Our Winter Edition is Now Available

From the Publisher

During my parenting years, I’ve gone through many phases, and asked a lot of questions:

Should I stay home?
Should I work?
Should I try to run my own business?
Should I eat all the boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, now or later?!

There are SO many decisions to make. 

When Dawson was born in 2003, I was convinced that I needed to be a stay-at-home mom. That lasted a whopping six months and then I was ready to work. I accepted a  part-time role in a marketing department, not having any idea what I was getting myself into or how this decision would change the course of my life.

I stayed in that role through the birth of Ellie and the pregnancy of the twins. I loved the flexibility that my boss offered me, and her generosity gave me more time with my kids when they were little.

In 2007, we moved back to Lincoln and the twins were born. I had four kids, four and under, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford daycare for them. I had to figure out a way to work from home and to be a stay-at-home mom. It was tough. I mainly remember nursing babies, making meals, watching trashy TV, and trying to get my professional job done while everyone else slept. 

A year after the twins were born, I had a request to do marketing consulting. Getting that side-hustle allowed me to hire someone to come in and help me with my four little ones. And man, did I need it. I was so blessed by those women that worked with me during the early years — specifically Lindsey, Kelsey, and Mackenzie. They were organized, way better at laundry than me, and so good with my kids. 

In 2009, I started Eleanor Creative, a branding and marketing agency here in Lincoln. I hired Mackenzie full-time to help me with my kids and manage my home. I had the flexibility to attend their events, volunteer in their classrooms, and take time off with them when they needed it. 

Through all of those transitions with my work, I know it impacted me as a mother — for the better. My kids have seen my success and my struggles. They have met so many interesting people along the way and it has opened their eyes to owning a business, and caring for employees and clients - all while ensuring that they are well-rounded, kind, and compassionate humans. 

I write this to encourage you that there are so many ways to raise your kids and to see your goals as a parent come to life. There will be a lot of people out there telling you there is only one way to parent well, but I’d like to encourage you to think differently. It might take a little creativity and a lot of grit but it’s your story, and you should be the author of it. 

And yes, yes, yes, there will be plenty of failures along the way. But don’t let that keep you down. Get up, chin up, and get back to going after what’s right for you and your family.

Until next time,

Christine Weeks
Owner / Publisher