I have a passion for helping moms make the most of the little moments in life. When I first started having kids, I found myself struggling with being discontent in my family’s current age and stage. I wished for the magical age of ___ (whatever), and it wasn’t until much later in the parenting process that I realized I was wasting away the precious little moments with my kids, waiting and wishing for a new phase of life or wishing to be someone other than who God created me to be.

I’m so grateful that God, in His infinite mercy, gave me the wake-up call of a lifetime and helped me see that these mundane moments are the most important ones we as parents are going to get.

My desire is that you’ll find encouragement here as a fellow mom in the trenches, learn some tips of “what to do” (or “what not to do”) from our family’s experience, and walk away blessed and refreshed so you can give your best to your family. I pray you’ll see that God made no mistakes when He gave you the gifts He did, and the kids you have (or are going to have).

This is Mark, my high school sweetheart. We met during our senior year and got married at 19. He is my rock, and I’m so happy to be married to a man who loves God and has a strong desire to lead his family by serving them.

Is he perfect? No way! News flash: neither am I. Only by God’s grace have we weathered some very hard times in our marriage. Here are a few fun facts about Mark:

• He’s the hardest worker I know.
• He loves his kids so much and pours into their lives with a determination you don’t often see these days.
• He LOVES board games and enjoys making new ones in his spare time.
• He pops on from time to time to share his thoughts on homeschooling and parenting, and we started the Life in the Mundane podcast together.

Our kiddos all have BIG personalities, which adds a level of fun and challenge to raising them. They came in two sets, each about 12–13 months apart: four close together, and then two more a few years later. Life is crazy here (as you can see), but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

We have a huge range of personality types, strengths and weaknesses, but that’s what makes our family special. My kids love playing outside, they love board games (they get that from Dad), and they love being together.

But lest you think they’re all perfect, let me assure you we have our struggles. I have two kids with special needs, and we’ve really been through a lot over the years. My kids fight with each other, they don’t always love school, and they don’t always do their chores with a happy heart, just like most kids. My favorite part of being their mom is getting to see God mold and change their hearts, and I’m thankful the results are not up to me but up to Him.