The Mommy Project

Amanda X.  Ironman- Chattanooga Trends we don't get and Why shaving our Head is a running fantasy.  converse shoes and what we love about fitness. 

     CELEBRATING THE FIT MOM EMBRACING THE CHALLENGES, THE SET BACKS, AND INCORPORATING OUR KIDS IN OUR FITNESS JOURNEY  First 1 mile walk with her 3 girls after her accident. Ep. 60 starts a mini series of interviews with women who have competed in some the toughest challenges the fitness world has to offer. Our first guest of this series- is Amanda Xaysuda- a mom of 3 girls, ages 8, 2 and 1. Amanda is competing in her first Full Ironman this weekend and we discuss training while juggle all the responsibility of being a working mom with littles. We dispel some myths of working out while pregnant and nursing- myths that still hold women back from the top potential. We also discuss popular excuses women say and how words and comments can be used to shame women.   This conversation motivated me to get out of my house, grab my running shoes and push myself on the trail. To disbar the excuses that creep into my mind, and be proud of my accomplishments. All women everywhere have something they love to do, and are good at it... but place its on the back-burner when a baby comes or during pregnancy... or even in Amanda's case - a road bike accident that leaves you dependent on others for your basic needs. However- we must shake off the setbacks, the missteps, the negative thoughts and get back out there! Show our children- show our friends that being a mom is NOT a disability, but a Motivator!  Get Back Out There! and Remember- You are a Badass!   

Sunday Confession With Brooke Sailer. Sunday Confession 24  reveals obsessions, quirky trends, embarrassing dating life confessions and lots of fun in the name of Confession. This episode was recorded the day Bachelor Nation Mourned the loss of Peter as Rachel's pick... You can hear Brooke (as well as my) angst over this possibility. We also discuss books that have influenced our view of the world and our work life. Listen to Brooke's recommendations. This is a fun episode I know you will love! Check Out Brooke's book: (I'm failing at) This Thing Called Home   This book gives the reader practical ways to conquer the chaos at home. Brooke is a mom to four. She home-schools, writes, creates, encourages women across the nation to embrace the Home as a place where hearts are molded, where joy abounds and hope is had!  I want to know where Brooke got her awesome scarf! Travel habits and must haves revealed on Sunday Confession ep. 24. Brooke also teaches Home-order courses- so go on over to her Facebook Page to check out more information.  Follow Brooke on Instagram Brooke's website for more awesome tips 

Brooke Sailer- (I'm Failing At) This Thing Called Home. Brooke is One busy mom- and in that we can all relate. No matter where you are in your season of The Mommy Project- you can probably be described as busy... But with Brooke- she does not make busyness an excuse. She does not play the blame-game, but instead challenges us to change the narrative, change our perspective on how we look at This Thing Called Home. I will admit- I used to be a "Monica" for all you 90's Friends- obsesses fans... That was me. When Craig and I were in our first years of marriage, he would tease me and call me Cinderella, because I cleaned as a way of staving off boredom, or frustration, or anxiety. I cooked... for one man... I would cook enough to feed a family of 12. I baked scones, and biscuits, homemade pizza and wild turkeys... for fun. I don't know this woman anymore. Instead of clean counters and gleaming spaces... I have sticky EVERYWHERE. Crumbs are my nemesis, toys clutter the kitchen floor, and I have come to loathe the supper hour. How did I get to this place? Was it 3 kids in 4 years? Was it all the new adventures and weird schedules? Is it because through all the sleepless nights, hormonal surges and exhausted mornings I switched out my "know-how" for a different, more defeated narrative?  This home-life is more than I can stand most days if I'm honest, But Brooke offers clear- straight to the heart, pragmatic encouragement which will motivate even the most beaten-down, fatigue-ridden mom. She challenges the complaining sessions moms love to indulge in, with truth, ideas and "there's a better way!" mantras.  I found that after I spoke to her- I was motivated to clean out the refrigerator, toss the haphazard junk from my thoughts and re-make my home.. remake it into a home where courage is built, safety is felt, and truth is spoken.  Home is where hearts are formed. Let's get this home-thing right. It can be done, and done well! Enjoy! Ps. Anyone want to be in an ideation group with me?? leave me a comment :-)  

