Every Mom Needs a Friend

What happens when a hurricane threatens to cancel your long-awaited Girls Trip? You pivot, of course! This year, our cherished tradition faced a curveball with the original destination of Punta Gorda, but with some quick thinking and a bit of family magic, we found ourselves basking in the beauty of Naples instead. Join me as I share the excitement of this annual getaway with my closest friends, a journey made even more special by the newfound family support in Louisville. From the joys of meticulous planning to the humorous debates over vacation attire, this episode captures the spirit of friendship and the essential need for moms to take time for themselves.

Our itinerary promises plenty of laughter, relaxation, and a few surprises along the way. Imagine waking up to leisurely mornings, indulging in grocery deliveries, and engaging in friendly competition at the Naples Country Club's pickleball courts. With activities like beach outings and a unique "favorite things" gift exchange, hosted by the ever-creative LT, every moment is a bonding experience. And as we navigate these treasured times together, I open up about the challenges of parenting, sharing candid reflections on the ups and downs of raising children with faith and support. This episode is a heartfelt voice memo to my girlfriends and a tribute to the power of friendship and honesty.

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Ever found yourself in the middle of a home renovation, only to realize that the real challenge is managing family dynamics? Our latest episode captures the whirlwind of turning a house into a home, complete with kitchen mishaps and the invaluable support of a general contractor. As we settle into our new space, I recount a jam-packed weekend that included everything from a Samford alumni get-together to a lively Boo at the Zoo night with the kids. Join me as I explore the delicate balance of tackling home projects while keeping family life joyful and fulfilling amidst the chaos.

We dive into the heart of relationships, starting with a thermostat disagreement that escalated into a deeper conversation about unity. Inspired by an insightful sermon, I reflect on how defensiveness and oversensitivity can often be the culprits behind conflict. Through all the moving, renovating, and juggling of family dynamics, I share how resilience and faith have been my anchors, guiding me back to the enduring power of love and unity, even on the most challenging days. These experiences have taught me to find comfort in an eternal perspective, reminding me of what's truly important.

To wrap things up, I turn to the timeless wisdom of Psalm 23, which has become a grounding presence in my life, especially noticeable during the stress of renovations. I open up about the challenges in my marriage, amplified by the ongoing home projects, and emphasize the importance of seeking joy and peace from faith rather than material possessions. 

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

1. When you wake up in the middle of the night you’re supposed to be praying about something 
2. Always hang items in odd numbers (1,3,5,7)
3. Hang items lower than you think
4. The second glass of wine isn’t as good as the first (titch of wine)
5. Immediately pray for the thing you say you’re going to be praying for
6. MIP - Prayer = praise, confession, thanksgiving, intercession
7. Annoyance is a form of pride
8. Move your body everyday
9. Call your mother in law
10. Take your purse everywhere
11. Take off your jacket when you get inside (dad’s is take off shoes)
12. Always do Christmas cards
13. Volunteer at school
14. Sing out loud with your kids
15. Shopping is fun
16. Love the lord with all your mind, soul, and strength and hide God’s word in your heart

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Could juggling renovation chaos while planning a family beach trip lead to unexpected joy? Our latest episode invites you into the whirlwind life of turning our century-old house into our forever home. Amidst the clamor of cabinet installations and tile choices, we recount the laughter and mayhem of our beach getaway to Blue Mountain/Santa Rosa Beach. Hear how we navigated the construction zone that has become our home, sharing relatable tales peppered with humor as we strive to keep a sense of normalcy. Experience the excitement and exhaustion of seeing dreams materialize, with unplanned delights around every corner.

We also open up about the paradox of achieving dreams and grappling with discontentment along the way. It's a journey of realizing that satisfaction doesn't always line up with success, prompting us to treat discontentment as a discipline. As we look forward to a promising year ahead, we share our anticipation for the completion of our home renovations and invite you to embrace the beauty of the fall season. Join us for a heartfelt episode filled with laughter, challenges, and the pursuit of happiness, and stay tuned for more engaging updates that promise to inspire and entertain.

