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Category Archives: Working Mom

Moms in Progress: Jo Perkins

9 / 18 / 199 / 18 / 19

Katie

Today we are excited to feature another one of our very own TtT writers, Jo Perkins! Thanks for being willing to share some of your heart and your story with us today, Jo. Can you start off by showing us a recent photo and telling us a little about your family?

Jo

Sure! Here is one:
]

Our little family includes my husband Stanley and five year old son Nolan, who started Kindergarten this year. And, not pictured: our rescue pup Cooper and whichever critters we currently house (frogs and lizards from the yard most likely).

Also not pictured: our matching Hakuna Matata shirts. I bought those shirts as a self-fulfilling prophecy, I pray, because we struggle with anxiety and perfectionism in our household. “Hakuna Matata…what a wonderful phrase…it means no worries for the rest of your days!” I am hoping we can get some professional family photos taken, and I can also make a printed photo album for us soon. I am really behind on those…

Katie

I can totally relate – both to needing the extra reminder to let go of my worries and also to always being behind on photo albums!😉 Did you hear any truth this week that helped you, in a podcast, quote, conversation, etc.?

Jo

This New York Times article popped up on my feed, and it really knocked me over. One of the most powerful points was “procrastination is a form of self harm.” I do not mean to minimize how dangerous and harrowing physical self harm is, but I must say, I agree that procrastination has become a form of psychological self harm in my life. It started in college and has gotten progressively worse for me. I go through periods where I am more proactive, but I tend to spiral into procrastination when I feel overwhelmed or unworthy of good things in my life. Can anyone relate?

Katie

Wow! I have never really thought about procrastination like that before. That is a powerful thought. What is your hardest parenting struggle currently?

Jo

I struggle with not “checking out” after a long day and doing the bare minimum at night. I need to cook more and better suppers, clean at night, and not let us veg out on electronics.

Katie

Well, I think every mom can relate to that!! The to-do list is never done and the temptation to just check out is very strong. What is your least favorite household chore (which one would you like to pay someone else to do for you)?

Jo

All of them?😂 No, honestly it is folding and putting away laundry, which is why my husband took that over when I was in school for my doctorate (and, God bless him, he still does).

Katie

God bless him, indeed! That is awesome!🙌 So, what else is going well in your family rhythms right now?

Jo

I think we are doing well at having fun together and laughing more, rather than allowing ourselves to just work-work-work. I am trying to be intentional about scheduling in social, church, and other activities that breathe life into our family. Since we do not have much extended family, our church and friends are everything to us.

Katie

Fun is so important! Good for you to be intentional about having fun, mama! What are some of your favorite fun activities to do as a family?

Jo

We love the water and outdoors, and this past summer we enjoyed those more than ever in recent history. We love to swim at our lake beaches or take the boat out and enjoy the water that way. We also like the pool and ocean. We are pretty much “equal opportunity.” In the fall and winter we go to Great Wolf Lodge for a water fix.🏊

Katie

What is your most embarrassing mom fail?

Jo

I have had full-on panic attacks in public at functions and had to leave early. I made it through by asking God to forgive me for losing my mind. He keeps no record of wrongs, Mamas. He is so kind and merciful.

Katie

Isn’t that the most reassuring truth!! God’s grace is never ending. And, may I say, dear friend – that’s nothing to be embarrassed about! God is not embarrassed by our worries or our fears, but He just wants us to give those to Him. And seek out people who will support us and help us work through those emotions, too. So, no shame here, mama! And we are here to walk alongside you.😘

Do you have a story to tell? Would you like to be featured in a future Moms in Progress post? Just click here and answer a few questions to share the details of your story. We will do the rest!

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Moms in Progress: Jessica Miller

8 / 15 / 188 / 16 / 18

Laura
Laura

Hi Jessica Miller!  Thanks so much for being willing to share some of your journey! Tell us a little bit about this picture.

Laura
Jessica

This is our first picture as a family of 5. My husband and I have been together for almost 8 years and we have three beautiful girls…so far.

Laura
Laura

That is a lovely photo!  Your girls are adorable.  Can you tell us a little about them?

Laura
Jessica

Harper is a super-sassy 3, almost 4, year old. She is outgoing and very verbal. We are fairly certain her big personality and vocals will gift her with a future in musical theater.
Lennox is a very shy and sweet 2-year old. She is a people pleaser and gives the best hugs and kisses. She wants to be just like her big sister. 😍
Merrick is a laid back and easy going 5-month old. She has a great laugh and is a great sleeper. 🙌

Laura
Laura

Yay for #3 being a sleeper! Do you wear any other hats in addition to your [big, gigantic, hugely significant] mom-to-those-three-girls hat?

Laura
Jessica

I teach 7th grade Language Arts.

Laura
Laura

That’s awesome.  It takes a special person to teach middle school.  I taught H.S. Language Arts, so from one L.A. teacher to another, what is your favorite book?

Laura
Jessica

I am a huge Jane Austen fan. (I may even have a Pride and Prejudice tattoo.) I also indulge in young adult literature to find new books for my students.

Laura
Laura

That is quite the combo–Austin and young adult lit.!  How do you do this whole mom and teacher thing?  It must be a challenge.

Laura
Jessica

My biggest struggle is finding a work-life balance being a working mom. I also struggle with a lot of “Mom Guilt” being a working mom because my job is a need for my family and not necessarily a want for me.

Laura
Laura

That must be so tough, especially now as school is starting back up.  How do you work through it?

Laura
Jessica

I have found activities and short-cuts at work that allow me to leave work at work and be totally present at home. I assign independent reading and writing weekly. It’s something that not only allows students to grow on their own, but allows me to plan and grade so that my time at home is truly family time.
I have also utilized a cleaning schedule. We clean one room (or type of room) each day of the week which then allows our weekend for maximum family bonding.

Laura
Laura

Such great ideas!  What is one mom-product that helps you as you juggle your routine?

Laura
Jessica

Dry shampoo 😂

Laura
Laura

I have not tried that yet!  I’ve heard it’s a must!  And how do you squeeze in the basics like cooking for this family of 5?

Laura
Jessica

I love one-pot meals. My current favorite to make is Spicy Lemon Chicken Pasta.

Laura
Laura

That sounds great.  Before you go, tell us one funny thing your kids have done recently.

Laura
Jessica

My girls have become obsessed with their swim instructors (those poor boys).  Every night when we read scripture after dinner, the girls always want verses from Matthew. They love “Matthew.” I don’t think they realize that they are different Matthews…swim Matthew and Bible Matthew. I think it’s hilarious; their dad is less enthused.

Laura
Laura

Your husband’s response is just as funny as their confusion.  Love it! Any last words to encourage other moms in the trenches with you?

Laura
Jessica

Don’t be afraid of change or just to try something new if it may make life better at home.

Laura
Laura

Thanks Jessica!  Those are wise words as we all start back to school.  We hope you have a great year of inspiring those young minds and being present with your littles at home!

Laura

Would you like to share a little bit of your journey as a Mom in Progress? If so, please click here and answer a few simple questions.  We will take care of the rest!

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We don’t claim to have motherhood figured out. Actually quite the opposite. We’re a group of women who first and foremost love the Lord and want to honor Him with our lives and talents. And we decided that what better way for us to sort out this beautiful and messy thing called motherhood but to process it together in text messages? Our prayer is that as we share our real-life stories and honest experiences, every mom who visits our blog will receive tangible truth and experience real grace.

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