April 22, 2019
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your love and support for my blog.
When I started writing, I really didn’t know if anyone would read it. Once I took the leap of faith and put my time, love and energy into it and released it out there into the big world, I didn’t know who my audience would be.
I have to tell you guys that I’m so pleasantly surprised to see who is visiting me!
Yes, there are a lot of older gals like me here, talking about our empty nesting experiences which is so wonderful. But, I could not be happier to be chatting with you guys, as well, and that YOU find my stories fun and interesting… even if they don’t include Gavin!
Thanks, you guys!
Don’t get me wrong, I knew you would come to read about Gav, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’ve stayed.
I hear you’re calling yourselves #NickSnax? Or maybe that is the name for the Nicholas Scratch fans. Perhaps the Gavin fans are called, GavSnax? Haha…
I’m so thankful for your support for Gavin. You are an amazing and loving Fandom. If he could write each and every one of you to thank you all, he would. It’s really crazy how overwhelming, (and wonderful) his following has become. Just know that he loves you and feels so much gratitude for all the love you are showing him.
But I also want you to know that I really love having you here reading my blog. I love hearing that you’re trying my recipes while you’re away from home for the first time in college.
I love that you write to me to tell me how they’ve turned out and that you send pictures of your beautiful creations. I love getting Happy Easter wishes from all of you!
My blog audience has come from all over the world
I’m enjoying reading about your stories and traditions from Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, Czechia and many other countries including the good old USA. I love that you enjoy the stories about my dogs and chipmunk and parties, travels and beloved garden!
And I adore that you adore Chloe and her YouTube channel, which is growing like crazy…so fast!
As I write this it is at 9.4K subscribers! You guys are awesome!
I can’t thank you all enough for following me on Instagram and HUGE hugs to those of you who actually share my blog stories and posts.
And a giant thank you for subscribing to my blog.
If you haven’t already…Please do subscribe…I promise I won’t spam you!
I have mountains of gratitude for you for spreading the word and helping me grow. It means so much to me.
I’ve often wondered how I can do my part to spread love throughout the world. I’m just one person here in my home in the middle of the forest. After starting this blog, I’ve found my answer. I put a little bit of me out there, writing about the things I love, from my heart, and you guys have sent back more love than I could have imagined.
And you know what, you guys? I’ve learned that all around the world, we all value the same things: Family and Friendship. We all want to be seen and heard and we all want the world to be a loving place.
I’m so honored to share this little space on the internet with you.
One more thing… I want you to know that, while I was struggling with the idea of not having my kids at home anymore, you have made me feel, in a small way, that I can be Momma Jill to all you sweethearts from around the world.
Lastly, Empty Nesting is hard on Mom and Dad. It is difficult for us parents to let go of our beloved children. So, give yours lots of love and make sure they know you will always love them even though you’re leaving the nest and creating a life of your own. Moms and Dads aren’t perfect, but most of us do all we can do, to love you and give you the best life that we can.
Sending you all so much love!
Sandra
Te adoro a ti y a este post!! 😍😍
Primero, darte las gracias a ti por compartir tu estilo de vida, tus sentimientos, tus fiestas, tus costumbres, tú día a día. Me haces feliz cuando te leo. Aunque estemos tan tan lejos, este blog nos une en algún sentido. Cierto, yo llegue por tu tweet de tu maravilloso hijo, en el cual escribías esa linda carta a tu hijo. Me engancho a tus palabras y sentimientos!! Ojalá tuviese yo a mi mamá aquí!! Una madre es un pilar tan importante… Pero al leerte la veo reflejada, ella era como tú. Siempre te daba esa palabra exacta, ese abrazo cuando más lo necesitabas o una reprimenda cuando te habías subido a las nubes!! Jajaja. Hables de Gavin, Chloe o cualquier cosa, yo me quedo aquí!!
Un abrazo bien grande para llenar ese nido vacío aunque sea un poco!! 😘😘💙
Jill
Sandra, you are so sweet. Your words mean so much to me. Thank you for being here with me. I love hearing from you. Sending lots of love back to you today and everyday. xoxo
Dafina
Oh God your the sweetest.
I love how proud you are of your kinds and you can be cause you did an amazing job.
You educated them well and taught them to be thankful for every little thing and that’s so amazing.