This is Part two of Tanisha Merrill's story of her big beautiful blended family and all the layers of love.  Tanisha gets honest about being a Step-Mom to teenagers and how the adjustment period didnot get really hard until her kids hit the teenage stage.     We love this family dynamic on The Mommy Project and want to hear from you. How can we encourage you in your mommy-project?  Love- and Peace, Kimberley  #Keepmovingforward    Books Mentioned:  Irregular People (Joyce Landorf Heatherly)--a book on how to deal with the irregular people in our life--a family member or close friend--who has been emotionally abusive or neglectful. She writes from personal experience, but also challenges the reader to look inward and make sure we aren’t becoming an irregular person to someone else. I’ve had a few irregular people in my life, even presently, and I’ve been struggling to know how to move past it or deal with it head on. It was amazing how she got inside my head and knew the questions and issues I had--it was like she was reading my mind. It’s also helpful as a pastor’s wife, and all the marriage and family struggles we help people walk through. Since I don’t have the educational experience like my husband does, these kinds of books are helpful for me to know how to counsel and help them walk through it.   Special Question:  If a couple is coming to you and Chad for counsel on Stepfamilies- how to navigate, adjust, and bond- What is something yall have learned that you would give as Solid advice?  First of all, nothing can work if Jesus isn’t at the center. I’ve talked to other stepmoms over the years, and find that those who don’t allow Him to be part of the relationship, they struggle and are hopeless with their struggles. Knowing Him doesn’t make it easier, but it definitely provides hope and support knowing He loves you where you are. Communication is key, as well--with each other as a spouse, as well as with the children. It’s not always going to be taken well with kids...one thing we found is that our kids’ generation isn’t great at talking, unless through a phone or social media. It’s our responsibility to model it and teach it, no matter what they think. It will help them in the long run. My best advice to another step-parent is to keep expectations low--no matter what you think going into this marriage and family relationship, it will discourage you, because nothing will meet your expectations. I was constantly discouraged, because I felt like I wasn’t doing something right, but mostly it was “just because”--when we break God’s model of marriage and family, heartache and struggle occur. That doesn’t mean He can’t redeem it, because we have seen MULTIPLE times how He has redeemed and is redeeming our family. Make sure to love your God first, your spouse second, and the kids third. It seems unfair that way, but when modeled that way, the kids (both bio and step) can feel loved and stable, and you as a couple will feel the same.

Sunday Confession 23- books, Sonic tater tots and more gushing over a mutual author and how these books changed our perspectives on all things life and womanhood, Plus More.     

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother." On the next two episodes- The Mommy Project is highlighting the Special often fraught relationship of The Blended Family. The 'Yours, Mine, and Ours," mindset that comes with the territory. I have Tanisha Merrell on the podcast to share her story of how she became a mother to 4 in her late 20s. We discuss the following: The Transition/ Adjustment Period Expectations Understanding your Role Going opposite of what Most parenting books say - regarding discipline. Being StepMom "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother." Book: The Smart Stepmom-- by Laura Petheridge and Ron Deal

Kimmie Lewis Walker, mom of four, blogger, creator, artist, photographer and home decorator at cottonwoodcottageblog.wordpress.com is on this Sunday Confession 22. We discuss good coffee, good books, and  common mistakes people make when they decorate their house.  - I asked Kimmie this last question.. about decorating, knowing Full well my house is not the decorator's dream, but one mom's attempt to cover up all the nail holes from all the pinterest fails. This Sunday Confession is in the lighthearted spirit of a Sunday brunch with girlfriends. Kimmie is so gracious and honest about lifestyle habits, good reads, and why Guatemalan Coffee is a tradition and a staple in her family.      Have a great Week, Kimberley         

  Kimmie Lewis Walker is our guest this week on The Mommy Project. In this episode- I ask Kimmie to share her story of when life took a turn for the worst. At 24- Kimmie became a widow. Mom to four children- she talks about how God has met her in her darkest hours. How caring for her children was what motivated her to get out of bed and care for herself, when she would not have otherwise.  Kimmie is a beautiful soul, with a rich sense of family, community and love of beauty. She is a writer, blogger, and home decorator. You can find her lifestyle tips, encouraging words, and heart wrenching truths on her blog cottonwoodcottageblog.wordpress.com   Quotes to Quote: "When I walk through total darkness and my heart is crushed by overwhelming realities- My soul finds Rest in You!" "When I cannot seem to find my next breath, you sweep in and become the very essence I breathe."  "Fixing our eyes on Him won't instantly make it all disappear, but He does give us enough strength to keep holding onto Him and Continue on. God sees YOU." -- instagram post from July 18th.   To learn more about Kimmie and her family: Instagram: @lizzieandthelostboys Blog: cottonwoodcottageblog.wordpress.com

