Happy New Year! What’s Coming in 2020? And a Book Giveaway!!
A New Years Post with what I’ve got planned for 2020 AND a BOOK GIVEAWAY!
I’m coming off a few solids weeks of sabbatical from all things online (social media included!) and it was such a sweet time with my family. There was lots of surfing and celebrating (and my parents are here so lots of great meals and laughter.) But we also had some stormy days with time to just hang out and be together. My very favorite thing.
It also meant an outdoor photo shoot turned into a bunch of family photos on the couch! 🙂
But honestly, by the end of the break I was itching to get back on. Apparently I love what I do. 🙂 Now I feel refreshed and so excited about all that is ahead!
SO….first: Happy New Year! Oh, and I also get to add:
Happy Blogiversary!! 9 years, baby!! woot woot!
So — how are you feeling coming into 2020~? I’ve been so excited to dive into this new year! I love a fresh start, a new calendar, a blank slate…I love to look back over God’s faithfulness and kindness over the past 12 months, and to dream and plan and wonder about the 12 in front of us!
But, isn’t it funny how we could never ever guess or even imagine what a new year will really bring? Oh sure, we can plan and strategize, we can hope and dream…but one thing I’ve discovered to be so very true is the verse from Proverbs, “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) So true, right?
Well, if you’ve been around this blog for a few years, you probably remember how I love to share New Years posts with some of the things I’m hoping to tackle in the next year! (it’s actually fun for me to look back on years like this one from 2015 and this one from 2017.) It’s a way for me to give you a sneak peak at what I’m working on, get some feedback from you, and — let’s be honest: it’s a way for me to be held accountable to everything I want to do!
I love hearing from you, too, so if you leave a comment at the end I’ll enter you to win one of TWO COPIES OF BOY MOM!!
So, let’s dive in to my list of what’s coming in 2020!
The State of the Blog Address, 2020:
1. Actual Blog posts!? YES! Over the past year I’ve been blogging (writing actual articles on this website) way less. This was mostly due to the launch of both The Boy Mom Book, and The Boy Mom Podcast. It’s been a busy year, and something had to give. But here’s the thing: I missed it here! I miss writing shorter posts and the instant gratification of sharing them right away (instead of the two + years it takes to get a book out into the world!) I also miss writing about a variety of things (not just boy mom related!) And, let’s be real: I miss the the community vibe of hearing from you in comments! SO…in 2020, I look forward to more blog posts.
Annnnd, I am kicking things off with a super FUN NEW BLOG SERIES beginning in just a few days. It’s a topic you won’t want to miss! I’ll be sharing the INTRO to the series soon, so if you haven’t yet become a blog SUBSCRIBER click over and do that now so you won’t miss a thing!
2. THE PODCAST!
Last year was such an adventure of just learning how to (technically, practically) start a podcast, but it was so much fun and we ended the year with over 100,000 downloads! Listeners are asking for more, and I can’t wait to keep going! I have a list of topics and guests I cannot wait to share with you all. I also hope to do a few more solo shows — sharing some content from past blog posts and some episodes straight from my heart. (so fun. And scary.)
A few things I hope to cover on the podcast this year: Interviews with experts and seasoned boy moms to talk about learning challenges, ADHD, boys and technology, when kids rebel, boys and competitive sports, self-care for moms, single parenting, and on and on and on…
Got any requests? Please speak up in comments!
**and if you haven’t tuned in yet, find the Boy Mom Podcast everywhere you listen to podcasts or just listen directly on my podcast page. 🙂
3. A next book? Publishing Boy Mom was such a great experience. It was hard and fun and really all-consuming. And yes, I do want to write more books, but I just want the timing to be right: Right for my family, and right for the topic that serves you best. I have a few book ideas I’d love to work on, but for now…I am praying and waiting. (not the most comfortable thing for this Enneagram 3 girl!) I would greatly appreciate your prayers as well. (Back to the Proverbs 16:9 thing, above…)
4. SKINNY IN 2020? I’m so excited! I’ll be hosting a FREE group to go through my book, The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends in February, (with help from my friend Cassie.) We’ll be adding bonus resources, support, and live videos, all in an awesome community environment. So, may I suggest you skip the New Years’ diets and overly ambitious fitness plans, and just order MY BOOK, then SIGN UP HERE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE GROUP OPENS! It could be a life-changing month and guaranteed it’ll be more fun than a DIET!