Your a great mother and your kinds love you. I know it without even talking to them.
Spreading love from Germany❤
Jill
Thank you so much, Dafina! I really appreciate your kind words. I hope you’ll visit my blog again. Sending lots of love to you in Germany. xoxo Jill
Marta
Hi! I am a fan of your son Gavin. I imagine you have lots of messages of that but I hope you could read mine. The truth is that I didn’t know Gavin much before I watched him at CAOS, but now I have discovered an amazing actor, and a referent for me at this world of acting. I hope you could tell him that his awesome and that he will have support from Barcelona for the eternity! Looking forward to hear from you soon. Marta.😘
Jill
Hello Marta! Thank you for commenting here! I passed your message along to Gavin and he said thank you. Sending you lots of love back to Barcelona!xo
Fernanda
Hello, Momma Jill!
Came here to say hi and tell you that I really enjoy your posts and blog!
So, almost 5 years ago I left my whole family and friends and came to a different state because of college (I used to live in Bahia, and now I’m living in Sao Paulo). I only get to visit them twice a year, at first it was very complicated, now I’m more used to it, but it’s still difficult for me… Oh, I forgot to mention that I go to an Architecture School and that I graduate this year already!
Back to the subject, it was very difficult for my parents to get used to not having me around anymore, but the most important thing for them was to support my dream, even if it meant living away from me… But at least now that I’m going to graduate, it will be much easier to visit them!
And about Gavin, I admire him so much. A while ago I was going through a very difficult time and his videos about positivity and thoughts of the day helped me a lot. He really inspires me to never give up on my dreams, no matter how hard it looks like to get there.
The architecture college was just the first one of them, I’m passionate about art in all its forms… Since I was a little girl I have this dream that seems to be a little impossible for me, but I’m starting to try to make it work, after all I’ll never know if it would have worked if I give up, right? Haha… If it works out, and I hope so, I’ll come here to tell you. It’s going to take a little time, but I’ll try anyway.
Here is a little bit of my life story, hopefully I didn’t make too many english mistakes lol I’m not fluent yet, but I’m getting there!
Xoxo Fer
Jill
Hello Fer! Thank you for sharing your story. It is so great that you have dreams and a special passion. Some people don’t even know what they’re passionate about, so you are one step ahead of the game! It took me so long to figure out what I loved to do and now, at my old age, I’m finally doing it in writing this blog!
Congratulations on graduating from Architecture school. That is very impressive! And your English is quite good!
Please do share how you are doing with accomplishing your dream. I would love to cheer you on!
Sending lots of love to you in Sao Paulo. xoxo Momma Jill
Ursula
Dear Jill,
I’ve been having a great time reading your blog because it’s always a great experience, and most of all, because I love how true your stories are.
This post made my eyes water, and I struggled to keep a couple of tears. You and your family are so loving and welcoming it’s overwhelming in the best way. Thank you for letting me, and all of us, in to your lives. You are a truly blessed soul, and your family reflects the amazing bond you have together. Thank you so much for your kindness and attention.
Lots of love from all around the world!
Angelica Vidales
Hello and Happy Monday Ms. Baltzer!!
I have tried the blogging life too and I gave up after two or three entries becasue I was working and going to school full time.
I read your blog for the first time a couple of weeks ago (to read Gavin’s stroy, of course…) but I felt like this was a blog I would finally subscribe too because I live away from my parents since 2011 and I have always been preocupoied on how empty-nesting has affected our family dynamic. They live in Mexico and I am here too many hours and miles away from them.
I’m looking forward to reading more of your stories because I also live a farm style kind of life with goats, cows and birds plus the heat of the summertime in California… which means I will probably read all of your blog stories in the upcoming days .
And… I might or might not comment in all of them.
Best Regards to you & your family!
Angelica V.
Jill
Hi Angelica! Blogging can be very time consuming! Maybe someday you will find time to try again. It is really wonderful to make friends from all over the world!
It must be hard to be so far from your family. I’m sure they miss you, too. Send them lots of love.
I’m so glad you will read all my stories…please do comment. I love it!
Sending love to you in California xoxo Jill
Angelica Vidales
Hi Jill!
I have already read this story and commented back in April; seems like such a looong time ago to me now.