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Ever wondered how different your life might be if you had made different choices? Join me, Anna, as I reflect on the recent severe weather in the United States and its impact, particularly focusing on a hurricane affecting Florida. From a rain-soaked office, I share my personal plans to brave the storm and attend a Noah Kahan concert. Together, we'll journey through some intriguing "what if" scenarios related to our past moves. Imagine the alternate realities if we had stayed in our college town or lived longer in cities like New Hampshire, Dallas, or Seattle. We'll weigh the pros and cons of each location and appreciate the perfect timing and unique experiences each move brought into our lives.

Shifting gears, we tackle the ever-complicated topic of school choices for our children, pondering the merits of public, private, and homeschooling options, and how these decisions align with our family values. I'll also share the incredible sense of community and fulfillment I've found through starting and participating in a cookbook club. Drawing from my experiences in Seattle and Louisville, I'll offer practical tips for organizing and maintaining a small, meaningful group. Whether you're looking to start your own cookbook club or curious about how to keep it thriving, this episode provides both inspiration and actionable advice. Don't forget to check out the accompanying blog post on the "Every Mom Needs a Friend" website for even deeper insights!

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

What happens when you prioritize family over career and make a bold move back to your roots? Join us in today's episode as Christopher makes his heartfelt return to the podcast, and we share the joys and struggles of our recent relocation to Louisville. Settle into our charming 1920s house with us as we navigate the emotional highs and lows of moving with our daughters, and find solace in the stability of our marriage, careers, and faith. We reflect on the significance of making this life-changing decision on our own terms, even amidst ongoing construction and countless adjustments.

In this episode, we open up about the intense emotions and relief that came from choosing family over a career-driven lifestyle. From the critical conversations that led us back home to the poignant moments of moving, we explore how this transition has strengthened our relationships and reshaped our communication with friends. Listen as we recount the bittersweet journey, share personal anecdotes, and discuss the impact of embracing the present while planning for our long-term home. This episode offers an intimate glimpse into the complex and emotional process of making major life decisions as a family.

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Can a cross-country move be both the most stressful and enlightening experience of your life? Join me as I open up about the emotional rollercoaster of my recent relocation, and the personal hardships that made recording episodes this past spring particularly challenging. You'll hear all about the tough news and family health concerns that left me grappling with one of the darkest periods of my life, and how our decision to move was driven by a deep desire to be closer to family and provide a traditional environment for our children. Through moments of sadness and the pursuit of gratitude, I'll share the lessons learned from a summer filled with transformative change.

Take a ride with us through the highs and lows of house hunting, from falling hard for a dream home riddled with structural issues to finding peace in our current construction zone. Despite camping in our own home, we're grateful for the support from friends and family that keeps us going. For visual updates, follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for more heartfelt insights about our beautiful 100-year-old home. xooxoxox

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

We. Are. BACK!!! Thank you for your unwavering support—I’m thrilled to be back and can’t wait to share more of our journey with you all on Instagram and beyond!

SEASON 4 Y'ALL!! xoxoxoxo4

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Ever found yourself knee-deep in unfinished tasks, feeling like a browser with far too many tabs open? My latest heart-to-heart explores the amusing irony of my struggle with 'closing the loop,' where I take you through the winding paths of a year's worth of thoughts and the pivotal role of completion in our multifarious lives. 

Now switch gears with me to the profound impact of communication and the fruits of the Spirit on marriage—an intertwining of personal anecdotes and spiritual guidance. Grasp how a simple act like holding hands amidst discord can be a lifeline of understanding, and get a glimpse of what's brewing with an upcoming series on the transformative power of perspective. So, let's raise our coffee cups to the art of reconnection and the anticipation of where we might be led next; this conversation is one you'll want to circle back to time and again.

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox

Even though If Gathering celebrated a decade of uplifting women in faith, I have to say it was the tapestry of friendships that shone brightest in my heart. As always the worship and speakers were superb, but it was the fellowship that flourished among old friends and new that I'll remember most.

I'm super sad that we won't be able to get together in 2025, but rest assured, 2026 we will be back together and I hope all y'all join me!

Love y'all deep xoxoxoxo

As always, please join me over on instagram (@everymomneedsafriend) to talk with me in real time! Love y'all deeeeep xoxoxoxox