Extraordinary Moms Podcast

My dreams have come true. Today I'm speaking with one of my very favorite parenting experts, Dr. Laura Markham. Her philosophy of peaceful parenting and her expansive website helped me through some VERY challenging early parenting years and I'm so grateful to have learned about her for the sake of my relationship with my kids. She has an approach that might seem too good to be true at first glance, but she stands firm that by using empathy, emotion control, and appropriate communication, and you can kiss yelling and timeouts goodbye! Today, we chat about her own motherhood experience, how she got into clinical psychology and this new type of research, and what she hears about most from parents. It literally felt like I had had a therapy session when we ended the call. I hope you have some tangible takeaways from this episode to help you to continuing building a positive relationship with your child. Show Notes: Aha Parenting! website "Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids" "Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

My dreams have come true. Today I'm speaking with one of my very favorite parenting experts, Dr. Laura Markham. Her philosophy of peaceful parenting and her expansive website helped me through some VERY challenging early parenting years and I'm so grateful to have learned about her for the sake of my relationship with my kids. She has an approach that might seem too good to be true at first glance, but she stands firm that by using empathy, emotion control, and appropriate communication, and you can kiss yelling and timeouts goodbye! Today, we chat about her own motherhood experience, how she got into clinical psychology and this new type of research, and what she hears about most from parents. It literally felt like I had had a therapy session when we ended the call. I hope you have some tangible takeaways from this episode to help you to continuing building a positive relationship with your child. Show Notes: Aha Parenting! website "Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids" "Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

You guys! The holidays are upon us! Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope it was a meaningful time to reflect upon the blessings in your life, as well as ways to serve and offer blessings to those around you. I love this time of year. I have always loved gift giving. I love buying things throughout the year that I think might make a great gift at Christmas. The only problem is when I forget I bought it in the first place. Whoops! Even still, gift giving is fun for me. But in the event that you are looking for some ideas for those on your list, or you want some ideas of what to ask for from Santa for yourself, I've put together a little list of things I absolutely love! Perhaps something on this list will help answer that dreaded question, "What do I get _____ for Christmas?" All of these items are handpicked by me and I would never tell you I loved something if I didn't. But thank you to all the companies who sent me products to enjoy. This has been such a fun episode to work on. Also, scroll all the way down, because you can enter to win a spectacular giveaway made up of several of these items (valued at $300)! You don't want to miss out! Ideas for the Kids: Magformers- Have you heard of these fun toys? We got these for my kids last Christmas and they were a total hit! Usually they request Legos, which is okay, but those thousands of tiny pieces scattered all over my floor kind of deters me from getting yet another set. So Magformers are another way to let them create, without all the little pieces. They are colorful, magnetic shapes that they can build with. Amazon runs great deals on them, so keep your eye open, but here's a link in case you are ready to take the plunge. Gathre Leather Mat- So I love the beach while I'm there, but I HATE a sandy car afterward. Inevitably, despite your best effort to shake the sand off your towel, it sticks on there. That's why I love the Gathre Leather mat. It makes the absolute perfect beach blanket, because there are no groves to trap the sand and you can shake it off and not have that additional sandy mess in your car. It is also perfect for picnics, soccer games, crafts... you name it! It has such a sleek look and comes in multiple sizes and colors. I also love their Micro size for diaper changing. Another mama-run business that I love to support. Good job, ladies! AND... they want to give you 15% off your purchase until Dec 2 (use the coupon code: extraordinarymoms). So hurry over to their site and pick one up now. Freshly Picked Moccasins- You've heard me talk about these amazing shoes before. We love

