Words can build up; words can tear down… this is true in the words we use regarding our children. Unfortunately, moms can often be heard openly griping about their children. I believe that we have to be intentional and thoughtful in the words we speak TO or ABOUT our children. And I believe those words ought to be…
Ep. 05: Embracing Life as a Mom of Littles
Life as a mom of young children can be chaotic and challenging. Let’s talk about the ideas and practices that can help us embrace this important season of motherhood. Listen as Jess talks with Emily Jensen (mom of 4 kids, ages 3 and under), about the lies we sometimes believe about being a mom of littles connecting with kids…
Didn’t I Just Clean This Up?
Today I went in to the kitchen and immediately had to stifle a groan. I knew the minute I took a step, the bottom of my feet would be covered in crumbs. My heart felt tired, like “didn’t I JUST clean this up?” “Isn’t this, basically, the exact same mess I’ve cleaned up dozens, hundreds of times before?!”…
12-Day Wonderland Trail Family Backpacking Adventure
In August 2016, we took a 12-day backpacking trip around Mt. Rainier with our 7 children (ages 14 to 1 year old), on the incredible Wonderland Trail. In 12 articles, I’ve shared the good, the bad, & the ugly. You can read our story here. I published journal entries, pictures, & memories from our family…
Wonderland Trail, Day 12: 6 Snacks+Dinner+Dessert =Tummyache
{NOTE: For those readers who don’t know our family, we’re the Connells. Doug’s my husband and I’m Jess. At the time of this trip, we had 7 kids (Ethan-14, Baxter-12, MeiMei-10, Silas-8, Moses-6, Theo-3.5, Luke-18 months), and I was 6 months pregnant with our 8th child. I’ve published journal entries, pictures, & memories from our 12-day…
Wonderland Trail, Day 11: 2 Bears & the Perfect Summer Evening
{NOTE: For those readers who don’t know our family, we’re the Connells. Doug’s my husband and I’m Jess. At the time of this trip, we had 7 kids (Ethan-14, Baxter-12, MeiMei-10, Silas-8, Moses-6, Theo-3.5, Luke-18 months), and I was 6 months pregnant with our 8th child. I’m publishing journal entries, pictures, & memories from our 12-day…
Ep. 04: Set Realistic Postpartum Expectations
Sometimes it happens to us (postpartum depression), and sometimes we do it to ourselves (unrealistic/high expectations), but no matter what, postpartum is a challenging time! Let’s discuss: what practical things can we do to make it better? Listen as Jess talks with Mandi Ehman (work at home mom of 6), about setting realistic postpartum expectations identifying areas and…
Wonderland Trail, Day 10: It’s Still Hard.
{NOTE: For those readers who don’t know our family, we’re the Connells. Doug’s my husband and I’m Jess. At the time of this trip, we had 7 kids (Ethan-14, Baxter-12, MeiMei-10, Silas-8, Moses-6, Theo-3.5, Luke-18 months), and I was 6 months pregnant with our 8th child. I’m publishing journal entries, pictures, & memories from our 12-day…
Wonderland Trail, Day 9: The Bridge Was Missing 3 Planks
{NOTE: For those readers who don’t know our family, we’re the Connells. Doug’s my husband and I’m Jess. At the time of this trip, we had 7 kids (Ethan-14, Baxter-12, MeiMei-10, Silas-8, Moses-6, Theo-3.5, Luke-18 months), and I was 6 months pregnant with our 8th child. I’m publishing journal entries, pictures, & memories from our 12-day family…
How Our Family Geared Up for the Wonderland Trail
When our family (with 7 kids ages 14 & under) backpacked the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, one of the biggest considerations we faced was how much, and what, gear to bring. Here’s how we made it work: BACKPACKS Each person carried their own pack: Doug: Osprey 85-liter Aether Jess: REI Piggyback toddler/child carrier (we tried soft packs & Kelty…