Long Distance Friends

12. Esther Casey, mom of 12 (My MIL!), answers all of my burning parents questions like:What did you worry about that turned out to not matter?What is was like changing so many cloth (!!!) diapers??How do I honor unique giftings and personalities?How do I prevent my daughters from comparing themselves to each other?What was your lowest point (ages of kids) as a mom? What got you through?This episode will feel like a big hug and such an encouragement.

10. Mom of 4 littles and military spouse, Laurel Clark, opens up about the hard and the good of being a stay-at-home mom. Key Takeaways: • Home systems for getting out of the house faster with kids, prioritizing alone time, handling snacks, and more.• How to communicate the mental load with your spouse and stay on the same team• a renewed appreciation for the autonomy in our days• Small (yet impactful) ideas to disciple your kids as a Christian momResources:Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters Erica KomisarA Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex by Morgan CutlipHabits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms Justin Whitmel EarleyA Blessing for the Body of a Child While Lying in Bed Justin Whitmel Earley@busytoddler on Instagram@thelazygenius on Instagram and the Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra AdachiSNAP Assistance:If you are a teacher feeling the strain of SNAP benefits ending, please message me @ldf.pod and Long Distance Friends will sponsor snacks for your classroom until snap benefits are restored.

8. What I learned about my body, how to slow down, and my humanness. (I learned many lessons in my 20's.... but these are the ones I feel compelled to share!)I discuss:The importance of being on a team to support mental healthStaying disciplined in a pace of presence (take the slow lane! put your phone down when you wait in line!)Embrace your human limitations. Lean into the intimacy of limits.Having a relationship with your body motivated by love and not fearBooks Mentioned:To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson BethkeThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerBreaking Free from Body Shame by Jess ConnollyIntuitive Eating by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole

6. WE'RE BACK, BABY! I'm talking all things summer recap -- from:• Living in a camper for 32 days with a toddler and baby• Moving across the country & house hunting in Washington state• Showing up whole + healthy• Season 2 topic sneak peekThanks for being here!

4. Do you have a toddler at home and are about to give birth? I share:Tips for introducing your toddler to your baby in the hospitalPrioritizing self-care and getting through the nightsHack for pooling your milk (without pumping!)Ideas for late-night snacksHow to delegate taking care of your pets Practicing getting out of the house for the first time with two kidsThis episode ends with a prayer from my friend, Susanna, for those last few weeks of pregnancy (that time is so so hard!)Resources mentioned:Perfect Bar Dupe Protein Balls: (this is my recipe!)1 heaping cup of oats (80 g)1 cup peanut butter (225 g)1 scoop vanilla protein powder (25 g)1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds (optional) (11 g)1/4 cup honey (85 g)Cinnamon - measure with your heart (I usually do 1/2 TB)Mix all together, form into balls (or bars), put in fridge.

2. Liz Brand reflects on her time as a military spouse. We discuss:How to make the most of lonely times when your husband is working long hoursHer epic time traveling in Europe when they were stationed in GermanyFunny SFRG moments, PWOC, and Spouse sports leaguesSurviving while our husbands complete Ranger School and DeploymentsGathering strength as you go and building resilienceFinding Project-Based work vs. Time-Based workLinks Mentioned:Veteran Ventures Podcast on Spotify and AppleOur Morning Walk book by Griffin Brand