Guilt says you made a mistake. Shames says you are the mistake. Guilt motivates. Shame annihilates. -Susie Garlick Do members of your family bring instant guilt and shame? Specific members…
This past year has been heavy. Ok let's be honest, for many of us, it has just plain sucked! The pandemic, social unrest, dehumanization, political division, virtual school, it has…
The ups and downs of entrepreneurship are like riding Mr. Freeze at Six Flags. If you have a business or are in the process of starting your business, you probably…
My life is dedicated to working toward equity for all and speak, train and think about racism. I work to be anti-racist daily. I have been a parent for just…
Dear Mama, You are in such an intense season of your life with these precious babies. Diapers, sleepless nights, napless days, every bodily fluid imaginable. Juggling more than 1 person's…
The day that all older women told me about arrived recently...my fourth and last baby has graduated from high school and will quickly be out on his own. While endlessly…
With summer comes lots of travel for some, and often by car. I am sharing with you today 5 fun and simple road trip games to play with your kids.…
A year ago I went to my 40-week prenatal appointment alone, masked following pandemic protocols, but looking forward to the ultrasound to get to see my baby. I was not…
In the 14 years I’ve known my husband, we have spent more time living through a home renovation than living in a completed home. When we first met, he was…
I spent a large chunk of my life apologizing. I have been sorry for everything. You ran into ME? Somehow it must be my fault. So often I was the…
Summer is here and while it's fun to make a bucket list of activities- most families get to the end of summer and forget it. We end up a little…
Healing is in layers, healing is time. Healing is excruciating. Once you think it's done, it's not. Mary Demuth Father, dad, daddy, those names can bring a boil to my…
When I was young, my mother would take us camping just for a quick overnight in the mountains that surrounded my childhood home. She would load up the tents and…
Can you believe we are thinking about summer activities already? This summer more than ever it is important to plan some outdoor activities for your middle schooler. I am sharing…
How do we view our friends and are our friendships? Healthy or toxic? Have you found yourself arguing with your friends after they've disagreed with you? Do you see your…
I stand looking in the mirror. I am unmasked and starting the journey of unbecoming. It starts again though. I hear her breathing and speaking her bullshit behind my back.…
Someone steps on my foot and I yell "ouch." The usual response from an empathetic person is, "I'm so sorry I stepped on your foot. "Are you okay? I wasn't…
A big struggle moms come to me with, as a mom mentor, is how to stop yelling at their kids. My answers and help always surprise them. It sounds like…
Let me start by saying I LOVE my children! Becoming a mom was not an easy journey for me and there were times I thought it might never happen. I love…
What is your duty as a child to your capable parents? Is it your job to make them happy? What happens when you have guilt for wanting to lead your…
Our world is hurting right now. And I don’t mean just with everything with COVID the past year. We have been hurting for a while. One of the concerns that…
Here’s the thing I am most frustrated about as of late. Excuses. Excuses are overrated. When we complain about everything on social media, posting the houses you wish you had instead…
Admittedly, I’m lacking confidence as a parent at the end of this school year. Yes, school during a pandemic has been more than just confidence-shaking. But for me it has…
Everyone you will ever come in contact with knows something you don’t. You can learn from all of them, even if it’s only that they don’t belong in your life.
