Life, Love, & Laundry

Our love story began unconventionally. She was finishing high school, a vibrant 17-year-old, and I was just starting my university journey. Things moved quickly, a whirlwind of young love and the weight of expectation. At 19 and 18, we found ourselves married, parents to a beautiful two-month-old daughter. We were both raised in conservative Christian homes, and marriage felt like the only path or at least the right path. But the path wasn't paved with roses. Doubts and disapproval surrounded us. I remember my best man's words before the ceremony: "It's not too late, you can change your mind." It...

Running a small business is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands relentless energy, creativity, and time – resources that often feel scarce, especially when life throws curveballs. For many small business owners, the dream of consistent, engaging content marketing can quickly turn into a source of stress and guilt. We get it. Our business is a testament to the beautiful chaos that is small business ownership. We're not just entrepreneurs; we're also navigating Crohn's disease, bipolar disorder, a bustling household with four kids, seven cats, and two dogs. The idea of maintaining a regular blog or social media presence...

We’ve all been there. A deep wound inflicted by another’s words or actions leaves a raw, festering pain. Our minds replay the offense, fueling resentment and bitterness. We might even cling to this anger, believing it’s a form of punishment for the person who hurt us. But what if I told you that the true prisoner in this scenario isn’t the offender – it’s you? Forgiveness, often misunderstood as an act of condoning or excusing harmful behavior, is actually a profound act of self-care. It’s not about letting the other person off the hook; it’s about releasing yourself from the...

Mother's Day often paints a picture of serene smiles, blooming bouquets, and effortless joy. While these moments exist, they represent only a sliver of the complex reality of motherhood. Let's peel back the layers and acknowledge the unfiltered truth, the silent struggles that often go unspoken. First, there's the constant emotional labor. Mothers are the silent architects of family harmony, anticipating needs, managing emotions, and bearing the weight of everyone's well-being. This invisible work is relentless, leaving mothers emotionally drained and often unacknowledged. Then, the loss of personal identity creeps in. The "mom" label becomes all-encompassing, blurring the lines between...

Spring has sprung, and with it, the annual ritual of spring cleaning. For many, it’s a daunting task, a symbol of purging winter’s clutter and welcoming fresh beginnings. For us, with four kids, seven cats, two dogs, a menagerie of smaller critters, and the general whirlwind of a busy household, spring cleaning feels less like a ritual and more like a Herculean feat. Let’s be honest, maintaining a spotless home with this many furry (and human) inhabitants is a constant battle. Dust bunnies wage war against our vacuum, paw prints decorate freshly mopped floors within minutes, and the scent of...