5. ON KIDS AND CHARACTER (and other projects you’ve asked for): I’ve heard from a lot of you who want to get your hands on the list of character resources that I mentioned in Chapter 6 of Boy Mom. I promise I’m not ignoring you! I am working on something (the list that you want, but even better) so hang tight.
I’ve got a number of other projects I hope to launch here on the blog, and more speaking events coming up as well, but I’ll keep you posted on everything as we go.
QUESTION: Do you chose a Word of the year?
I often have a theme verse or some fresh goals for the New Year, but I’ve never really chosen a word. But as 2019 came to a close I had so many ideas, but I one thing I want is for this to be a year of ACTION. I want to run with things and not just ponder them. I want to call the friend who comes to mind, stop and pray for the person who has a need (or figure out how to meet their need.) (Thinking James 1:22) I want to share the facebook post or record the podcast episode I feel inspired to share, (even if it makes me squirm.) I want to grab spontaneous hugs from my kids, to be generous with grace and love to my husband, and not shrink back from ideas that feel uncomfortably big. I want to DO THINGS this year and I’m asking God to show me the right things to do. I can’t wait.
Before I sign off — Have you signed up for my friend Wendy’s 40 DAY SUGAR FAST” group !? It kicks off on Monday, January 6th! Wendy has been hosting this group online for YEARS, and last fall Wendy turned the 40 days of sugar-fast devotions into an actual book. Spoiler alert: This is way more than a sugar fast; It’s a deep-dive devotional that is likely to impact you on many levels. (40 days off sugar won’t hurt you either!) So, grab a copy of the book: The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation
. Then, join the group to START THE SUGAR FAST Monday! Hope to see you in there!
Comment on anything here and I will enter your name to win a copy of BOY MOM! I’d love to hear about the podcast topics you’re most interested in, and anything you would love for me to write about here. Tell me your word of the year (or a goal or New Year’s resolution, if you have one!) Comment now, and next Friday — January 10th, I’ll contact the two winners!
Thank you so much for being here — this community makes me so happy and I thank God for all of you!
XO
Monica, and family
*** Photos in this post, thanks to Emily Turner.
Would it be possible to do a podcast or two that encompasses the six-week blog series you did on parenting preteen and teen boys? That would be awesome for a spouse to listen in on. Thank you for the inspiring posts and shows!
Oh I love that idea!! Thank you so much. (Maybe my husband could be on with me for some of these!! :)) Appreciate your feedback!
My word is ‘hope’. I recently found your podcast and have listed excitedly. We have three boys as well, and love them! Thank you for your perspective. I enjoy your podcast.
Hi Monica! I have two young boys and have been so encouraged by your podcast. I’m not sure if you talked about this somewhere, but could you talk about battling disappointment in wanting a daughter? It’s hard to talk about in light of women experiencing infertility, and not wanting to seem ungrateful for my sons, but also yearning for the connection between girls. My kids are still young, but I also don’t want to have that disappointing or sad feeling if we have another boy. Do you also have recommendations for how to build strong sibling relationships if you don’t homeschool? We are also in the Midwest and going outdoors is hard half the year, but I would love to hear creative ideas on how to channel boy energy! So many questions, but just wanted to say thank you so much for your ministry. 🙂
Hi Monica, I’ve recently found you and just finished devouring your new book Boy Mom, but I had to return it to the library! You’ve really been an encouragement, thank you so much!
Thank you so much Marisa! I’m thrilled to hear you found a copy in the library! 🙂 Thanks for commenting and sending hugs your way!
I found you via your podcast and didn’t know about all the years of blogs so I am just not diving into that. I’m so grateful for your voice and words into my family!!!
Because of the podcast about the sugar fast with Wendy Speake, I am joining you all for the fast. Today is Day 1!
As a mom of three little boys (getting through our cold winters in northern Montana), I look forward to your podcast each week. I find so much encouragement And helpful advice there!