“Emotional intelligence is learned and learnable by everyone; whereas intellectual intellect is not learnable. The daily practice of doing emotional labour is what develops emotional intelligences. In the beginning, the…
I write a lot about how the beauty of giving is a gift itself, literally and figuratively. What about boundaries or cut-off points to your extended hand? If you do,…
What does maternal exhaustion mean? Well, I knew that I needed to face this topic for the last six months. Instead of writing, maternal exhaustion has been where I’ve lived.…
I’m cuddled up under one of my grandma’s blankets. A Mendoza painting of hers is now hanging in my entryway, a statement piece I’d overlooked countless times when it hung…
We thought we were safe. Every day I would drive into our neighborhood and pray a thank you to God for this life he had given us. The neighborhood, the…
Hello there and greetings to all who read this article. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well. That is indeed my hope for you. This article was going…
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain." Viviane Greene Today on April 2nd, 2021 World Autism Awareness Day,…
Our dog died and I had no idea I’d feel so sad. I knew my kids would be sad to lose our pet, but I really didn’t expect to be.…
Two of my husband's children are acting like a**holes. Sure, they're my kids too and right now I am shifting parental ownership to their father. I am sick of the…
March 18 was selected as Trisomy 18 Awareness Day because it is the 18th day of the third month. I'm sure this is a day you've never heard of. Just…
Something happened this year at school with my daughter that got me thinking about respect among women and girls. The simple concept of respect is the admiration for someone’s abilities,…
As February comes to an end, I want to reflect on Black History Month. I believe that it is important to recognize that the end of this month does not…
According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, women home ownership is on the rise. 18% of home buyers in 2017 were single women, compared to only 7%…
For women with a known chance of a high-risk pregnancy, finding out you’re expecting can be a terrifying experience. I am one of those women. It's difficult to share such…
I have been a divorced single mom now for 18 years. My three daughters are adults now. My former husband and father to my children lives out of state. Basically,…
The Blessing of Bonus Littles I’ve been blessed to be the auntie of two of the most loving, creative, kind, and unique kiddos (sure, I’m a little biased). My niece…
Every woman should treat heart health as an important part of living. Why? Because heart healthy living means you understand the risk and preventative measures of heart disease and coronary…
The universe gifted me a special needs son. He has a presence about him and is a bright light on my darkest days. The days I have lost all hope,…
A couple weeks ago I was out shopping with my daughter. We saw this awesome shirt (pictured) in the store Zumiez. I posted it on my story on both my…
“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill I am a proud mother of three beautiful young ladies. Having all girls,…
The teen years with your children are typically a challenge, throw in a child with autism adding in further challenges. Today I am sharing some thoughts on helping your autistic…
This past summer has been a summer of growing pains. I have outgrown people and things, but more specifically, I have outgrown things that leave my soul heavy. This…
My family and I arrived to the United States from Mexico in 1997, with just the clothes on our back and a handful of personal belongings. As a family, we…
If I’m being honest, I’m a terrible gift giver. I admire people who have a knack for selecting thoughtful, creative, and practical gifts. From the moment the radio stations start…
Do you find it difficult and are hesitant to ask for and accept help when you are in need? Why do some of us hesitate when it comes to asking…
How to educate has entered pretty much every parent’s home this year in a new way. As I write this I am embracing our third month of facilitating online kindergarten…
I believe that it is important to continually educate ourselves on the prevalence of racism that plagues our society. Recent events have created a new awareness surrounding the treatment of…
Our current political climate has been rocky and down right nasty. No matter your political affiliation, bitterness seems to be the flavor of choice for interactions between those that disagree.…
Veterans Day is always a day of great reflection for me. Growing up the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and then later marrying a Veteran from Operation Enduring Freedom, I…
Music. Just the word brings me joy and lightens my mood. What about for you? When the World Seems Heavy... I'm thinking sometimes we need something light, something just simple…
I am tired. There, I said it. It’s not like me to publicly admit such a thing. I am strong and independent and I do my best to soldier on…
Being a caregiver can be very challenging and sometimes difficult to overcome but it can be done. On January 31, 2017, the rest of mine and my mother's lives changed…
History of Hispanic Heritage Month The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to…
I am once again reminded that there is beauty in the every day moments as I watch the sunrise while holding our 8 week old. It is the ordinary, every…
I absolutely love having family photos taken, especially in the Fall when the weather starts to change and I start thinking about Christmas card photos. My husband would probably even…
As she entered this world, she needed me to physically care for her every need. It was essential that she have me hold, change, feed, bathe, clothe, and nurture her. Then,…
As parents we want to do everything we can to help our children grow and these tips for nurturing your special needs child's self esteem plays a huge role in…
When I try to imagine what it’s like to have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, I think of the flower that represents the cause — Forget-Me-Nots. Though…
The past 6 months have been unquestionably the strangest time in my life. It has been an unprecedented, unpredictable, and challenging time for the entire world. Not only have we…
It is 3:42 in the morning and I can feel her warrior heart beating against mine. I am exhausted and my body aches. It’s been less than 24 hours since…
If you are like everyone else on the planet right now, you have a great pile of decisions to make. Should I go to the grocery store? Should I travel…
