Mother’s Day can be a surprisingly difficult holiday. While most of the world gushes about the day with flowers and cards, others are hiding the pain of infertility, mourning a loss, or wrestling through a strained relationship. For me, it’s a reminder that I’m not exactly where I’d like to be in life right now. While I was never in a rush to have kids, the plan was to start the conversation as we approached… … Continue reading
Almost 2 years old, how had this already happened? As I scrolled through my phone studying each precious photo of my baby boy from the last year, I noticed one thing was missing…ME! In order to not miss a moment of my precious baby’s development, I am constantly pulling out my camera to snap photos and create memories. However, being behind the camera means that I have very few photos of myself with my son.… … Continue reading
Welcome to the list that I wish had when I was an expecting mom! When you are about to have your first child and you realize it’s time to register for gifts, it can be overwhelming! Just walking into Buy, Buy, Baby and you will see so many kind of baby monitors and bibs it can feel impossible to know which ones to choose. I am passionate about helping other women not feel so clueless.… … Continue reading
You learn SO MUCH as a new mom. Joy answers your questions all about her first year of motherhood. The questions range from coffee temperature to adoption and Joy shares some things that she has never said anywhere else! Listen to this as a podcast instead: Afternoons with Joy Podcast · SPECIAL EDITION: 1st Year of Motherhood Q&A Pt. 1 … Continue reading
I held it together until I reached my car, but as I slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door; the tears came. It was my first time ever attempting a drop-off line with my son. I got confused and entered the wrong way, only to have to back out and find my correct place at the back of the line. Sounding brave for your child is a new skill I am trying to… … Continue reading
If you or someone you love has ever dealt with Postpartum Depression there are so many unknowns. After sharing my own struggles after the birth of my son, I wanted to talk to a professional and get some questions answered. Counselor Kristin Mize, LCSW shares helpful advice on how to recognize Postpartum Depression/Anxiety and even how to be a good friend to someone who’s walking through it. To hear from Joy’s own journey with postpartum… … Continue reading
“Wherever you go, there you are.” That’s a funny thing my mom used to say. Only funny because she had no idea that the intended meaning of the phrase she used to encourage me actually meant something entirely different. She said this to me when I was leaving grade school for middle school. Or, as we called it, “junior high.” Who calls it junior high? She must be old. I was freaking… … Continue reading
Moms know how to embarrass their kids. Mine is no exception. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! … Continue reading
Carlos here and this is my theory…The Avengers, “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” are actually based on characteristics every Mom possess! Well, at least my mom had them which may be why I never got away with ANYTHING…haha! Lets start… Hawkeye: The eagle-eyed archer who always seems to have his eye’s on everything. It’s almost like he has eye’s in the back of his head! On the battlefield there is no target he can’t hit and… … Continue reading
I must confess that I am your usual suspect Type A. I am a multi-tasking, like to get things done, leader and administrator type. These traits are great for running a home, being a career woman, serving in ministries, but not so much for the fun mom category. This realization hit my heart hard as my 9 year old labeled me the not-so-fun mom. Even at my age, labels hurt! This piercing wound made me… … Continue reading