Hugs to you, Monica!
I’ve never chosen a word of the year, but this year I feel like Hebrews 3:1 is my verse of the year. My mind has slowly turned to chaos and doubt and negativity, so it’s time to turn my thoughts to Jesus. I am praying for a year of changed thoughts, heart and attitude. 🙂
I’m excited for the skinny group! I recently joined a gym to get stronger and feel better, and have noticed the biggest impact has been on my mental/emotional wellbeing!
Thank you I enjoy your post!!! They are inspiring for me…your energy is contiguous!! Thank you for your time.
Love your posts. I did come up with a word for the year and mine is ABIDE. I am looking forward to spending more time in the word. I have to admit I like your word – action. That may be my word another year.
I am signed up for the Sugar fast – and I have my daughter (14) joining me and my best friend – looking sick forward to it. Happy New Year to you and your family! Much love ❤️
Aloha Monica! I have been loving you podcast ever since I heard about you and I’m so happy you’re going to keep it up! I’m not kidding, I have a 7 month old boy and your words have saved my sanity on MANY occasions. I especially love your emphasis on seeking God first and all other things will follow accordingly. You’re a huge encouragement to this brand new boy mom!
Hi Monica,
Happy New Year!
I love all of your blog posts & podcasts and look forward to more this year. It’s soo refreshing to have a Christian mentor with boys that can help us boy moms. It has been especially useful navigating the hormones! What is the trick to keep those balanced? LOL
Our exciting news is our 14 year old son started High School and is on the Varsity Lacrosse team in Sunny SoCal! He loves High School. yay!
We’ve also had a challenging 4 months, our 14 year old son was diagnosed with a Thyroid Nodule (no symptoms) in September, after having a FNA Biopsy he had half of his Thyroid removed in October. We found out 2 weeks later the nodule was cancerous and our son had to have a 2nd surgery to remove the other half of his Thyroid. He’s doing well. The doctor is trying to get the medicine regulated.
2 weeks after getting the Cancer diagnosis, he was told hisScoliosis curve has gotten worse. The curve went from 45 degrees in July to 60 degrees in November. He has an upper curve; not the typical spot and will need a Spinal Fusion which is scheduled for March 2020. The Scoliosis and our new doctor at CHLA- Dr. Andreas, are a blessing from God. It was the MRI for the Scoliosis that found the Thyroid Nodule. Our surgeons Dr. Gomez & Dr. Kwon and endocrinologist Dr. Austin have all been amazing. All of our doctors at CHLA are true blessings. The best thing, our son loves his doctors. They are his heros.
During our Biopsy and 2 surgeries per our sons request, our Youth Pastor has been right there with us at the hospital.We found out our son’s 3 year old class Sunday school teacher is the Surgery Chaplain at CHLA! It’s amazing how God works! Right before our son’s 1st surgery in October, our Youth Pastor said a prayer & our Surgeon and Anesthesiologist joined hands with us. Such a beautiful moment. We have had such a positive experience at CHLA. They treat us as if we are their own family. Our doctors are amazing
Our son has showed us all bravery and strength. He is such a strong and positive young man.
On top of all of this he finished the semester with 5 A’s and 1 B! He Continues to play Lacrosse, skateboard & snowboard. He was dealing with a lot of emotions, scared & nervous on top of puberty and finals for his last surgery but he still had a sense of humor throughout.
Many blessings for you and your family.
Movement
Happy New Year from Grafton, Ohio!
Super blessed in 2019 and hopeful 2020 will surpass 2019!
Day 2 into the new has already started a challenge (work place health insurance astronomical costs), but our word for the new year is Trust. Trust that He will work everything out. God has been with us every moment of our almost 40 years together and we have faith (only need a mustard sized seed) that He will continue to be with us in all things! God Bless your family Monica!
Monica,
I am so grateful for you and the many gifts you’ve given us mommas who are searching for guidance and support. I can not tell you how many times your words have touched me and greatly impacted my state of mind and relationships with my boys. At times I feel like I’m drowning in emotions and fear as a mother. EVERY time I come to your blog I find peace and power. Your heart, your work- it’s changing lives! You have the gift of relating to others in a real, empathetic way. To empower and uplift. THANK YOU for following through with your dreams and purpose.