In one week we will move my only child into her college freshman dorm room. We will unpack, joke, arrange, laugh, bicker and organize. We will make sure she is…
A giggle escaped from across the backseat of the crowded Ford Super Cab pick-up truck. An exasperated groan escaped my lips as, yet again, my little sister crossed the boundary…
Parents are in an impossible situation when it comes to deciding what their children should do for school this year. There truly is no good answer. But we all have…
When I was in college I got pregnant with my daughter. I gave birth to her at the beginning of my senior year of undergrad. From that moment on my…
If there’s an upside to the up-side down world we’re living in right now, it’s the slower pace of life. Coronavirus forced us to sit still and stay home. Because…
"A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might…
Mid-March I became a different person...a nesting person. Not only did I "celebrate" another trip around the magnificent sun, I also compulsively began to clean and re-clean and decorate and…
Many people do not recognize the benefits of conflict. Instead, they avoid it at all costs. They've been trained to be nice, and conflict just seems so "ugly." Witnessing conflict…
I do have to brag that my kiddos have been great sleepers from a very young age! But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have setbacks and tired nights here and…
Over the last 11 weeks I have had some time of self discovery during the stay at home order. During the recent stay at home order many of us have…
Early in the lock-down, I realized that I had no area in my house to "take" my yoga class. Work was from home, college was from home, high school was…
Having recently spent a week in the hospital with my daughter, I started thinking about a parent's unending love and support. Even now, as a grown woman and parent myself. …
The doctor glanced up at me after examining my daughter and gently explained, “We’re going to go ahead and make an appointment for her at the children’s hospital downtown.” Well,…
I am a “glamper.” I have officially traded in my tent for the glamping life. There. I said it. My backwoods, backpacking, teenaged self-of-old would shudder to hear those words…
“When you parent, it’s critical you realize you aren’t raising a “mini me,” but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. For this reason, it’s important to separate who you…
Now that you have an Autism diagnosis it is important to begin creating your support system by educating your family so that they can better understand and help support you…
“We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again…
Raising kids is a high-stakes responsibility and in this age of social media and easy access to information about anything and everything, parents are easily overwhelmed with feelings of guilt…
I love helping people. It makes me feel purposeful and fulfilled. Every time I’ve taken an Enneagram test, I’m a 2. “The Helper.” I want to bring meals to you…
One mom’s two cents to get you through those last few tumultuous adult teen years. Parenting is hard. Parenting adult teens is hella hardest. And those last few years will…
There is nothing wrong with you because you cringe at the thought of being around your family (or someone in your family). And, if you are feeling guilty about it,…
"Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage."-Brene Brown Life is filled with so many amazing moments. There is so much to celebrate, so much to be grateful for, so…
My heart has grown quite disengaged and resentful of late. The world seems so harsh and unkind. Messages of hate and judgment, acts of cruelty and divisive language everywhere make…
All the little moments that get lost when you are busy running the race to achievement. It's within these moments where belonging waits to be found.
This reflection of the impact my mother’s bathroom decor had on my life lessons got me reminiscing on other lessons I’ve taken from crapper canvases.
Let’s talk about how to keep your marriage thriving, and some tips for special needs parents. Let's face it, having a good marriage does not come easily. Add to that…
Do 24 hours a day seem not enough to handle it all? You aren't alone. Balancing family and business while maintaining a sense of self is challenging. Add in social…
I’ve been in a relationship with my husband for almost twenty-five years. We bonded over deep belly laughter and amazing sex. That grew into sharing our perspective and finding out…
In a New Year’s quest to declutter, my husband and I decided to sell our piano that had been sitting in our house collecting dust for more than a decade.…
There is an old proverb that mentions the idea of you reap what you sow. If you've ever heard this growing up, how did you decern it? When I heard,…
I would say that I got onto my own path of empowerment in my early 20's. I was a single mom with my daughter for 8 years, went to college…
Love and kindness go together. They really do. In my 20 years as a counselor, I've been astounded at how many people say and do the most unkind things in…
Our children are miracles. They make us proud, frustrate and challenge us and they teach us a lot about ourselves. However, they are not ours to keep. We don't own…
Now that the holidays are over, and the first credit card statement shows up, gulp! Did you spend more than you planned? It happens to us all! I think especially…
Creating a list, checking it twice, sticking to a budget, making sure the kids are happy and loved. It's easy to get so wrapped up in the shopping and the…
This time of year I enjoy reflecting on my holiday memories, of a time when we all gathered around the tree to open presents or sat around the table for…
This Christmas season, I encourage you to celebrate the spirit of giving by embracing the Jewish tradition of Tzedakah! More Faith, More Fun! Our family gets the honor of having…
Being alone for the holidays is hard, so here are 7 tips to make it a little easier.
I’m unsure where this year went. It feels like just yesterday, my kids and I were filled with much anticipation and excitement for the return of our husband and daddy…
If you know me, you know I really love a good, sappy Hallmark movie, especially a Christmas one. During the holiday season there's little I enjoy more than snuggling up…
We value strong, healthy relationships, but nothing can damage them more than poor decision making skills. Whether it is a spouse, sibling, long-time friend, or business partner, we want to stay close and feel connected. Going for the win-win is the solution to this problem.
