I have been baffled with my inability to keep my kitchen clean over the last few years. I grew up with our family cleaning up after each meal. I have plenty of memories of job wheels rotating through who swept the floor, wiped the table, and put dishes in the dishwasher. I know how to…
Motherhood
Paradigm Shift: It’s About Experience
With at least two moves on the horizon, and one potentially long term, I’ve been thinking a lot about life. Mostly it has been making me anxious because I can control so little. I see families that have the option of living close together – in the same state or even in the same city!!…
6 Tips for Hosting a Family Party
My interview with Leslie Johnson a few weeks ago really has my wheels turning about creating a home where the kids want to be as opposed to just wanting to go be with friends all the time. With our upcoming move and I that our day to day social life is going to change dramatically. I am trying to…
March Progress: Establishing a Weekly Rhythm
My big focus in March was establishing a weekly rhythm for our family. For over a year now we’ve had Nature Friday and pizza night making the last day of the week our favorite. My goal was to make every day as awesome as Friday. Although not every day is us hanging out together outside…
February Progress: Sleep
Our night time hours have left much to be desired the last few months. We’ve had all three kids hitting typical sleep problems/disruptions (bedtime struggles, nightmares, bathroom visits, diaper changes, feedings) at the exact same time. A normal night has us up 6+ times with the three kids. We’ve joked that nighttime is a lot like…
January Progress: A Clean(er) Home
When I was sick last year a friend came and helped us out for a week. On one of my few visits to the kitchen I discovered a clean microwave and felt so cared for. Emily ran upstairs at another moment and exclaimed, “Mom, you should see the floor. It is so clean! I love…
Bringing Back Structure and Self Care
The last month I’ve been trying to be flexible. I’ve let go of a lot of our schedule and slacked on routines. For me it has been a healthy way to manage postpartum anxiety as well as “Come what may and love it.” It has become apparent, however, that the majority of the Jacksons here really…
Mr. Jackson Goes to Washington
A lesson I have been learning over and over again this last year is that divine help is readily available. God will walk with me daily. He will guide and magnify my thoughts, efforts, and abilities if I ask. He is the source of all success and strengthening. It is a very humbling, joyful learning…
Laura’s Birth Story
Laura Carolyn Jackson was born at 12:22am on Monday, November 20, 2017. She weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 19.5 inches long. She shares a birthday with the labor and delivery nurse that was with us. But her birth story really starts on Tuesday, November 14. After weeks of contractions I hadn’t felt a single one…
One Week Old
Dear Laura, Life with you here is so so good. Emily, Dad and I walk around all day saying things like, “I love Laura so much. I’m so glad she is here.” You are a sweet girl and heaven feels so close right now. I cherish the time I have you snuggled up on my…