Messy Motherhood

"It doesn't have to be perfect in order for it to be beautiful. It doesn't have to be perfect in order for it to be special. It doesn't have to be perfect in order for it to be memorable. It's not about everything being perfect. It's about everyone being together and making memories. Focus on being present, not perfect." - Stephanie Booe

The holidays can bring on a whole new level of stress, making us feel inadequate if we don't have picture perfect table scapes or photo worthy trips to the pumpkin patch. If you're already starting to feel the pressure of the holiday season, then go ahead and hit play because this episode is going to be a breath of fresh air.

As you listen, you'll be encouraged to step away from consumer culture and the pressure to overspend, overcommit, and oversaturate your holiday season with unnecessary "stuff." Instead, you'll be inspired to have slower and more intentional holidays with simple traditions that are geared towards bringing you together as a family. Running out of ideas or feeling like you have no idea where to start? No worries, mama. Stephanie has you covered as she brings a full list of easy, yet effective ideas to help you intentionally pour into your family from October to December.

Somewhere along the way, we all got so caught up in overcommitting and overspending during the holiday season. We don't want to get to January feeling like we just ran a full marathon, exhausted and wondering how much money we spent. Instead, Stephanie brings a new perspective to the table and challenges our perspective on what really matters during this time. If you've ever felt the unnecessary pressure to create the most magical holiday for your family or your kids, this conversation will help you to feel seen and heard, while guiding you into a new way of holiday living and helping you to maximize your joy this season.

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE:

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics and Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Art Frame to Display Your Child's Artwork

Stay Up to Date Through Stephanie's Blog

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram!

“The holidays can feel so magical for some people, but when you’re walking through infertility, they can feel really heavy.” –Stephanie Booe

The holiday season can be so joyful, but if you’re walking through infertility, it can also feel heavy, complicated, and triggering. Today you’re invited into an honest and encouraging conversation with Stephanie that helps you feel less alone in your journey while also giving you tangible tools to navigate those tough holiday moments.

As you listen, you’ll hear a heartfelt look at what infertility can really feel like during the holidays: the grief of another Christmas without a baby, the sting of family questions, and the exhaustion of pretending you’re okay when you’re not. You’ll also learn practical ways to protect your heart, set boundaries, and respond with confidence when triggering conversations arise. Whether it’s choosing when to share your story, deciding how to answer the infamous “when are you going to have a baby?” question, or even giving yourself permission to say no to gatherings altogether, you’ll walk away with strategies that remind you that your mental and emotional health matters most.

If you’ve ever found yourself dreading the holidays because of infertility, this conversation will help you feel seen, understood, and supported. And if you’re a friend or family member of someone who is struggling, this episode will give you insight into their world so you can show up with more compassion, understanding, and support. By the end, you’ll feel equipped to enter this season with gentleness toward yourself, confidence in your choices, validation that you are not walking this journey alone, and practical ways that you can still find joy in this season.

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Listen to Episode 02: Stephanie and Alex's Infertility Journey

Listen to Episode 08: Motherhood After Infertility 

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics & Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Oh boy, Oh boy!! Come along as Stephanie recaps her magical experience of all the messy, magical moments of her family’s Disney trip, through the lens of motherhood. From surprise character meet-and-greets, to eating all the mickey waffles and churros, to leaving pixie dust surprises, you’ll get a front-row seat to the joy and the chaos.

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that Stephanie always keeps it real. With all the positive and sugary sweet moments, you’ll also hear the meltdowns, the long lines, and the real life moments that remind you that no family vacation is perfect, but it will be perfect for your family. Through it all, you’ll see how God uses even the smallest moments to remind you that the messy parts matter too.

So grab your favorite Mickey Mug, pour some hot coffee, and get help Stephanie avoid the Disney blues, as she recaps a magical week with her family in Walt Disney World. 

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Read the FULL itinerary with all the details of the Disney Trip Here!

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics & Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Our Favorite Car Basket Items

Everything Inside The Disney Welcome Basket 

Grab Stephanie’s Disney World Must Have Items!

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Grab your Mickey ears & a Joffrey’s coffee because Stephanie is pulling back the curtain on all the prep that goes into getting her family ready for a week at Disney World! This trip is extra magical as they are also celebrating her mom’s 60th birthday while at the parks. From park reservations to packing strategies, Stephanie is sharing what’s on her mind as they head into this fun filled family adventure. 