All good love stories start the same way...a brain injury and cold noses. Get some hot cocoa and a snugly blanket and let me tell you all about the Christmas…
I wrestle with the best way to make Christmas magical while not going overboard. Every year I struggle: To give or not to give.
Pumpkin Pie recipes are right on time this month. However, let me be honest, this wasn’t the article I had planned to write for this month of Thanks. I had…
It’s November so Start Planning: In the last few years we have had a Friendsgiving at our house with 6 of our closest friends and it’s something that I look…
How to manage PTSD in a healthy and constructive way can feel impossible. There are so many unknown things happening inside our brains that it seems daunting to try and DO anything about it. I hear you. I understand.
I used to be the girl who was afraid of dancing. I was afraid to be in front of other people and worried about what they might think. Picture this:…
Allow me to be brutally honest. I struggle understanding adolescents and the young culture of today. It is more than not understanding their eye rolls or deep sighs upon, yet again,…
No matter what form it comes in, rejection carries side effects that can throw us off track. Rejection can take away precious moments with loved ones, distract us from doing…
Dear Mama, I see you. Talking with your mama friends about your kiddos starting school this year. Them telling you how much they cried and didn’t know what to do…
September is LIFE INSURANCE awareness month. You may have seen some of the #LIAM2019 posts on social media or on a poster at the store. It's a whole month dedicated…
Raise your hand if you have a busy schedule and you find it challenging to get healthy meals on the table every night—especially ones your kids will actually eat! My…
My daughter started Kindergarten this year and it really caught this Kindergarten Mama off guard. Not the typical feeling of how much I will miss her or how hard it…
This year my husband and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary. That's 9 years of some hard work, let me tell ya. I'm not here to tell you about…
Shh, Let's Not Talk About "That. . ." Life Insurance. Nobody likes to talk about life insurance. It reminds us of our mortality and that we won’t always be around…
Glasses clinked together as cheers resounded throughout the room. Cake was cut, ice cream served as the committed couple were celebrated. Giggles bubbled forth around the table. Children and adults…
Why I Began to Schedule I was never taught the benefits of scheduling my days. No one ever mentioned that there was even such a need. And so I grew…
As the end of summer approaches, I have started hearing stories about heading back to college. It has reminded me of a lesson that I learned in college, but I…
...well...not entirely. But, if he was the only one I continued to learn from in balancing my budget, then I would have lost an opportunity to grow in my ability…
Many of us are caring for our parents as they get to an age where their health begins to fail or they are diagnosed with a chronic illness. In addition…
People often ask me how I “do it all” or how I “keep it all together," and I’m just going to be honest from the start and tell you my…
It's really hard to bring awareness to the parts of yourself that you don't like, especially when you hurt those you love the most.
We are coming up on five years since having a baby at twenty-three weeks gestation. Every year, my processing takes off another layer from the pain of that situation. My…
"Sisters are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly" -Unknown My Inspiration My younger sister Osmara was born with Bilateral Microtia,…
Summer is here in full swing! Our family is at first very excited for pool days, beach trips, warm sun, lots of grilling, and deck time. The sun stays out…
During the summer months, there is an urge to change things up. Spend more time outside. Go on vacation. Experience longer conversations with loved ones. Catch up on reading. But…
Have you ever considered downsizing what you own and full-time RV’ing with your family? There are some pretty amazing benefits of downsizing what you own. You will be able to…
No doubt, traveling with young children can be stressful and even overwhelming. However, over the last few times we have traveled, I have found a few tips that truly helped…
Every kid wants a hero. Someone who is bigger, stronger, and more powerful, who will defeat the bad guy, and inspire them to be more. Often it is quoted that…
The same day I chose this blog topic, I received a “heads up” that my husband’s name was at the top of a list for a deployment next year. He…
Mom life is laundry life, right? For the seven years I’ve been a mom, I have had a constant pile of laundry that needs to be washed, folded and put…
May is always a busy month. Add to the mix a child in high school and May is just crazy. Make that child a senior and the month is insane.…
Admittedly, I don’t do this enough with my own kids, but I am still a huge proponent of getting out into nature and experiencing our beautiful state of Colorado! And…
I've made a list of my ten confessions as a boy mom, but I think it is important to note that I grew up in a family of all boys,…
Hello! It started innocently enough. We were two 19-year-old college freshman, and we only had eyes for each other. And, we had it badly. We could talk for hours about…
This one shift has helped me love those around me better. I am able to accept the humanity of those around me and allow that they are doing their best.
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