You guys! The holidays are upon us! Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope it was a meaningful time to reflect upon the blessings in your life, as well as ways to serve and offer blessings to those around you. I love this time of year. I have always loved gift giving. I love buying things throughout the year that I think might make a great gift at Christmas. The only problem is when I forget I bought it in the first place. Whoops! Even still, gift giving is fun for me. But in the event that you are looking for some ideas for those on your list, or you want some ideas of what to ask for from Santa for yourself, I've put together a little list of things I absolutely love! Perhaps something on this list will help answer that dreaded question, "What do I get _____ for Christmas?" All of these items are handpicked by me and I would never tell you I loved something if I didn't. But thank you to all the companies who sent me products to enjoy. This has been such a fun episode to work on. Also, scroll all the way down, because you can enter to win a spectacular giveaway made up of several of these items (valued at $300)! You don't want to miss out! Ideas for the Kids: Magformers- Have you heard of these fun toys? We got these for my kids last Christmas and they were a total hit! Usually they request Legos, which is okay, but those thousands of tiny pieces scattered all over my floor kind of deters me from getting yet another set. So Magformers are another way to let them create, without all the little pieces. They are colorful, magnetic shapes that they can build with. Amazon runs great deals on them, so keep your eye open, but here's a link in case you are ready to take the plunge. Gathre Leather Mat- So I love the beach while I'm there, but I HATE a sandy car afterward. Inevitably, despite your best effort to shake the sand off your towel, it sticks on there. That's why I love the Gathre Leather mat. It makes the absolute perfect beach blanket, because there are no groves to trap the sand and you can shake it off and not have that additional sandy mess in your car. It is also perfect for picnics, soccer games, crafts... you name it! It has such a sleek look and comes in multiple sizes and colors. I also love their Micro size for diaper changing. Another mama-run business that I love to support. Good job, ladies! AND... they want to give you 15% off your purchase until Dec 2 (use the coupon code: extraordinarymoms). So hurry over to their site and pick one up now. Freshly Picked Moccasins- You've heard me talk about these amazing shoes before. We love Freshly Picked moccasins. Jackson loves their soft-sole as he is learning to walk and it really helps him to use his toes to grip...

When I first heard about Mary Heffernan and started following her on Instagram, I knew I had to have her on the show. She went from living the suburban life in the Bay Area to moving out to a cattle ranch with her husband (previously a lawyer) and four young daughters. I had a million questions about the transition and what their daily life looks like on the ranch. And how on earth does she know how to do all that she does from running the family meat business to delivering baby cows to fixing fences? It's a fascinating look at a life very different to the ones that most of us are living. You're going to love Mary! Show Notes: Connect with Mary on Instagram A video about life on the farm Order meat from 5 Marys Farms Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

When I first heard about Mary Heffernan and started following her on Instagram, I knew I had to have her on the show. She went from living the suburban life in the Bay Area to moving out to a cattle ranch with her husband (previously a lawyer) and four young daughters. I had a million questions about the transition and what their daily life looks like on the ranch. And how on earth does she know how to do all that she does from running the family meat business to delivering baby cows to fixing fences? It's a fascinating look at a life very different to the ones that most of us are living. You're going to love Mary! Show Notes: Connect with Mary on Instagram A video about life on the farm Order meat from 5 Marys Farms Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

I know many of you will be traveling in the upcoming week, so I thought I would bring you a bonus full-length episode to keep you company on your travels or during your cooking marathon! Besides, this episode was so good I simply couldn't wait to share it with you! Today I'm talking with Jess Toolson, a mom of three little ones under age 5, who currently lives in Russia with her family. Her husband is a professional basketball player, who has played for various European teams over the past 8 years, which has resulted in a lot of moving and unique experiences for their family. Jess is going to share about what it's like living abroad, how she handles major transitions (and helps her kids to do the same), and what she has learned from other moms from different countries. Her positivity is absolutely contagious and she really empowered me to enjoy my current season of life. She's literally one of the nicest people I've ever spoken with and you'll see why. Enjoy! Show Notes: Connect with Jess on Instagram Check out her new website!!! Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

I know many of you will be traveling in the upcoming week, so I thought I would bring you a bonus full-length episode to keep you company on your travels or during your cooking marathon! Besides, this episode was so good I simply couldn't wait to share it with you! Today I'm talking with Jess Toolson, a mom of three little ones under age 5, who currently lives in Russia with her family. Her husband is a professional basketball player, who has played for various European teams over the past 8 years, which has resulted in a lot of moving and unique experiences for their family. Jess is going to share about what it's like living abroad, how she handles major transitions (and helps her kids to do the same), and what she has learned from other moms from different countries. Her positivity is absolutely contagious and she really empowered me to enjoy my current season of life. She's literally one of the nicest people I've ever spoken with and you'll see why. Enjoy! Show Notes: Connect with Jess on Instagram Check out her new website!!! Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

Wynne Elder is an extraordinary mom of two children she and her husband adopted from Africa, and she is also thrilled be expecting their first biological child after a long struggle with infertility. Wynne is a woman of many talents as a photographer, creative, and co-founder of the Carry Camp, which is a retreat for women who also struggle with infertility. What I love about Wynne is that she has taken what life (and God) has given her and has let that lead the direction of her life. She empowers other women in whatever role she is in and you're going feel so inspired by her message today. Show Notes: Connect with Wynne on Instagram A video of her adoption story Carry Camp Information International Adoption Website Wynne's website Her Noonday jewelry business Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