I can’t wait to get my hands on your book so I can have an on hand reference for my daily journey. I also can’t wait for your insight on single parenting!!! This is the subject I struggle with most. Feeling guilty, less than enough and seeing how the boys suffer from having an incomplete family circuit.
With all of my heart, THANK YOU!
First off I love that you cover so many topics in one blog post! It is how my brain works too. I am also really interested in the character resources for children. I love having a good reference for resources like that. Looking forward to all of it!
I am looking forward to the new year and more blog posts. I am pretty new around here but heard amazing things about you. My word of the year this year is Relationships. I am learning more and more it is all about the relationship and I greatly need to work on all of them. With myself, God, husband, children, my folks and siblings and friends. I am looking forward to strengthening them.
I love your book and podcast! Soaking it all in! My word for the year is BRAVE…living my faith out loud in every area of my life.
I love your word of the year- so inspiring. My word is similar ( actually 2 words )
NO FIZZLE!!!!!I ….. I want to finish strong the tasks before me. Example… The 40 day sugar fast… I want to do it , and not just for a week or two and then …fizzle. I want the LORD to direct my steps and then I want to actually follow HIS path for me and my family. I am a boy/girl MOM and your posts always inspire! Thank you!
Hi Monica! Happy New Year! One of my goals this year is to learn about parenting and homeschooling boys in the pre-teen/teen years…I have 4 boys and my oldest is almost 11. He will also be transitioning from our community public school to homeschooling for middle school. Your podcast has already been really helpful on these topics!
I’ve missed you Monica! But I understand the time off social media. I haven’t picked a word, This year will be lots of studying and learning, I’m getting more involved and busy at church. I am signed up for the Sugar Fast! Excited! I would love to hear about the character training and what materials you used. Loved that chapter! This might sound weird, but I’d like to hear about mistakes you’ve made. That sounds terrible, but I feel alone in that I’ve messed up and handled situations terribly and I’m working on it. I’ve gotten better. And I’ve shared with friends and I know I’m not alone in it, but I do feel like I’m the only one who struggles trying to get the parenting thing right. Your podcast has been so great! Excited for more!
I have been listening to your podcast and following you, yet I still have not bought your book. My 4 yr old son has become a “boy” in every way and I’m lost so I will be purchasing your book. 🙂
Not shrink back from ideas that seem uncomfortably big! Yes girl! So good! We have lots of BIG changes happening for our family this year and we’re excited and looking forward to seeing what all God is going to do! Looking forward to listening to more podcasts as we travel and I hope I win your book!! ❤️
You are a beautiful, inspiration to all of us Mom’s and I look forward to 2020 with you!
Lisa
I love your podcast! Great ideas for the new year! I’d love to read more of the Bible this yr.
I have 9 more books of the Bible to complete my goal of reading the whole Bible.
Hi, Monica.
I just discovered your blog and podcast after seeing Boy Mom on someone’s best reads of 2019 (wish I could remember who!) I am the mom to 3 boys – 7, 5 and 1 – living in the slightly colder state of Minnesota❄❄ I am looking forward to exploring more of your site and listening to your podcast. While many topics are of interest, I am particularly interested in the sibling relationship and cultivating a strong relationship between my boys. I appreciate your honesty and willingness to share your experiences as a mom of boys. All the best in the new year!
I love getting a glimpse of your life!
Thanks for all the great links and looking forward to hearing more from you this year. Thank you for the inspiration
My word of the year is self-control. I want to focus on it in mothering, discipline, exercise, food, and phone usage. Yikes.
Happy New Year! My word this year is JOY. I aim to laugh more, take life less seriously, and enjoy my journey a bit more.
I love your blog and podcast! My son is a very independent thinker which can make him strong willed. I would love to hear a podcast on some points that help with that! Thank you for all you do 💓
Loving the podcast and looking forward to reading some blog posts in the new year!!
Monica, thank you for being such an encouragement to so many of us! Love the book, blog, and podcast! Keep it all coming!