But this episode isn’t just about logistical preparations. Stephanie will also be sharing how she is prepping everyone for their emotions as well. Between managing expectations and handling the inevitable frustrations or overstimulation, Stephanie encourages you that sometimes the core memories are made from unexpected moments. 

If you’re planning a Disney trip of your own, or if you just want to enjoy Disney vicariously through Stephanie, you’ll love this conversation. Get ready for practical tips, mom hacks, and ideas on how you can add to the magic of Disney! Grab your pen and paper and let’s get planning! 

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics & Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Our Favorite Car Basket Items

Grab Stephanie’s Disney World Must Have Items!

How To Make Trip Tickets

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

“I was just so focused on getting to the positive pregnancy test that I didn't think anything past that… and then you're so sideswiped as soon as you get this yes, and it's actually the scariest thing, and that is really really, really hard.” –Stephanie Booe

Pregnancy is supposed to be a season of joy but for some women who have experienced infertility, pregnancy also comes with fear, anxiety, grief, and emotions that are hard to put into words unless you’ve walked the path yourself. In this raw and emotional conversation, Stephanie opens up about her own infertility journey along with her experience with pregnancy after infertility.

From the pain of failed treatments to the overwhelming anxiety that followed her positive pregnancy tests, Stephanie shares the messy, complicated, and very real side of pregnancy after years of waiting. She talks candidly about how infertility doesn’t end once the baby arrives, how grief and joy often coexist in the same breath, and why it’s so important to find safe spaces and community along the way.

If you’ve ever felt scared to celebrate your pregnancy, wrestled with lingering grief while holding your miracle baby, or wondered if you’re the only one who feels this way; you are not alone. This episode is a vulnerable reminder that healing is a lifelong journey, that your emotions are valid, and that you don’t have to walk through this season in silence. 

Grab your coffee and some tissues, and join Stephanie on the yellow submarine sofa for an honest conversation that will leave you encouraged, understood, and seen in the beautiful mess of motherhood.

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

The Warrior Shop: A Resource For the Infertility and Motherhood Community

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics & Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

“I think our goal as parents is to always be striving for better connection, understanding, and communication with our kids.” –Stephanie Booe

Take a seat on The Yellow Submarine Sofa and join Stephanie for an inspiring conversation about the parenting phrases she uses to communicate more effectively with her kids. Cozy up with a hot coffee and discover how small, intentional changes in the way you speak can create calmer, more joyful days for both you and your children.

Stephanie shares real-life examples from her motherhood journey, showing how these positive parenting phrases help kids feel confident trying new things, navigate big emotions, and understand family boundaries. In this episode, she walks you through 10 practical parenting phrases that transform everyday routines, sibling relationships, tantrums, and even playground fears into moments of learning, understanding, connection, and growth.

By the end of the episode, Stephanie encourages you to choose a phrase that resonates and try it in your own home this week. So, grab your pen, paper, and earbuds—this episode is packed with actionable parenting tips, motherhood advice, and communication strategies designed to help you create stronger bonds with your kids and make everyday parenting a little easier.

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Previous Podcast Episodes ↓

Setting Healthy Screen Time Boundaries for Kids Without Guilt 

Parenting With Big Emotions 

Try Out Rowe Casa Organics & Use Code stephaniebooe20 at Checkout!

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

“We are going for healthy routines, not perfect ones, so don't focus so much on having everything be perfect and consistent every single day, all day, all throughout the week. Instead, let yourself do what you need to do if it's a hard day, it helps our kids to understand that we're working for consistency over perfection.” –Stephanie Booe

The back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and overwhelm to many. Whether you’re navigating homeschool for the first time or simply trying to reset family rhythms after summer, it’s easy to feel like you’re already behind before the school year begins. Join Stephanie as she shares real-life encouragement and faith-filled perspective to help you step into this season with confidence, flexibility, and grace.

Through the lens of Stephanie’s personal experience, you’ll discover simple routines and intentional practices that can make a big difference. Like Sunday resets, planning playdate meal preps, creating morning rhythms that actually work, and setting healthy boundaries around sleep and screen time. You’ll also hear gentle reminders that back-to-school doesn’t have to mean rigid schedules or perfection—it’s about building connection with your kids, creating consistency, and finding what works best for your family.

Whether you’re packing lunches, preparing homeschool lessons, or simply longing for a calmer rhythm at home, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, supported, and ready to embrace the new school year with joy and grace for yourself and your whole family. Remember, your kids don’t want a perfect mom, they want a present mom. Grab your notepad (and a warm beverage!) and get ready for this encouraging episode with Stephanie!