This week I started school, have my mom over and got sick :/ but I will try to read at least one entry per week.
Hope all is well and to read you soon.
Best,
Angelica V.
Jill
Get well soon, Angelica. xoxo Jill
Abby A.
Hi Jill! I’ve been following your blog for a while. I’m @nabrinasfeed on IG. I’m one of the older fan accounts and also an older-ish reader. I’m 25 (yikes)… born 1994 just like Gavin! I relate so much to your posts because I grew up in a military family. We moved around the U.S. often every 2-3 years. When I came to LA for college, I left my parents’ house and at this time my dad was stationed overseas. I always wondered what my parents went through when I left the nest because I know it wasn’t easy for them to let me go. I really want to share your blog with my family because my mom enjoys cooking and my dad LOVES gardening. I’m happy to see you keep yourself busy while you are at home. You, Gavin, and Chloe have a lovely following that you established. I’d love to see more easy recipes. What are some other foods that Gavin likes when he’s back home? Could you provide meat-free and dairy-free options too? I’m pescatarian! 🙂 Sending you endless amounts of love and support from Los Angeles. Your posts make me so happy. Keep it up!
– Abby
Jill
Hello Abby!
Nice work on Nabrinasfeed! I just followed you on IG.
Don’t you dare say “yikes” to age 25! You are just a Spring Chicken! Oh to be 25 again! Haha! I would be so honored if you shared my blog with your parents. It sounds like we have a lot in common! I’m sure they miss you. Make sure you send them lots of love.
I have so many recipes and stories to share. I just need more time in the day. I will keep you in mind on my next recipe post. We eat mostly vegetarian but we are pescatarian, like you! Gavin is a very healthy eater. One of his favorite meals is the brown rice bowl for breakfast with eggs, avocado, salsa and a bit of arugula on top. However, yesterday I believe he devoured about 10 of my meringues!
Have you tried the vegan chili?
Thank you for sharing your story with me and for visiting my blog. Talk to you soon! xoxo Jill
Brienna
Jill,
My name is Brienna. I am a HUGE fan of Gavin’s acting career and Chloe’s YouTube channel! I’ve just come across your blogs, and I am ABSOLUTELY LOVING to read about your journey as a growing writer/blogger. I love how you put it all out there for everyone to read. You’re so open and it inspires me. Now, for some young adults like me, creating a life for ourselves is nearly impossible. Parents can become too dependent, co-dependent, if you may, on their children. So dependent they will sabotage future hopes and dreams for their child so they can’t leave. Sometimes it’s hard for young adults who want to create lives for themselves to do that because every opportunity/goal they have is shot down by the people who are supposed to push them to live their dreams. You’ve, obviously, done a great job in supporting your kids. Some parents aren’t like that. I guess I just wanted to maybe open a discussion about it, since no one seems to talk about it.
Lastly, I was hoping you might be able to (if I send it to you via instagram direct messaging) show Gavin a picture I drew of him? I’m no artist, but I do draw in my spare time. It would just mean the world to me if he saw my drawing.
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my comment.
Much love,
-Brienna
Jill
I hear you Brienna. People who love you most can be over protective. My mom was a bit that way- always steering me in the more practical direction. The thing is, parents do this out of love. They mean well, usually. Of course I can only speak from my own experience. But, even this protection they give you out of love, can be stifling. I plan on writing a post about being a people pleaser. I spent my entire life trying to please everyone but myself. This can suck the life out of you and can also lead you to do things that you regret. While I always recommend honoring your parents, (unless they are abusive), this is your life. The only life you’ve got. Listen to your heart and pursue your dreams. Of course it can be tricky to support yourself while pursuing dreams but make it a “side hustle” and build it. On the other hand, if your parents are supporting you financially, that’s a whole other story! ha!
Regarding, DM’s…I get too many. Try emailing your picture to jill@emptynestwithme.com.
Take care…xoxo Jill
Brienna
Momma Jill,
Good morning! So this morning when I checked my email, I realized the email I sent you of the picture isn’t going through (I’m not sure why.) So, what I did was I posted it on my instagram and on my IG story and set my account to public so it can be seen by people who do not follow me. My instagram is @Bri2.0_k if you would like to see the picture.
