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...]
How to Make Really Great Friends
Although I didn’t know it when we first met years ago, a new neighbor would become my dear friend. When she first welcomed us into the neighborhood, she had her sixth baby in her arms. I was a new mom learning to wrangle my first toddler. How to make really great friends as a mom can feel challenging. It is our main role to care for the kids. Their schedule, their goals, … [Read more...]
Families are Falling Apart, So Why Don’t We Fix It?
We study children who fall behind in school to assess what caused their decline. We investigate households where abuse is suspected because the signs point to negative situations. But, why do investigators or psychologists not study families that raise solid citizens? Given the rate of school shootings, crazy school board decisions, or truth being skewed by lies, to be … [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...]
Stay-at-Home Mom 101
I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 11 years now. It has been the best time spent on being available for my kids, simplifying life with my husband’s schedule, and following the calling of my faith. I don’t think the transition is easy, however. When we shift from working full time to being stay-at-home moms, life can feel very different. I was asked to share a basic … [Read more...]
Pros & Cons to Having Children Close in Age
{Post by Lauren} My sister and I are 22 months apart in age. She was my built in best friend when we were growing up. My mother having children close in age was a benefit. Sure there were times, especially in high school, when we drove each other nuts. But overall it has been such a blessing to have her so close in age! My husband and I knew we wanted a few children, but … [Read more...]
Be a Mom Encourager
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Heather} Motherhood and the act of mothering has become a huge trending topic in our society today. It’s everywhere you look. Even with all the honest videos and posts that have been thrust out into … [Read more...]
How to be a Confident Mom (Even If You Are Not)
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Lisa} There are decisions we must make for our children that are not easy. They are the kind of decisions that keep us up all night wondering what to do and we question our ability to be a … [Read more...]
In the Midst of Mom Guilt
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Heather} For some reason lately I’ve been having a lot of mom guilt. I can’t exactly pinpoint why, but I feel it heavily for some reason. I feel it when I’m getting frustrated because my kids … [Read more...]
5 Tricks to Get Motivated When You’re Worn Out
Welcome to Homemaking Tips Tuesdays where contributing writers share helpful homemaking tips so you can feel more successful caring for your home and family. {This week, post by: Heather McMaster} As a very anxious mom, I feel the need to have my home clean and orderly every minute of the day. Unfortunately, there are days that I feel completely defeated and … [Read more...]
6 Ways I Nurture the Relationship with My Kids
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Heather} “No, don’t do that”. “Time for bed”. “Get in the car, we’re running late”. “Clean up your room”. “Why can’t you pick up your clothes?” Do these statements sound … [Read more...]
Life without Raises and Praises
Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom. {This week: Post by Kristin} It’s been almost 3 years now since I shut the door to my office for the last time. They say that motherhood changes you, and when you’re pregnant you just nod your head and pretend to … [Read more...]