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Listen to The #1 Episode: Meal Prep &Playdate with Allie Bumgardner

Grab the Meal Prep & Playdate Recipes!

Listen to Setting Healthy Screen Time Boundaries for Kids Without Guilt 

Stephanie’s Homeschool Book Recommendations

Check Out Stephanie’s Digital Resources Here!

Try Out AO2 Clear & Use Code: StephanieBooe

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

“If you want to have fruitful and fulfilling date nights, you're going to have to shift your perspective on what date night looks like.” –Stephanie Booe

Do you ever miss the days when date nights were spontaneous, simple, and stress-free? In the midst of motherhood, those carefree evenings can feel like a distant memory. Between bedtime battles, endless to-do lists, and the daily demands of parenting, keeping romance alive often feels like one more task on your plate. In this episode with Stephanie and Alex, you’ll discover that you’re not alone in this struggle and that it’s possible to bring fun, connection, and intentionality back to your relationship.

You’ll hear how shifting just a few habits can help you reclaim date nights as sacred time for you and your partner. Instead of letting family logistics take over, you’ll learn how to set aside dedicated time for deeper connection, laughter, and growth. These small but powerful choices can help you nurture not just your role as parents, but your bond as a couple.

Stephanie and Alex also share a playful strategy that they’ve loved over the last two and a half years – the ABC date night. Whether you’re planning something adventurous or enjoying a cozy night in, you’ll walk away with encouragement and inspiration to reimagine your own date nights. Because at the heart of it all, date nights aren’t about perfection—they’re about creating intentional moments of joy and love that remind you why you started this journey together. Grab your notepad and be ready to feel inspired to plan your next date night after this episode!

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Listen to The Weekly Meeting Episode Here!

Stephanie’s Tried & True Home Planner

Check Out The Virtual Version of The Home Planner 

Try Out AO2 Clear & Use Code: StephanieBooe

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Check Out The Warrior Shop 

“An escalated adult cannot deescalate an escalated child. So I think the best thing is to just be the calm to their storm.” –Stephanie Booe

Tantrums are a normal part of toddlerhood but when you’re in the thick of it, they can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even defeating. Join Stephanie as she invites you onto the yellow submarine sofa to dive into a real, grace-filled conversation about what to do when the meltdowns hit hard.

You’ll learn what’s really happening in your child’s developing brain during a meltdown, why your own emotional regulation matters, and how to connect with your child in ways that actually help them calm down. Stephanie’s warm, real-life approach will leave you feeling less alone and more equipped to handle the next outburst—whether it’s in your living room or the middle of Target.

If you’ve been searching for tantrum tips that go beyond quick fixes and truly strengthen your relationship with your child, this conversation will give you both hope and tools you can start using today. Find a pen and paper and grab your coffee because you’re not going to want to miss this episode!

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Try Out AO2 Clear From August 11th - 18th & Get 25% Off PLUS 5 FREE Travel Packs Using Code: StephanieBooe25

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Check Out The Warrior Shop 

Read Whole Brained Child & Other Parenting Book Recommendations

"You have to allow yourself to let grief and joy coexist." -Katie Sorrell

Motherhood after infertility looks different for everyone but even in the messiest moments, there’s still space for hope. Today, Stephanie sits down with her friend Katie for an honest conversation about her long journey through infertility, IVF treatments, pregnancy loss, and the unexpected redemption of a natural pregnancy.

Katie opens up about the emotional weight of infertility—what it’s like to grieve the life you imagined while still trying to stay hopeful. She shares the complex decisions involved in fertility treatments, the deep loneliness that can come with pregnancy loss, and the unexpected joy that followed when she least expected it. Her story is one of resilience, surrender, and finding encouragement in unexpected places.

This episode also explores the quieter side of motherhood after infertility—the lingering effects of shame, comparison, and guilt—and why the journey doesn’t end once you become a parent. Katie reminds us that healing is ongoing, and that joy and grief can coexist in powerful, meaningful ways.

Whether you’re navigating infertility yourself, parenting after loss, or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, compassion, and a gentle reminder that your story—no matter how it unfolds—is valid and worthy of being heard. Warm up your favorite beverage, grab a blanket, and enjoy this emotional yet powerful episode with Stephanie and Katie.

LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:

Connect with Stephanie on Instagram

Connect with Katie on Instagram

Check Out The Warrior Shop 

Grab Your Copy of “You Were Worth The Wait”