Hope you have a beautiful day.
Much love,
Brienna
Jill
Hi Brienna! I did see and like your drawing on IG. Nice work! I love to draw too, as you can probably tell by all my silly Emu’s on my website!
Keep up the great work and keep sharing them with the world!
Have a great day! xoxo Momma Jill
Andrea
Thank you for the letter! <3 I read every story and I love them! You are such a very good and lovely person! I love you! I’m a big fan of yours from Guatemala! You are so kind and your stories are funny and cute! Your blog is the best.
Jill
Thank you sweet Andrea! I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for reading my stories and come back again! xoxo Momma Jill
Isabella
Hello Jill,
I’m from Brazil, and I really love to read your blog, I sent one of your posts to my mom and she cried, about 5 years ago I moved to other town to chase my dreams and left my mom in the town I used to live in, I felt bad in the begining because I knew that she would miss me so much, mostly because we’re inseparable, but in a phone call after she read your blog, she told me that she was worried about how I would live alone and would miss me so much, but now she has the strength to follow her life, she is always worrying if I’m ok and healthy. We cried a lot, but we understand that we needed to go through this to be what we are today. So thank you for all your kind words!
Admire you all. <3
Isabella Hanna.
Jill
Isabella…it’s so wonderful that you are so close to your mom! I remember feeling that separation anxiety leaving my own mom. We were also inseparable. I moved to Hawaii right out of college and it was so hard to leave her. I felt all the things you are feeling. Later in life I was so happy to have her move in with me and care for her for many years. She passed away in July of last year and I miss her terribly but I’m so happy that she lived with me for many years. Life is like that. There are so many stages. I’m sure you will be near your momma in one of those stages of life. Sending you both lots of love. xoxo Jill
Natalie Overn
Jill,
I find it so sweet and inspiring from all of you, actor, youtuber, and blogger that no matter what place you are in life you can start something new. I’m only 21, but felt like I needed an exact plan and a practical one at that. I’ve been walking down five paths as my brother said, and I was discouraged because I felt like I had to choose one. You guys have shown me that dreams can be practical, and I don’t have to just be one thing.
Greeting from Utah,
Natalie
Jill
Hi Natalie! I was like you. I was careful and needed an exact plan, so that makes complete sense to me. That may be why I encouraged my kids to be less practical and find their passion. It takes some soul searching. I think it takes some time to really zero in on one thing that you can put all your focus on. I like to do way too many things and I felt like the “jack of all trades, but the master of none”! I’ve found now, that I can blog about all the fun things and I’m so excited to learn that others find it interesting! I think the bottom line is that you should enjoy your life and follow your heart…especially when you’re young and only have to take care of yourself. When you have a family to care for, it can be a little more difficult to be impractical but I think that youth is the time to find your life’s passion. Don’t wait until you’re an old gal like me! haha! Sending you lots of love and strength as you pursue your goals. Keep me posted on your progress. xoxo Jill
Bita Sibyl
Hello Jill!
I’ve been thinking a lot about whether to write this comment or not here because I knew I was going to expand but in the end I was encouraged.
Out of curiosity What languages does you and your family speak? Sorry for my English so bad.
I got to the blog for Gavin and his whole family I love, and everything they share in their accounts with so much nature around and so much love is wonderful.
As a child I also wanted to be an actress, actually I would still love it, although I have always been too shy for it haha. The good thing is that I have many other aspirations and I am working on them, step by step. Sometimes I participate in local photo shoots, which I love, and this year I returned to drawing and illustration after 14 years while studying and working at the same time to be able to save and it is something that makes me very happy. Read a few days ago about the strength of will of Gavin has motivated me a lot and I hope to achieve my dreams too.
Sometimes I answer some of Gavin’s ig stories but he will get so many daily messages and he will be so busy that it’s a pity not to interact with him, he seems like someone interesting to talk to. I rarely try to interact with someone famous because knowing only his fictional characters and not his real person does not directly “connect” as such but his son gives off something special. Jesus, it seems strange even to my haha, I would not know how to explain very well the feeling he gave me when he saw it. He inspires. Send greetings and lots of support to continue reaching their dreams ☺️
And oh, Chloe has the most beautiful curls in the whole world. She is really beautiful.
