She asked me, “He still calls you mommy?” It was in a friendly tone, but the question caught me off-guard. Immediately, I paused for what felt like an awkward length of time. My tongue twisted. I felt attacked with the unexpected, personal question. In my mind, I was thinking in rapid fire succession: “Yes, so?” “Why does it matter?” “Don’t tell him to stop,” and “Am I … [Read more...]
If It Feels Like Too Much, It Probably Is
[Guest Post by Rebecca Barker] Do you ever have a gut feeling that things are getting to be too much? That mom instinct is probably right! If it feels like too much, it probably is are words to live by. As mothers we manage so very many aspects of our family’s lives. From those in the for-front like homeschooling and meal making, to all that goes on “behind the curtain” … [Read more...]
How To Support Your Family as A Stay-At-Home Mom
Just because you’re a stay-at-home mom, doesn’t mean you can’t have your own hustle. If you want to support your family through work, you can do that without even leaving your home. With these options, you’ll always be able to care for your kids. You can do this even while you work. Thanks to changing business practices, we live in a world in which working from home is, for … [Read more...]
Hidden Benefits of Family Game Night
Family game night provides casual time together. This encourages the kids to open up. A crucial part of parenting is listening to our kids when they are willing to share. It is also important to ask a lot of questions to check in and be sure things are going well. There is something about being gathered as a family around the table that eases stress and encourages kids to … [Read more...]
Moms Teach Giving More Than Receiving
When our babies are really little, and I mean this could last until they are school age, they really need so much of us. We give much of our energy-sometimes every last drop-to our families. It is better to give than to receive, but we do receive in this too. We get moments for ourselves. Due to the limited nature of that time, we can cherish it. I know I do. I cherish … [Read more...]
Babies Don’t Keep: Remembering the Small Magical Moments
The thick of motherhood can feel heavy. When I vent to friends it can sound like life is all bad with the housework and parenting loads we carry on the daily. But, I know the work is worth it. I can see in my children and family that every small moment we spend together really does make a difference in raising competent, quality human beings. It is hard work that is inter-mixed … [Read more...]
How to Host a Playdate
Making connections with other moms is not always easy. During these times, stay at home moms are rare in many neighborhoods. The cost of living is so high especially when you need all the modern stuff. But, for those of us trimming our budgets to make being at home with our children a priority, making friends with other moms can start with a simple playdate. It can be as … [Read more...]
When Breastfeeding is Not Working
She was mouthing and acting hungry every 45 minutes. Since she was my second baby, I went into breastfeeding knowing how to do it. But, it still challenged me because no two babies are exactly alike. When breastfeeding is not working, the first step is to remember that every baby is different. My first did not latch perfectly right away. It took about 2 weeks of practice … [Read more...]
Science Behind the Mother-Child Bond
I am a big believer in learning how the body works. Staying in health balance - mentally and physically – is a focus for me every day. I think it is vital for every person on the planet to stay in balance mind, body and soul. Science is clear: women are wired in certain ways. There are differences between each of us. Ultimately, women carry babies and men do not. That means … [Read more...]
Maintaining a State of Gratitude in Motherhood
You know I am always going to tell it like it is when it comes to being a mom. The mom truths are so relevant to every mom. The hard times and the good times are things we really do have in common. Maintaining a state of gratitude in motherhood means actively noticing the good. We each experience different challenges based on our children, families and lifestyle, but there … [Read more...]
Meaningful Gifts for Mothers from JoyAmo Jewelry (+Giveaway!)
With family living long distance from us, gift giving is not always easy. I have to find gifts that can be shipped easily. Gifts that will be special. Gifts that will be valuable. Meaningful gifts for mothers always make an impact. With many military mom friends around the globe, and family members that live far away, gifts that ship well are essential. Gifts that … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Special (& even FREE!) Gifts for Moms
This Mother's Day Gift Guide is a unique collection of gift ideas for moms. There are gifts for new moms, gifts for Mother’s Day, and for any holiday where you want to make a special friend feel loved. You will even find free gifts! I include ideas that you can ship, make, creative ideas to let a mom know you are thinking of them, and some beautiful personalized jewelry that … [Read more...]