When it comes to having another baby, people will talk about the potential for additional financial costs, marital strain, or having to go through labor again. But very few people talk about this. This was something I noticed about having another baby, 5 weeks after having our 8th baby– Here are our current set of “bookends” (oldest– Ethan–…
Author: Jess Connell
Our Wonderland Trail Video
In August 2016, we completed a 12-day backpacking trip around Mt. Rainier. As a family of 9. It was an adventure, and a challenge. Because of blood sugar issues and concerns about whether or not our 3 & 1/2 year old could finish, we considered quitting. I’m so glad we decided to keep going. It…
What I Think After Trying Amazon Prime Pantry
Last week, I placed my first order with Amazon Prime Pantry. As a bargain shopper (and borderline cheapskate), I’ve been skeptically keeping my distance. But after trying it, I’m pretty impressed and think I’ll try it again from time to time. Here’s what I noticed, what I didn’t like, and what I DID like….
How I’m Fighting 3 Fears, Right Now
I’ve always thought of myself as pretty brave. Whether that’s true or not I don’t know but I looked to the externals and deemed it so: moving around the world, multiple times, as a growing family keeping having babies even though it HURTS (!!!) every time, and makes life harder quitting my dream job and moving to…
When Mama Feels Overwhelmed
Lots of things can be overwhelming to us as moms. Things like Messes, attitudes, sickness, a busy schedule, and/or sudden changes in our routines can push us past the norms of stress we’re used to, into a zone where we can feel like we might teeter over the edge into insanity. On this particular day, I…
Managing Postpartum With a Big Family
The misperception is common, and I probably would have thought wrongly about it, too. Back when I was single, or a mom of 1-2 kids, if I’d had to describe what postpartum weeks would look like for a mom with her 8th baby, my eyes might have bugged-out, and I would have had the…
9 Ways to Have a Rotten Sex Life
If you want a guaranteed way to have a miserable sex life with your husband, read on. Seek your own way, only, ever. Make sure the only thing you focus on is how often YOU want sex, how often you DON’T want it, how YOU feel at every given moment, what YOU think your needs are….
How We Set Family Goals for the New Year
Each January, no matter which salesman is pitching the perfect system to plan out my whole life, I’m too much of a realist. I can’t buy the hype that, with a little vision-boarding, this will be my “best year ever.” That said, I recognize the basic truth that goals matter. What we focus on matters. Expectations matter. I just…
December 2016 Round-Up: Podcasts & Posts
Well, I had my baby on the last day of November, so this December has been a very postpartum-y month. As you might expect, that definitely influenced what (and how) I shared. Look below for the posts, and podcasts, from December 2016– POSTS Titus 2 Relationships for Military Wives, Missionaries & Frequent Movers Why You…
Why You Should Be Listening to These Podcasts
Why should you listen to podcasts? Because it’s a wonderful way to be encouraged and learn, while you’re doing something else. You can work out, cook dinner, nurse the baby, fold laundry, take a bath, sweep your floor, or tidy your living room… but engage your mind and heart at the same time! So, are you…