As for you, thank you so much for being so open and charming, I will be reading the blog onwards.
Greetings from Valladolid (Spain) ^^
~ Bita
Jill
Hello Bita! I’m so glad you decided to comment! Thank you! It sounds like you are very creative like my family. I find that I’m so happy when I am creating something!
We all studied languages a bit but none of us are fluent in anything but English. Gavin is quite good at Spanish and Sign language. I always admire people who can speak more than one language. It is so impressive to me and you are doing quite well with your English.
I understand what you mean about interacting with celebrities. I have never been one to do that either. I think with social media you can, at least, get to know the actor’s real personality a bit…not just their character. I’m so glad that you enjoy Gavin’s motivational chats. He really loves to do that, when he has time.
Thank you for your comment and for reading my blog. Sending you lots of love. xoxo Jill
Bita
Yes, you’re right, I’ve always liked everything artistic, although at the moment I do not think it’s too good at all. Despite being working on it I feel a bit stuck, many people in Spain feel that way at the moment because they can not fully pursue their dreams.
Haha, I must help the translator to comment, my English is even worse, I would like to resume it and learn it better, I sometimes consider going to the United States or the UK to learn it better and also learn about the country and its festivities, when reading your blog and the fun things you do make me want more of it. How nice it would be to spend a season in a farm in the nature and learn so many beautiful things, but I do not find a good option to carry it out, many times au pair appears as the best option within my possibilities.
😘😘
Jill
Hi again, Bita!
If I was young again, I would be an Au Pair. I think that it a great way to see the world and meet new people.
I admire that you work on your English. Many who write me just write in their native language and I use Google Translator to translate what they write. It works really great.
Nice to hear from you again! xoxo Jill
Ale Ruiz
Hi Momma Jill! Thanks for this post. I love your blog, I love that you’re sharing all of this with us, and I’m happy many people find it interesting too. I’m a huge fan of Gavin, he’s such an incredible human being with a pure soul and so talented, he’s helped me a lot with his motivational videos. Actually I’m about to read the 4 agreements book thanks to him. I love him so much and I hope I can meet him one day. Also I’ve seen Chloe’s channel and I’m very happy for her cause she’s doing something that makes her heart feel full of joy and excitement and she’s sharing those moments with the world, she finally found her passion. My fav videos of her are the ones where you’re all together as family having fun and enjoying life, that’s what I call pure happiness.
You gave me an advice about being volunteer to get experience in acting and tomorrow I’m going to ask for info in the local theater of my city, hope it all works out. Thank you so much for that, for giving me the push I needed to finally start doing something to make my dreams come true. And I’m glad we can make you feel a little bit better when your kids are not home, so you can adopt me if you want haha, sending you loads of love mama!!
Ps: can you tell Gavin that I love him and if there is any advice he could give me about my acting dream or anything that can help me to keep going. If you could please give him the message I’d be very happy. Oh and tell Chloe I need a video of the tulip festival haha (I love tulips🌷). Have a great week with your fam!💕
Jill
Hi Ale…Good for you for taking the first step toward your dream. Keep me posted about that.
I am working on a post about the Tulip Festival and I know Chloe will do a video, as well. Stay tuned!
Also, the 4 Agreements is an excellent book. My husband and I just read it again, together. It is great advice to follow.
Thank you again for your comments! Lots of love… xoxo Momma Jill
Paula
Dearest Jill, what a passionate and heartfelt post. The empty nest is both exciting and challenging. It takes awhile to adjust and get your own groove back on and then retirement happens and more adjustments. Just when things settle and you turned their room into your best craft room ever, either the kids move back in OR the grandchildren start arriving. Life is full of changes and challenges which can makes us resilient and grow or cranky old curmudgeons. So, keep up the positive path you are taking and enjoy every minute.
Jill
Hello my dear Paula! It’s so true. Life is always changing on us! Flexibility is key! And, keeping ourselves busy, busy, busy. God forbid if we should have any down time, haha! I’m anxiously awaiting the grandkid stage but that is out of my power. So, for now, I will enjoy making all these new friends from around the world and continue to throw wild parties with my besties! No cranky old curmudgeon here! Love you lots. xoxo Jill
Aj
I truly love reading your blog! Where I come from (Norway), people only write about Botox, outfit of the day or sponsorships! But your blog truly gives me peace and happiness! Almost a bit mindfulness reading this!