  Sunday Confession is all heart, laughs and reveling in life's absurdities. We have Aly Taylor, Ph.D, Star of Season 2 TLC 'Rattled', Breast Cancer Survivor, and Mom of 3 on The Mommy Project this awesome Sunday- to Reveal somethings you may not know about her.  For example: Why did Aly breakup with her husband, Josh after their first First date? or Aly's choice of music as a teen growing up in the late 90s early 2000s.... And If she were to splurge on her strict diet... what would it be? All this and More on this week's Sunday Confession Episode 21. Please Share with a friend and let us know how you like the podcast by leaving a review on oour website: themommypro.com (pro as is project... not professional) OR go to your favorite podcast app>  Search>> The Mommy Project and leave us a review! This helps us out in BIG BIG Ways!    Thank You and Happy Sunday! 

Aly Taylor- one of the most gracious women you will ever meet- joins us on the podcast today. We discuss topics ranging from high school love- Losing a parent at the tender age of 10- Cancer and Infertility to Triumph, Miracle Babies and How Adoption Rocks!!!  Let's not forget - I ask all kinds of questions about the TLC's reality show 'Rattled'- which Aly and her husband Josh are showcased on the show.    They have been on a whirl wind journey from the time they said "I Do." But in the past 5 years- their life has went in unexpected directions.      Mentioned in the podcast is Aly's book How Cancer Made Me Mommy, and Josh's New book- How My Wife's Cancer healed me: Embracing Brokenness To Be Healed    They have been on the "Today" Show and also conduct Facebook Live recaps of each Episode.  Aly Taylor Facebook  Alysfight Instagram Josh Taylor Instagram 

Food Network Star  All the Cosmetics and Facial products we have tried to stop time from happening to our face.  Hate Tweets. Paul McCartney - Wings.   Queenie Eye.  Derma Roller Blue Peel// Obagi // Facials Emily's blog and the recaps. Reads:  Wired to Eat by Robb Wolf and Canterbury Tales, and The Book Of Ruth and a study by Kelly Minter

Plus- discussion on HomeLife Hacks, Morning Routines, and the Goals we have for the New School Year.  Emily and I discuss everything from The Art of Hygge or The Danish Way of Home and Happy Living, How certain diet improve your chances for concieving twins, and Teaching Confessions from an Elementary Teacher and A College Instructor... they are remarkably similar. Brown Paper Bag Breathing Lights, Candles and The Hates of HouseWork. Emily Has a Great household chores List to help the recovering disorganized mama (list myself) with creating a streamline system of cleaning. Who knew you needed to wash the curtains more than once a decade?   I am working on a Housework Playlist for those who need some motivation to clean up and clean out. I will also make some awesome podcast recommends and audio book recommends that help me enjoy the housework and mundane chores. Coming soon on Instagram - so follow me and Have a Wonderful Week!  

Sunday Confession 19. With Hannah Alfred.  All Paretning Confession and some indulgence in real primitive Histrory Channel indulgences.  In True Confessional Spirit: Kimberely acknowledges a serious struggle in her household, plus a mom fail at the local children's museum.  Hannah- gives her latest guilty pleasure and why she cannot pass up a good marathon. 

    three girls chatting with their smartphones[/caption]     According To Wikipedia:   Social media fosters communication. An Internet research company, Pew Research Center, claims that "more than half of internet users (52%) use two or more of the social media sites measured (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) to communicate with their family or friends". Hannah and I discuss our personal strategies... We are not experts, but we have children- and understand this dynamic of our culture is NOT going anywhere. There are some parts of parenting I try to figure out as I go, but this is NOT one of them. I want strategies! I want knowledge! I want to know how each platform works, so I can be clever enough to out smart- to out do the teenagers. This is not an issue of not trusting my children. This is the responsibility of being THE WATCHMAN over my children. Being Mom is a hard job, but a needed component in each of my children's life. If I have to be the bad guy- so be it! Here is a List of the Most trending platforms (at the moment) for you to read over. Social Media Print Out Please Share with a fellow friend and Subscribe to our podcast! I want to hear from you- what are you struggling with? What are your strategies for the social media issue? How do play the role as Watchman, while not Hovering?