Thriving In Motherhood Podcast

Caitlin Spencer spent years closely observing and learning from other mothers before becoming a mother to her sweet little girl. She shares the wisdom and priorities that she is working to establish in her own home from ending the day listing all the qualities she sees in her daughter to how she is teaching her that other people matter. 

Phoebe Cook married young with plans of continuing her education with graduate school. Instead she followed God's plan for her family and had her first child while finishing her bachelors degree.  Now as a mother to three young children, Phoebe shares her journey of how she has slowly changed her dreams to match God's plan and embrace her role as a mother and make it her own.

Meri Schuhmacher-Jackson is the mother of four boys, three of which have type 1 diabetes.   In September of 2012 her husband died after being diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma in February of that year.  In June 2015 she remarried and moved her boys across the country to create a new life, now with nine children.  Today she shares so much wisdom about living in the present moment, making memories instead of being anxious about ramifications, and connecting with God throughout the day to help carry the burdens of life.

Rachel Garrett is an incredible mom to two little boys who also has a photography business and a company, Nutrikids, that she runs with her husband.  Today she shares how all of things developed slowly in a long timeframe and that they are a result of following little promptings and moments of inspiration.  Rachel is navigating balancing full time motherhood with entrepreneurial ventures she feels like she is supposed to be doing right now and are part of her personal mission.

This week Jessica Jackson discusses how she is trying to make home a place where she feels "at home" and nurtured, as well as her children.  She also talks about a few key moments and resources that have shaped her priorities and vision of motherhood, including incorporating principles of positives psychology into their days and helping her children develop a relationship with God.

Six years ago Brittany Fisher had an accident that left her a T12 paraplegic.  Since that time she has graduated from college, taught school, married, and now has a little boy.  She sees the magic of motherhood despite her physical limitations. Brittany shares so much wisdom in this episode from being content with her circumstances to being a little kinder to everyone around us. 

Madeline has made it her life's mission to make everywhere she is her own happiest place on earth. She developed this mission statement while teaching 4th grade and being trained in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Leader in Me program. She saw her students' lives transformed at the Title 1 school as they developed these habits. She shares how the 7 Habits have shaped her as a mother and parent and helps her fulfill her mission of creating a happy life.

Kim Routsong is the mother of seven children, all with unique personalities.  At the heart of this episode is the theme of unconditional love, woven through stories of living with a son with aspergers and enforcing boundaries with teenagers.   She also shares how she has made teaching sufficiency a priority in their home with systems that have worked for years.  Kim is confident and committed to her role as a mother and relies on God for his guidance and power.

Leslie Johnson is the mother of six children ranging in ages from 27 down to 16.  She shares the little things she has done over the years that has had a huge impact on creating a strong family culture.  She also talks about how she was shaped during her time living internationally with young children, raising a son with disabilities, and her experience with the death of her infant daughter.  Leslie chooses to look on the bright side, enjoys her children, and embraces the journey of motherhood.

Sarah Machado has been living with postpartum depression or bipolar disorder for the duration of her motherhood experience.  As an incredible mother of three young children, she shares how she manages each day as well as wisdom for working with her spouse to face the challenges that come with chronic mental illness and being clear about her priorities and personal abilities and limitations.   

Chelsea and her husband began their marriage committed in the same faith.  Six months into marriage her husband had a shift in his beliefs that started a new phase of life for them in a mixed faith marriage.  Chelsea shares her story of learning and growth as they navigate marriage and parenting from different places of belief.  She also talks about her motherhood journey starting with infertility, then morning sickness, and then postpartum depression.  Her message is one of hope and love. 

Catherine Picon needed major abdominal surgery during her third pregnancy and brain surgery at the end of her fifth pregnancy. In this episode she shares those experiences and her journey of growth.

Mikayla Thatcher developed at chronic migraine that she has lived with since the birth of her daughter. She has learned how to mother with a disability and embrace what she can do instead of look at her limitations.

Robin Kay is a preschool teacher with a special interest in Waldorf education. Robin let's us peak into the rhythms that help her home to run smoothly. She shares ideas for weekly, cleaning, and meal routines.

Jeni Awerkamp is a mother of three wonderful little girls. After a particularly stressful period of life for her family, Jeni had a health scare that caused her reevaluate and make self care a priority. Join me in this inspiring conversation about how to reduce stress and increase joy in your life.

This episode is an introduction to the Thriving in Motherhood podcast.