Truly a big fan and subscriber
Jill
Hi AJ! Thank you so much for comment! When you blog you are advised to stick to a narrow topic, but I really find that boring. I’d rather write about all kinds of things so I decided to break the rules and just write about life! I’m so happy you enjoy it!
Please come back again!
Lots of love…Jill
Vanessa
HI again. Starting out blogging is terrifying, we have just started one also. The hardest thing is gaining an audience and thinking about what to say. It’s also hard when you are plastering that site with images of yourself and your children. I think my 19yr old son would be horrified of the photos I stick up. I know my younger two are. What we also find (my co just2kiwimoms) hard is trying to stick to one niche because as a person I am quite random, my thoughts head off in a completely different direction to where I was heading. Anyway I am enjoying your blog you have a way of putting words together which I find awesome. We can only aspire to reach your level. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us
Jill
Vanessa, my fellow blogger…hello and thank you for your comment. I know that I am breaking all the rules by blogging about anything my little heart desires. Like you, I could not stick to a niche. I decided, to heck with it, I don’t care. I’m doing this for me. I shall break the rules and blog about anything I want and call it, simply, a lifestyle blog! Mind you, I’m not trying to make money and the “experts” say, if you’re trying to make money, you have to stick with a niche. I’ve had many comments from readers who say they actually like the variety so that’s my validation and I’m sticking with it! Ha! Also, I’m always surprised that people actually want to read what I say. I feel so ordinary but I’ve learned that, what the people around me like my friends and family might feel is ordinary, other people out there who are not in the same environment, find the things I say interesting and unique. That will probably be the same for you, I would think. I see that your name is Kiwi mom. Are you from New Zealand? If so, that in itself is fascinating to me. It’s always fun to read about foreign cultures. Anyway, thank you for visiting me here and the best of luck to you on your new blog. I will check it out. Lots of love XOXO Jill
Vanessa Lemme
Hi Jill, yes I am from New Zealand. To us it’s boring, it’s a small country but with a lot of diversity. For me I love the States and love hearing anything and everything. Will continue to read your amazing blog. Xx
Vanessa Lemme
By the way, you are beautiful and definitely do not need to blur those images.
Jill
Haha…if I didn’t blur them, you might not think I’m beautiful! haha…oh, getting old is such fun! xoxo
Vanessa Lemme
Sorry spamming you with comments but thought I would let you know since you were mentioning you were interested in our culture, that we are actually doing a post on it and it will be posted in a few days. We are currently roping in my children to help out.
Jill
Yay! Can’t wait to read all about it! Thanks for letting me know. xo
Emilia
Hi momma Jill, I adore your family. I have so much fun watching Chloe’s videos and I get so inspired when I see some of Gavin’s old instagram stories. You are the sweetest.
Take care! Kisses
Jill
Hello again, Emilia!
Thank you for all your interest in my family. I am truly blessed and grateful for my sweet kids! And, I appreciate that you like to read, watch and listen to our stories.
Sending you lots of love, Momma Jill
Juna
Hi, Momma Jill! I am an avid fan of your son, Gavin. I just finished CAOS and I really admire Gavin for his acting, he truly deserves where he is right now. Looking at all the stories and pictures he has with the cast, I can tell that he’s a great guy. But now, as I have watched Chloe’s vlogs and as I have read your blogs, I have discovered a different side of Gavin — he’s deep, family oriented and full of wisdom which is very inspiring. I have seen his struggles and perseverance and I couldn’t be more proud of him. I have also admired the way your raised your kids, Momma Jill, and I really envy all your family adventures. I envision to be like you when I grow older. Wish I could see more of Chloe’s vlogs and discover you and your family more through your blogs. I hope you could also tell Gavin that he’s awesome and that he will have support from Philippines! Looking forward to hear from you soon. Love lots , Juna 😘
Jill
Hi Juna!
Thank you for your sweet comment. Having a strong and loving bond with family is the best thing you can aspire to. I believe if everyone in the world worked on loving their own family, the world would be a more loving and better place.
Sending you lots of love and best wishes for your own strong family, someday.
xoxo Momma Jill