Wynne Elder is an extraordinary mom of two children she and her husband adopted from Africa, and she is also thrilled be expecting their first biological child after a long struggle with infertility. Wynne is a woman of many talents as a photographer, creative, and co-founder of the Carry Camp, which is a retreat for women who also struggle with infertility. What I love about Wynne is that she has taken what life (and God) has given her and has let that lead the direction of her life. She empowers other women in whatever role she is in and you're going feel so inspired by her message today. Show Notes: Connect with Wynne on Instagram A video of her adoption story Carry Camp Information International Adoption Website Wynne's website Her Noonday jewelry business Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

A mom's job is never done. It seems like our to-do lists and obligations are never ending. There is always someone that needs us at any given time. There's truly no other job like it! As much as we might struggle with getting everything done and finding joy while doing it, there are some things we can do that might make things go a little bit smoother. These ideas that I talk about today are from my own life, as well as from the suggestions of our dear listeners. You all have such great ideas to share and I thank you for contributing. Many times it's not about a big overhaul change we need to make, but about the subtle tweaks that can make a big impact. What are some things you do to help with feeling overwhelmed, time management and organization? Also I mentioned that I've been using Rodan + Fields for my skin. If you want more info on their skincare products you can contact Marissa here. Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

A mom's job is never done. It seems like our to-do lists and obligations are never ending. There is always someone that needs us at any given time. There's truly no other job like it! As much as we might struggle with getting everything done and finding joy while doing it, there are some things we can do that might make things go a little bit smoother. These ideas that I talk about today are from my own life, as well as from the suggestions of our dear listeners. You all have such great ideas to share and I thank you for contributing. Many times it's not about a big overhaul change we need to make, but about the subtle tweaks that can make a big impact. What are some things you do to help with feeling overwhelmed, time management and organization? Also I mentioned that I've been using Rodan + Fields for my skin. If you want more info on their skincare products you can contact Marissa here. Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Facebook//Email

Today my guest is my AMAZING friend Julie Savage. We first met when we were both the "supportive wives" while our husbands were in law school at the University of Michigan. Now she lives in Northern CA with her husband and three awesome kids. Today, Julie is going to share about her journey with Muscular Dystrophy, which she was diagnosed with in her late teens. She talks about the challenges she faced prior to her diagnosis and how having a disability has influenced her motherhood. I love her attitude about facing challenges and really admire what she is teaching her kids about having limitations but living the life you want to live and choosing to be happy. She is extraordinary! Show Notes: Find our more about Limb Girdle MD Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Email

   Last year I did something really neat with my kids and I wanted to share it with you in case you are looking for something meaningful to do with your children leading up to Thanksgiving. It's called the Give With Thanks Challenge. You can click on the link to get more info, but the basic premise is for November to be a month focused on service and gratefulness. We printed out the large tree with the leaves to stick on every time we did an act of service. We had a calendar of service ideas so that when we had some time, we could choose one of the activities (we didn't do a big event every day but we could always think of something service oriented we did). And I loved the little lessons we could do each week reinforcing this idea of the importance of service. My friend Melanie helped design all the beautiful printables and they are as gorgeous as they are meaningful. So, think about how you want to spend your November and maybe this is a fit for your family. Regardless of what tradition you choose to implement, it's all about the meaning of Thanksgiving, and helping your kids to recognize their own blessings and how we can bless others.

Danielle Busby may look like any other mom at the grocery store... that is until you see her with her 6 daughters, including a set of all-girl quintuplets! Danielle Busby and her family are the darling people behind the show "Outdaughtered" on TLC and today she's going to share a little bit about her motherhood journey. She reminisces about becoming a first-time mom to her daughter, Blayke, and then what it was like to find out she was pregnant with quints. We laugh a lot and also get very real about the best and hardest parts of motherhood. She is such a down to earth girl, it felt like we had been friends for a long time. She truly is an extraordinary mom! You're going to love my conversation with Danielle. Show Notes:  Check out "Outdaughtered" on TLC (Season 2 starts Nov 15) Connect with Danielle on Instagram or on their blog Connect with Jessica: Instagram//Email