning to children all around. I have used your activities in my classroom non stop. You and your husband are in my prayers Best of luck.

7/1/2015 01:17:23 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words Michelle ... I really appreciate them.

Marilyn link

6/30/2015 11:07:50 am

Thanks for all your ideas! Love your website but as a mom of a chronically ill child, it is understandable to reassess your life! God Bless You and your family!

7/1/2015 03:14:10 pm

Thank you Marilyn!!

Wendy

6/30/2015 11:58:14 am

Wow Shelly- my heart and prayers go out to both you and your husband. I've been a true follower of yours for years and totally can relate to taking a break. My husband had stage 3 tonsil cancer 6 years ago - when I stopped teaching while he recovered. Best thing I ever did- he survived the cancer (6 years cancer free) and I now have continued to teach. Thank you for all you do! 🙏🙏🙏

7/1/2015 03:15:36 pm

Thank you so much Wendy!! I'm so glad your husband got better!!

6/30/2015 01:34:41 pm

Hi Shelly! Thank you so much for all you have done for all of us! You are an inspiration to us all. Family is what is most important. Live life to the fullest and cherish those moments. My prayer is that you will feel God's love and presence all around you and your family. May God bless, heal and keep you all safe. Love, Debbie

7/1/2015 03:16:33 pm

Thank you so much Debbie for your words of encouragement!!

Diane

I am so sorry to hear about your husband, and I pray that he has a speedy recovery. God bless you and your family, and thanks being there for so many of us teachers.

7/1/2015 03:17:21 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words Diane!!

saeeda Qureshi link

6/30/2015 03:43:19 pm

Wish you all the best, full recovery of your husband, and happy life together, your daily activity had been a great source for me, I always wait for that, thanks for a very handy, easy and practical site.

7/1/2015 03:19:39 pm

Thank you so much Saeeda!!

Rebecca Rantz

6/30/2015 04:52:18 pm

Wow! I've been coming to your Childcare Land site since 2003! Your instruction has helped my 4 children tremendously throughout the years. Thank You for your dedication to the parents and youth you have helped so much. Enjoy your precious family.

7/1/2015 03:20:25 pm

Thank you so much Rebecca!! I'll still be around ... just not everyday!!

Janet

6/30/2015 11:08:07 pm

Shelly,
Thanks so much for sharing. Your words made me pause and look at my own life and priorities. I will keep your family close in prayer. I hope your husband will recover fully and you will cherish many, many more years together.

7/1/2015 03:21:01 pm

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement Janet!!

Jackie

7/1/2015 12:48:19 am

Praying for you and your husband. I learned too late to enjoy the love of your life and put work second.

7/1/2015 03:22:14 pm

Thank you so much Jackie!! I am sorry for your loss.

Sharon Ford

7/1/2015 01:50:39 am

Totally understand your need to slow down. Thanks for all the ideas you have shared over the years and I wish you and your husband many more years together! Enjoy this time with him!

7/1/2015 03:22:57 pm

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement Sharon ... the are greatly appreciated.

Janet W.

7/1/2015 02:11:29 am

Shelley--
You have worked so hard at helping all of us with the raising/teaching children............... I thank you so much! Your husband, you, and your family will be in my prayers as this situation improves. God bless you for all you have done for all of your little fans! Take care, relax, and take the time to do what you have been wanting to do.

7/1/2015 03:31:04 pm

Thank you so much for your kind words Janet!!

Melody

7/1/2015 02:32:35 am

Hi Shelley,
I send prayers and best wishes for your hubby, you and your family. May your hubby be blessed with health and strength and may you all all be blessed with all that you stand in need of!
Hugs!!!!

7/1/2015 03:32:29 pm

Thank you so much Melody!!

Darla link

7/1/2015 02:42:10 am

Shelley, AMEN to you! I totally understand.. My family & I are going to go through some changes.. If we don't do for our family or our selves, one day it maybe to late.. Best Wishes & Prayers for you & your family..

7/1/2015 03:48:16 pm

Thank you so much Daria!! I hope everything goes well for you and your family

Stephanie White

7/1/2015 04:10:26 am

You have chosen the right path, both past, present and future. Now, just breathe, and enjoy your marriage.

7/1/2015 03:49:02 pm

Thank you so much Stephanie!!

Laura

7/1/2015 04:50:19 am

Shelley I have enjoyed your site for years. I log on daily for ideas for my daycare. I wish you all the best and pray that your hubby makes a complete recovery. Thank you for having enriched the lives of my little daycare children and for making my job so much easier. God Bless

7/1/2015 03:49:48 pm

Thank you so much Laura for your kind words. I will still be around ... just not every day!!

