This Mom Knows

Jenn Uren shares how the right systems and routines can give freedom to do more and make life easier.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Jennifer an accountant and her husband, a financial advisor contrast money management approaches
• Their initial financial management differences
• The importance of systems and routines
• The advantages of systems include clarity through stability, automaticity, and consistency
• Adapting to change and surprises
• Adjusting routines for better effectiveness
• Recognizing the need for adjustments rather than complete changes
• Benefits of minor tweaks for improving efficiency
• Examples of minor changes yielding significant results
• Suggested tools for creating routines and managing distractions
• Jennifer's dedication to simplifying life for mothers and entrepreneurs

Resources mentioned:

Episode 6: Adoption and Trauma
Episode 15: Rhythms and Routines
5 Simple Things You Can Do Today to Eliminate Distractions
Creating a Laundry Routine That Works for You

Link to transcript: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-22

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Rachel Fahrenbach shares how she learned to embrace her own uniqueness, and how it was through the most unlikely practice -- learning to rest -- where this happened.

Meet our Guest Rachel:

Rachel Fahrenbach is an author and storyteller learning to embrace her unique design. Through her writing, she invites you to see the gift the Sabbath as a guide for discovering your sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Rachel is no stranger to being unique. She grew up the oldest of eight kids in a Christian homeschooling family, where she discovered that she was a creative. Learning to embrace her unique design has been a journey and now she helps others implement a weekly Sabbath practice that gives space to the questions of "Who am I?" and "Why am I here??

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• How Rachel embraces her unique design through writing
• Rachel discovering the gift of Sabbath for identity, purpose, and belonging
• Her journey of self-discovery through embracing her design
• She shares her role as a mom, homeschooler, and writer
• How she navigated her identity journey with intentionality and how God guided her through the process
• Creating space for self-discovery and embracing unique design
• Rachel explains how she found time to explore her unique design while being a mother
• The significance of Sabbath as a commandment and its historical context
• Different viewpoints on Sabbath and its development after Jesus' death and resurrection
• Origin of Sabbath as a day of rest, its connection to creation, and God's desire to commune with creation
• Symbolism of Sabbath as a reminder of rest, redemption, and restoration through Jesus' sacrifice
• Approaching Sabbath with intentionality, emphasizing rest, reflection, and reconnection with God and family
• Rachel's personal experiences and challenges of implementing Sabbath practices for intentional rest
• Overcoming cultural resistance to Sabbath
• The Importance of setting aside dedicated time, creating a restful routine, and structuring Sabbath practices
• Adapting Sabbath practices to personal circumstances, starting with personal rest before involving family

Resources mentioned:

Emily P Freeman's Podcast: Come Home to Yourself
The Book: A Brief History of Sunday
Her very own journal: Rest & Reflect

Rachel's favorite time saver is Excel - especially when it comes to time blocking. Here are a few templates to get you started. 

Link to transcript: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-21

Connect with Rachel:

Website: https://www.rachelfahrenbach.com (and while you're there, be sure to grab her Sabbath Starter Kit.)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelfahrenbach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelfahrenbach
Email:  [email protected]

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Amanda B. Glass, author of "That's What Dad Are Made For" talks about the father-child relationship, what inspired this book, and how it can be used to open new conversations.

Meet our Guest Amanda:

Amanda Glass is an author, wife, and mom helping families make big changes in mindset through small practical steps. Caring about kids and the adults in their lives. She has created the "Made For" books to help provide positive tools that help families connect and grow together. She married her high school sweetheart loves to scoot around town and -- I especially love this because it's practical -- her favorite Mother's Day gift was a leaf blower. 

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Amanda's "Made For" books and how they help families make mindset changes through practical steps
• Amanda's inspiration behind Amanda's books
• Her desire on connecting families and helping them grow together
• Amanda's family dynamics
• The concept of kids leaving for college and the impact on parenting
• Amanda's unexpected journey into writing, shifting from a focus on math to psychology and eventually becoming an author
• Amanda's childhood and relationship with her father, including his hobbies, work, and connection to family
• Memories of her father and the impact of his passing, leading to a shift in perception and understanding of their relationship
• The story behind the creation of Amanda's book "That's What Dads Are Made For" and its focus on understanding and appreciating fathers
• The importance of diversity and representation in Amanda's book,
• The intention of Amanda's book to deepen the father-child relationship and spark conversations
• Amanda's approach to making big changes in mindset through small practical steps
• Balancing being a mom and a mompreneur, and the challenges of managing time and priorities
• Amanda's favorite time-saving gadget

Resources mentioned:

Take advantage of 2 special offers Amanda has for you:

Use coupon code FREESHIP for free shipping on any order from themadeforbooks.com

Grab the free conversation starter guide for parents by going to themadeforbooks.com and entering your email address

Amanda's favorite gadget is Revlon Hair Dryer! (I have the same one and absolutely love it!)

