I have been a stepmom officially for just over a year now, but I have played a significant role in my stepkids’ lives for over three. There are a lot of growing pains the come with being a stepmom. You have to learn how to navigate a delicate parenting situation with your spouse. You have to get … More The Hardest Pill to Swallow As a Stepmom
Welcome to Feeding Seven, a little mini-series I’ll do about how I feed our family of seven people, and find joy in it! These meals are so simple and quick that I’m going to type these articles while cooking them. Keeping it short and sweet for you guys! I’m starting off with one of my favorites: baked ranch casserole. I … More Serving Seven: My Favorite, Easy, Kid-Friendly Meals for Our Large Family
I hope they remember the mom that was happy, and not the mom that was at her breaking point. Or at the very least, I hope they remember both. And I hope on those hard nights, those burnt-out afternoons, that I remember the mom that is happy, that I remember that joy is a choice, and that I can find a way to turn up the music and dance through the tears. … More I Hope My Kids Remember the Joy
This weekend, my brother is getting married in Utah, a good 1,700 miles away from our home in North Carolina. My, husband, my oldest daughter, and I fly out the day the twins turn five months old. But the twins will be staying home, spending four nights with a friend, instead. And yes, I’m looking … More I’m Not a Bad Mom for Leaving My Babies
Given that anxiety is something I’ve struggled with throughout my life, and that I was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety following the birth of my oldest daughter, I just assumed that I would have raging postpartum anxiety once the twins arrived. To my surprise, though, I felt great after the twins were born. I kept waiting … More Postpartum Anxiety, Is That You?
To say I’m a minimalist when it comes to parenting would be a wild understatement. I found out I was pregnant for the first time when I was only 19. Between that, and the fact that it was during the pandemic, I learned to get by with very little. And honestly, I just don’t see … More What You Actually Need for Twins: 0-3 Months
This Week in Review It was so good to have all five of our kids under one roof again, but wow were we busy! Kevin and I continue to work on opposite shifts, meaning that he leaves as soon as I get home around 3:00pm everyday, and then is gone until close to 11:00pm. Those afternoons and … More Sunday #24: Megan Speaks in Church!!!
Dear Momcozy V1 Pro, I hate you. I fantasize about backing you over with my car on my twin’s first birthday, or whenever I finally work up the courage to dump you, but when I remember how much money you cost, I almost reconsider. Almost. Our relationship started as a blind date. I had never … More An Open Letter to My Breast Pump
It’s been three weeks without social media now. No Facebook, no Instagram, no hours a day doomscrolling. In a way, I feel like I have part of my life back, but at the same time, it’s become clear that social media wasn’t the only problem — the phone is. Now, instead of mindlessly scrolling Instagram, I’ll find … More Sunday #23: God’s Plan Is Greater Than My Potential
If you’re a mom, you have no doubt heard the “breast is best” versus “fed is best” debate. Moms who breastfeed insist that it’s the superior option, and moms who use formula stand by the fact that a mom who is healthy and happy is more important than the ingredients in their child’s milk. I have formula-fed, breastfed, and … More Why I Chose to Exclusively Pump… and Why I Might Quit
Step by Step Parenting 