Beatriz

7/1/2015 04:58:32 am

I am so sorry hope your husband feel better soon god bless.......

7/1/2015 03:50:08 pm

Thank you so much Beatriz!!

Ginger Pritchard

7/1/2015 05:00:49 am

Thanks for all you've done to support us with your wonderful ideas and resources. Praying for a speedy and full recovery.

7/1/2015 03:50:30 pm

Thank you so much Ginger!!

pat leblanc link

7/1/2015 06:54:09 am

Thank you Shelly for sharing all this with us.I love your website, it has been so helpful. I'm sure people fully understand.Praying for your Husband to make a speedy recovery. I lost my husband and there's nothing more important than family. God's blessing on you.

7/1/2015 03:52:07 pm

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Betty Blazek

7/1/2015 10:35:52 am

Shelly thank you for taking the time to share with us. My prayers are with you and your family.

7/1/2015 03:52:31 pm

Thank you so much Betty!!

Julie

7/1/2015 10:57:24 am

Thank you for sharing about your husband's health. You are doing the right thing to take care of your husband and spend lots of time with your family. Praying for a speedy recovery for him. Your site has been a blessing to me over the years. I always look forward to your innovative ideas, crafts and worksheets. You are very talented. God bless you.

7/1/2015 03:53:18 pm

Thank you so much Julie for your kind words ... they are greatly appreciated!!

Jennifer Barnett

7/1/2015 11:38:52 am

Shelley,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband's illness. Praying that he has a speedy recovery!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful items you offer to preschool teachers. Bless you and you family.

7/1/2015 03:54:15 pm

Thank you so much Jennifer ... I truly appreciate your kind words!!

Mary Anne

7/1/2015 12:54:50 pm

love your site! I totally agree with what you doing with your lovely husband. Take time to enjoy each other. Your fans will wait!!! Hang in there. God Bless you and your hubby.

7/1/2015 03:54:43 pm

Thank you Mary Anne!!

Amy Baptista

7/1/2015 01:40:58 pm

Prayers for a speedy recovery and lifelong happiness!

7/1/2015 03:55:04 pm

Thank you so much Amy!!

KATHERINE link

7/1/2015 01:42:59 pm

DEAR SHELLEY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND......YOU ARE AN AWESOME LADY.....YOU NEED THIS TIME WITH YOUR HUSBAND.....ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU.....
BLESSINGS
KATHERINE HARTSFIELD

7/1/2015 03:55:46 pm

Thank you so much Katherine for your words of encouragement ... they are truly appreciated!!

Sharon

7/1/2015 04:18:33 pm

You are cared about and prayed for by many, many people Shelley. May God bless you, your husband, and all of your family.

7/6/2015 02:48:51 am

Thank you so much Sharon for your kind words!!

Ann Stevenson

7/1/2015 10:22:14 pm

So very sorry to hear about your husband. Thoughts and Prayers are with you both.

7/6/2015 02:49:12 am

Thank you so much Ann!!

Phylliss

7/2/2015 04:36:31 am

I am so glad that your husband is so much better. I went through this in March with my husband. I also decided to slow down and I feel so much better. I need 2 more years to retire and hopeful things will continue to stay uphill with my husband and his copd issues. Thinking of you and your family and you will be in my prayers. Thanks so much for all the things you contribute we use them in our classroom and the kids really enjoy them.

7/6/2015 02:57:05 am

Thank you so much Phylliss!! I'm glad to hear your husband is doing better. You will be in our prayers as well!!

Terry

7/2/2015 12:04:00 pm

Health, happiness and peace. God bless you both. Thank you for all you've done for early childhood education. You are in my prayers.

7/6/2015 03:03:20 am

Thank you so much Terry!! Your support is greatly appreciated!!

mary connolly

7/2/2015 12:38:50 pm

7/2/2015 12:47:52 pm

Shelley just seen your post. Firstly family are the most important thing and i applaud you for your decision to slow down and make quality time a priority.you know every evening i get home from montessori and make a cuppa and check my emails always looking to see what shelley posted today..you are part of my daily routine so will miss that but hope you guys enjoy incredible happy moments together for many years..childcareland is TheBest no exception...

Mary

7/6/2015 03:33:17 am

Thank you so much Mary!! I will still be here just not everyday for a while. I really appreciate your support!!

Miea Williams link

7/2/2015 03:13:51 pm

I thank you so much for all the time and effort you put forth. So much on your site has been very useful in my class. I am praying for you and your family for speedy recovery and total strength for you and your husband. Thank you for sharing it couldn't have come at a more perfect time because I was feeling the same way. I will slow down and enjoy my hubby and children. Get rest :)

7/6/2015 03:36:39 am

Thank you so much Miea!! I appreciate your kind word more than you know!!