Link to transcript: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/fathers-day

Connect with Amanda:

Website: https://themadeforbooks.com/ 
Facebook | Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/themadeforbooksInstagram

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandabaileyglass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandabglass/
Email: [email protected]

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Jamie Becker has learned how to be the voice for those who can't speak for themselves -- her adopted daughters.  Jamie shares her journey from feeling helpless herself to being the firm advocate for the needs of her kids.

Meet our Guest Jamie:

Jamie Becker is an adoptive mama, a bio mama, a foster mama, a special needs mama, a deaf kids mama, an autism kiddos mama, a deeply flawed and often weary parent, a pastor's wife, a sister of four women, a mama to four little women, a mentor, a teacher, a speaker, a writer. (Deep breathe) But before all of those things, She's just a girl. And she's just a girl that lives in New Jersey with her husband, Doug, and their daughters. 

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com

FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows

IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Jamie's challenging health crisis after childbirth 
• Jamie's aspiration for adoption and her decision to pursue international adoption, including the process and raising funds
• Jamie's adoption of Katie, a child with special needs, and the unexpected revelation of autism after the adoption
• The difficulties Jamie faced in parenting Katie, her struggles with communication, neurodiversity, medical conditions, and societal reactions
• Jamie's determination to advocate for her child and educate others about sign language
• Jamie's journey to overcome insecurities and judgments, and her focus on authenticity and providing a safe environment for her child
• Jamie's empathy for others facing similar challenges, her belief in developing compassion through personal experiences, and the strength gained
• How Jamie's experiences stripped away pretense, leading to embracing authenticity and prioritizing genuine connections
• Jamie's conviction that every child has inherent worth, her commitment to advocating for their dignity and acceptance, and her relationship with faith
• Her advocacy is defined as protecting and working for the common good without aggression
• Jamie's personal approach to advocacy, balancing protection and respect
• Advocating in education, emphasizing respectful communication in IEP meetings
• Challenges of parenting special needs children and addressing system failures
• Her adoption journey, adopting through foster care
• Creating "Moms of Treasures" support group for special needs parents
• Supporting special needs moms with empathy, dignity, and assistance
• Her effective advocacy through calm communication and sharing experiences
• Favorite educational gadget for special needs children, promoting motor skills

Resources mentioned:

Moody Bible Institute in Chicago: https://www.moody.edu/

Proverbs 24:12:  https://www.bible.com/bible/116/PRO.24.12.NLT

Rita Pearson’s inspirational Talk on TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion

Jamie's favorite gadget is a toy her daughter Katie loves, TOWO Wooden Colour Sorting Toy: https://amzn.to/3iDcCNz 

Link to transcript: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-20

Connect with Jamie:

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/jamie.a.becker1 
                     https://facebook.com/MomsofTreasures 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedbecker/

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Jodi Nevins has lived through every moms worst fear -- a shooting in your kids school. She shares about the experience and how it has brought their family closer.

Meet our Guest Jodi:

Jodi Nevins grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and married her high school sweetheart, Eric. For 15 years she has been a stay at home mom to their four kids and currently she's pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership. There are many things that she loves to do and one of them is to have deep conversations.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Jodi talks about a scary event at her kids' school and how it made her really afraid and worried
• How getting help from experts are important to feel better after a scary event
• Jodi shares tips about finding the right people to talk to, like therapists or support groups, to help feel better
• Jodi gives ideas for how to help kids feel safer and stronger when something scary happens
• Challenging experiences can lead to growth and insight, often driven by a higher purpose
• Traumatic events can spur the decision to seek counseling for children
• Coping with loss of control as a mother after a traumatic event
• The Importance of finding a counselor who understands personal beliefs and emotions
• Evolving understanding of God's role in allowing hardships to happen
• Balancing normal activities and trauma's impact on daily life
• Community's response and shared empathy after a traumatic event
• Shifting her priorities and valuing family time
• Increased empathy and understanding for others who have experienced trauma
• Her strategies for managing anxiety through trust in God and counseling
• Rebuilding community support following traumatic events
• Recognizing the importance of understanding and support in recovery
• Perspective shift leading to gratitude and cherishing family moments
• How Judy embraced life despite uncertainties
• Jodi's favorite gadget 

Resources mentioned:

Learn more about EMDR and find a clinician.

