Joyfully Thriving

Grace-Filled Frugal Living

How to Get Organized and Motivated as a Busy Mom

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Do you want to be more organized? Do you feel that you are pulled in dozens of directions at once? Are you struggling to keep up with everything? Do you want to find systems that actually work for your home and family? Me, me, me, me! Let me give you a glance in my life right now. I have a 4 week old baby girl who wants to be held lots, a just turned 2 and increasing stubborn little girl, and a newly turned 4 year old who is independent and determined. I am definitely still adjusting to life as a mom of three little ones. I am a mom and wife, piano teacher and blogger. Some days the … Read More...

Announcing the Arrival of Lily Grace

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Babies have their own time tables, don't they? I know many of you have been waiting for this baby update, so we are excited to announce the arrival of Lily Grace Whirrett - born on Monday, March 12. Here's a bit of Lily's story (and pictures) from the past 10 days! After 2 babies and 2 C-sections (for different reasons), I knew early on that baby number 3 would also be a C-section. My wonderful doctor confirmed that the risks were too high for me to deliver any other way. All 3 of our babies have also been due right around the National Lutheran Grade School's Annual Tournament Weekend in … Read More...

Everything You Need to Know about Preparing for Baby

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Before I became pregnant, I started scouring books and blogs for all sorts of advice about preparing for baby. When I became pregnant the first time, my research increased. I knew a lot would be learned by experience but I wanted to be as prepared as I could be. Does this sound familiar to any other moms out there? My first baby arrived and I learned so much! Baby number two arrived and I learned even more. Baby number three arrives later this week and I know will continue to learn more. Here are a couple of the lessons I have learned about preparing for a new baby. Babies don't have … Read More...

Ultimate List of Baby Things to Buy Before Birth

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I'm in the final weeks before our third baby is to be born. I am one of those practical, planner moms, and this pregnancy has focused me even more. Considering I have an (almost) 4 year old son, an (almost) 2 year old daughter, and a baby on the way, I know our life is about to change dramatically! It does with every baby. That's why I want to share my ultimate list of baby things to buy before birth with you.  When your new baby finally arrives, it is a time like no other! You don't get these first days back, exhausting as they may be. Your days and nights will be spent feeding the baby … Read More...

3rd Trimester, the 3rd Time Around

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It's hard to believe I am 36 weeks already, so with a little less than a month to go, it's time for a third trimester update for those who are interested! Here's a look at my third trimester with Nathan (our first) and with Emma (our second). I'm amazed to realize that I'm in my third trimester for a third time! There were days (and years) when I doubted this would ever happen once. Yet, God answered our prayers with a yes, and we are incredibly thankful for the blessing of all three of our children.  As I shared in my second trimester update, the smell of pork still makes me queasy. … Read More...

20 Free No Prep Valentine Activities for Preschoolers

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As a former preschool teacher, I love incorporating the holidays into our learning activities! As a busy mom, I love incorporating the holidays into our daily activities as simply as possible. Complicated projects? Not for me. Simple things that don't require a lot of time or special supplies to set up, but that my kids still love? Yes, please! It's one of the reasons I compiled this list of free, no prep Valentine activities for preschoolers. Like I said, I am a trained early childhood teacher so I admit that I am choosy on the activities I do at home. I want Nathan and Emma to have fun … Read More...

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