Christine Petersen

7/4/2015 01:19:46 am

Your site has been a godsend to me as I started a library program at my school for special needs children. We created hundreds of filefolders and other materials for the staff to to take out using your printables! I refer all new and old teachers to your website for great teaching ideas.

I'm glad to hear that your husband is recovering. I'll look for your blog in the future. Thanks for keeping that up. I'd really miss your posts if your had to quit. I look forward to checking my e-mail each week!

My best to you both for continued good health and many happy years together!

7/6/2015 03:38:26 am

Thank you so much Christine!! I'm so glad you like my material and thank you for referring other teacher to my site!! I will still be here ... just not everyday for a bit.

Becky Houy

7/5/2015 08:29:45 am

I will pray for you and your husband and family. God is good and you are all in His hands.

7/6/2015 03:38:52 am

Thank you so much Becky!!

Kate

7/5/2015 10:49:11 am

Shelly may God Bless you and your husband. I am sending good vibes and wishes as you both work through your husbands recovery. Take the time and do the things on your to do list that you and your husband when he is up for it. Thank you for all you ideas and printables.

7/6/2015 03:39:27 am

Thank you so much Kate!! I appreciate your support!!

EDITH

7/5/2015 11:30:05 am

Dolores

7/5/2015 11:18:21 pm

Shelley so sorry that you had to go through this but Praying for your and your husband. Thank God that he was in a good hospital and now home with you and praying for a speedy recovery. You take all the time you need to be with him. God Bless you both and may ya get to do a lot of those things ya want to do. Praise the Lord.

7/6/2015 03:40:08 am

Thank you so much Dolores!! I really appreciate your prayers and support!!

Vickie

7/6/2015 12:11:04 pm

Shelley your husband & family are in my thoughts & prayers. I couldn't agree with you more. We never know what tomorrow holds and family & loved ones are the most important. I will miss your daily posts & unfortunately I don't know a thing about blogs but I will continue to use your site. It has been a blessing to me & all the children that have been in my classes. Hugs to you and prayers going up.

Thank you for always being so patient with me.

Vickie

7/9/2015 05:23:59 pm

Thank you so much Vickie for your kind words and support ... I really appreciate it!!

Tangelia

7/7/2015 11:48:48 am

I'm glad to hear that your husband is doing well and at home. I can understand the need to slow down and spend more time with family. As educator we must learn to slow up and take time for our family and love ones. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I truly love all of your great ideals and knowledge that you have given to me over the years as an educator.
Thanks again and God Bless.

7/9/2015 05:25:26 pm

Thank you so much Tangelia ... I really appreciate your words of support and encouragement!!

7/7/2015 12:49:34 pm

Prayers to your family...life to too short sometimes and we need to slow down and feel the love.....

7/9/2015 05:26:18 pm

Thank you so much Diane!!

Pascale

7/9/2015 12:55:10 am

as a mom turned teacher who spent the first 8 years of my daughter's life more in the hospital than out, I wanna say I am so happy your husband is getting better and we understand. don't worry about us we will still be here to support your site, blog and store for many years to come. Praying for a speedy recovery for your family physically and mentally, and that you find the time to complete that bucket list of things that you all want to do together. My love and support from our family to yours

7/9/2015 05:31:20 pm

Thank you so much Pascale. I really appreciate your encouragement and support!!

Marla

7/10/2015 01:38:43 pm

Will keep you both in my prayers. Thank you for all the ideas you share with us. Enjoy life and cherish the second chance you were both given to make all your wishes come true!

Carmen

7/11/2015 12:23:11 pm

Your website is a gold mine to me , thanks for everything Shelley. Best of luck to your whole family and may you have lots of beautiful moments with your hubby and kids . Will be thinking of you all. Take care !!!!

7/18/2015 03:27:48 pm

Thank you for sharing with us. You have helped me so very much with your expertise. You are making a very wise decision and you are to be commended for doing it. You and your husband will be in my prayers.

Cindy Recoulle

7/28/2015 04:49:19 am

I have used your ideas for years when I was a teacher and now share them and your website with the teachers I am supervising/supporting in my new position. My husband too has had some health issues. It makes you re-evaluate. Family comes first. Good luck and we all so appreciate whatever you can continue to do to share with us! Sending thoughts and prayers for his recovery.

Khalida

6/1/2016 11:43:11 am

God bless your family and thanks for everything you do it in your website