Jodi's Favorite Gadget/Tools: Chicago paring knife https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Cutlery-100SP-Walnut-Tradition/dp/B0000BYEJD

Link to transcript:  https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-19

Connect with Jodi:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mommynev/
Facebook:  https://web.facebook.com/jodi.nevins
Email: [email protected]

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Jenn Uren, shares how she discovered how (not if) she was creative as well as the 5 things that all creatives do.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Rhythms and routines are essential for managing overwhelm and bringing stability
• Routines refer to what we do, while rhythms refer to when we do them
• Embracing rhythms and routines can provide more freedom and spontaneity
• Consistency in routines helps us focus on crises or unexpected events
• Five key routines for a well-structured day: morning routine, dinner routine, mail routine, laundry routine, and evening routine
• A morning routine sets the day's trajectory for success
• Having a dinner routine with meal planning reduces stress and chaos
• Managing the mail and paper routine reduces clutter and enhances productivity
• A laundry routine ensures you have clean clothes for the day
• An evening routine helps prepare for the next day, with tasks like setting out clothes and a final walkthrough of the house
• These core routines anchor the day and make other routines easier to manage
• Developing routines is like learning a new recipe, with practice leading to automatic and stress-free execution

Resources mentioned:

The book that influenced her: Emily P. Freeman's book "A Million Little Ways” https://emilypfreeman.com/a-million-little-ways/

Episode 15: Jenn Uren on Rhythms and Routines: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-15

Link to transcript: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-18

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Celine McLaughlin is living the dream and tells us how she and her family made the transition from the 9-5 to life on the road, homeschooling their boys, and exploring the US and Canada.

Meet our Guest Celine:

Celine and her family are living the dream while our family's dream anyway, Selena and her husband Adam and their three boys live in a 30-foot travel trailer while traveling full time. She grew up a pastor's kid on the prairies in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and she's a twin! After Bible school, she and Adam moved their family to Southwest Florida to work at a church until 2018 when they made the decision to sell everything, homeschool, and live and travel in an RV. They run a marketing and website design business while exploring Canada and the United States. And they are cast members of a TV show called the RV years. 

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• ICeline and her family's full-time RV travel lifestyle
• Celine'growing up as a pastor's kid in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• The decision to sell everything, homeschool, and live and travel in an RV
• Running a marketing and website design business while traveling
• Being cast members of a TV show called "The RVers"
• The difference between RVing and camping
• The challenges and adjustments of RV life, especially for a family
• The impact of Hurricane Irma on their decision to pursue full-time travel
• How Celine's family and friends reacted to their decision to travel full-time
• The importance of making friends and connections with other families on the road
• The role of technology and social media in staying connected with friends
• Balancing work and homeschooling during their travels
• Scheduling and flexibility in the nomadic lifestyle
• Their involvement in the TV show "The RVers"
• Tips and advice for families considering full-time RV travel
• The impact of COVID-19 on RV travel
• Boondocking (camping without hookups) and its appeal
• Plans and destinations for the year 2021
• Favorite gadgets for RV living, including the KitchenAid mixer and Instant Pot

Resources mentioned:

The RVers: https://thervers.tv/
Celine's favorite gadget is...a tie!  She loves both her KitchenAid Mixer and her Instant Pot
Link to transcript:  https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-17

Connect with Celine:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mclaughlinsmakingmemories/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/McLaughlinsMakingMemories
Website:  https://adamandceline.com
Show: The RVers https://thervers.tv/

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Melissa Forman, a Chicagoland native and popular radio personality shares how decorating cupcakes with her girls turned into a mission to spread joy through giving away uniquely designed cakes.

Meet our Guest Melissa:

Melissa Forman grew up in the Chicagoland area. She got her start in radio while a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She was the first woman in the country to simultaneously host both a show in the morning and in the afternoon drive. She is kind-hearted and always looking for ways to give back to her community having helped raise over $500,000 for local charities. But mostly she's a mom, just like you.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Melissa was the first woman to host both morning and afternoon radio shows
• Melissa's philanthropic work, raising over $500,000 for local charities
• Melissa as a mother and her perspective on motherhood
• Melissa's creativity in radio and other aspects of her life
• Melissa's memories of her mom baking and the significance of the kitchen
• How baking and cake decorating became a bonding activity with her daughters
• The influence of "Hello, Cupcake" books on their cupcake decorating
• The transition from cupcakes to cake decorating
• The therapeutic and bonding aspects of baking, the emotional connection and memories created through baking
• Melissa's decision to take a year off and focus on baking cakes
• Melissa's philosophy of not charging for her cakes and giving back to the community
• The sources of inspiration for Melissa's cake designs, the creativity, and resourcefulness behind her cake designs
• Behind-the-scenes challenges in delivering unique cakes like the Domino's Pizza cake
• The idea of starting a blog called "Baking it Forward"
• The joy of giving and receiving through baking
• Jennifer's experience with a food pantry
• Balancing cake baking with a full-time job
• The importance of setting limits and saying no
• Donating cakes for fundraisers and charities
• Advice for beginners interested in cake decorating
• Melissa's favorite time-saving gadget

Resources mentioned:

Hello, Cupcake!- https://www.amazon.com/Hello-Cupcake-Irresistibly-Playful-Creations/dp/0618829253
Betty Crocker- https://www.bettycrocker.com/
Duncan Hines- https://www.duncanhines.com/
Melissa's favorite gadget is...her  Blendtec blender!

