Moms Need Intentional Perspective: Part I of the "What Moms Need Most Series." Before I dive into the specific topics I plan to cover in this new series, I feel compelled to begin with something I have found to be foundational to all the rest...I cannot stress this enough. And just to set the stage for what is to come, my plan is to cover each topic in this series in TWO WAYS: One is that of perspective and mindset, which I will lay a foundation for today. The other is
Encouragement and faith
What Moms Need Most. {A New Series to Support the Moms Who Support Everyone Else.}
What Moms Need most is a new series I am so very excited about where I'll be sharing posts to support moms in the very busiest season of their life. Here's the thing: I'm pretty sure there is no one who loves being a mom more than I do. I am crazy in love with my 4 boys and consider it a privilege to be their mom. I'd tell anyone that. It took me a long time, however, to admit (out loud at least) that sometimes I struggled with feeling like while raising THEM, I was
Christmas Reflections with the Swanson Boys
Mele Kalikimaka! I hope you are well into a most wonderful Christmas season. No stress. No frenzied family time or hectic holidays. All peaceful and joyful. Right!? (Just say yes.) Press on, mommas! Well, I thought it might be fitting to go into the holidays with a Boy Mom Podcast episode featuring...MY FOUR BOYS. With Josiah (20) home from college, I was able to get all four sons to share some Christmas reflections with all of you.
Family Devotions — During Advent and all Year Long {Ep. 34 with Asheritah Ciuciu}
Aloha Friends. If you're like my husband and I were, you might find that when kids are young gathering them to do "family devotions" is more torture than blessing. Kids are squirmy and complainy and most of the time I found it much more pleasant to just read the Bible alone than with one (or two or three...) of the kids. But today's guest, best-selling author, Asheritah Ciuciu has a most- magical, gentle-and-quiet way of making devotions sound like a totally do-able family
Cultivating Gratitude as a Family {Episode 32 with my Husband, Dave}
Hi Friends and Happy Thanksgiving week! Today I'm happy to share a fun little conversation with my husband Dave about gratitude...And thankfulness. (And: is there a difference between those two? :) ) Dave and I talk about how we can all cultivate a thankful heart, and how we can inspire our kids to be grateful, even when their life is relatively easy. I love having my husband on with me and I hope you enjoy Dave's wisdom and wit (even though the
Practicing Presence during the Holidays. And Everyday {Episode 31 with Kate Merrick}
Hey Friends! Today I am sharing a podcast episode that very well might transform your holiday season...maybe even your whole life. Seriously, that's a big claim, but have a listen and I think you'll agree -- it's that powerful. I'm so happy to be sharing this conversation with Kate Merrick. If you aren't familiar with Kate yet, you'll fall in love with her quickly. In this episode I get to tell the funny story of how I met Kate and all of the wild ways our lives now
Are you the Right Mom for the Job? {Ep. 030 with Becky Keife}
Hi Friends! Today Becky Keife joins us to talk about something I'm pretty sure every mom relates to...whether she says it out loud or not. :) It's a question that I know I have wrestled with at various times in my parenting journey: AM I THE RIGHT MOM FOR THE JOB? I mean, surely another Mom could do a better job with these crazy boys!? Becky, who was raised mostly by her mom and alongside only sisters...was caught off guard by her three "spirited boys". She
Let’s Talk about Moms and Sugar {Episode 29, with Wendy Speake}
Hi Friends! Quick question: What do you run to when you hit the afternoon slump? When you're stressed? Bored? Celebrating? Or anxious? I think we all have something we are inclined to reach for when the going get's tough... Well, no matter your answer, I'm so excited to share today's podcast episode with you! In today's episode, Wendy Speake and I talk about the heart of her brand new book, The 40-Day Sugar Fast, which is about