Link to transcript:  https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-16

Connect with Melissa:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melforman/
                     https://www.instagram.com/melissaformancakes/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/melissaontheair
Website:  https://melissaforman.com/
Shows: iHeartRadio  https://939litefm.iheart.com/featured/melissa-forman-in-the-morning/

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Jenn Uren, shares 5 routines to anchor your life and make it easier to handle the unexpected surprises that you know life will throw at you.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website - www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we cover:

• Importance of Rhythms and Routines
• Differentiating between Rhythms and Routines
• Benefits of Embracing Rhythms and Routines
• Example of Handling the Unexpected with Routines
• Suggested Routines
  1. Morning Routine
  2. Dinner Routine
  3. Mail Routine
  4. Laundry Routine
  5. Evening Routine
• Developing and Integrating Routines
• The Stress-Reducing Power of Established Routines

Resources mentioned:

Creating a Laundry Routine That Works for You by Jenn Uren https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/laundry-routine 
Jenn's favorite laundry tips and tools: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/laundry-tips

Link to transcript:  https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/episode-15

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.

Michelle Rayburn is a mom and a mother-in-law. She shares how working through conflict with her own mother-in-law shaped how she approached relationship with her own daughters-in-law.

Meet our Guest Michelle:

Michelle Rayburn is a freelance writer and podcaster who appreciates how life's difficulties can actually turn out to be opportunities to learn and grow. Michelle has been married to Phil for 31 years and they've successfully launched two sons into adulthood. They enjoy having two daughters-in-love, a granddaughter, and more grandbabies on the way. Michelle is the author of several Christian living books, including "Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs" and "The Repurposed and Upcycled Life" as well as a great journal for non-journalers that takes you beyond the checklist.

Connect with me and let me hear your thoughts:

Website -  www.thismomknows.com
FB - www.facebook.com/thismomknows
IG - www.instagram.com/thismomknowspodcast

Topics we Discuss:

• Michelle's background, meeting her husband at church
• Michelle's journey into writing
• Initial challenges in her relationship with her mother-in-law
• The shift in their relationship after her mother-in-law passed away
• The importance of understanding different love languages
• Personal experiences as a daughter-in-law
• Encouraging future sons-in-law to be good husbands
• Observing changes in holiday traditions with daughters-in-law
• Open communication with her sons about her relationship with their grandmother
• Teaching her sons important behaviors in preparation for marriage
• Not always taking their side in conflicts
• Meeting a potential future daughter-in-law at church and knowing the parents of your child's significant other
• The difference in dating and marriage timelines for different children
• Handling the emotions and expectations of children dating and getting married
• The importance of open and honest conversations with your children
• Preparing your heart and family for future sons- or daughters-in-law
• How priorities shift as children grow up and get married
• Mending relationships with difficult in-laws through appreciation
• Boundaries and respecting your spouse's position
• Transitioning to the in-law role from being a parent
• Time-saving gadgets like erasable highlighters and smart light bulbs

Resources Mentioned:

Michelle's Books:    

Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs- https://michellerayburn.com/classicmarriage
                                                                  https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Marriage-Staying-Odometer-Climbs/dp/0988528649
The Repurposed and Upcycled Life- https://michellerayburn.com/the-repurposed-and-upcycled-life/
                                                                  https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Marriage-Staying-Odometer-Climbs/dp/0988528649 
The journal for non-journalers- https://michellerayburn.com/1-2-3-journal/  
                                                        https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Michelle-Rayburn/dp/0988528673
Jill Savage’ Empty Nest     https://jillsavage.org/emptynest/
PILOT FriXion Light Erasable Highlighters     https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Erasable-Highlighters-Assorted-46507/dp/B0027EJ0OY
ilumi Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb     https://www.amazon.com/ilumi-Bluetooth-Smart-Light-Generation/dp/B017WDRD0W

Learn more about retreats at Dragonfly Ministries, or her books The Making of a Dragonfly and Lessons of a Dragonfly.

Mary's favorite gadgets are...her veggie spiralizer and her automatic corkscrew! (I'm not sure the exact one she has, but here is one to get you started)

Link to Show Notes: https://www.thismomknows.com/blog/Michelle-Rayburn

Connect with Michelle: 

Website: http://www.maryetheleckard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryetheleckard

About This Mom Knows

Moms know a lot of things, and when we start talking, ideas form, energy builds, and we take action. This Mom Knows is a place for moms to mompreneurs to find encouragement, connection, and maybe even collaboration but most importantly community with moms who know.  So, grab a cup of coffee, maybe a paper and pencil to jot down an idea or two, and let's discover what This Mom Knows.