Lifestyle, Motherhood

The Mom Life Chronicles: Things I Swore I’d Never Say (But Totally Did)

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… Until I Became a Mom

Before I had kids, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what parenting would sound like. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. Nothing—and I mean nothing—could have prepared me for the bizarre, hilarious, and totally unexpected things that have come out of my mouth since becoming a mom.

So today, I’m sharing a few of the gems I’ve caught myself saying, in hopes that you’ll laugh, nod along, or even send this to a fellow mom who just gets it.

Sentences I Never Thought Would Leave My Mouth

  • “Stop licking the window.”
  • “We do not hide snacks in our underwear.”
  • “Please stop brushing the dog’s teeth with my toothbrush.”
  • “How did you get a Cheerio in your belly button again?”
  • “Yes, that is your poop. No, we do not name it.”
  • “We don’t eat crayons, even the red ones that look like licorice.”
  • “The couch is not a trampoline. No, not even if you’re ‘being Spiderman.’”
  • “We do not wear a tutu and snow boots to church… oh, okay fine, let’s go.”

It’s Funny… But It’s Also Real

Here’s the truth: motherhood is one wild ride. There are moments where I’m laughing so hard I cry, and others where I’m crying because I’m so tired I could sleep standing up. And somehow, both of those moments are often five minutes apart.

If you’re reading this with a toddler climbing you like a jungle gym or a baby trying to chew your phone while you scroll—just know, you’re not alone. We’re all out here doing our best, saying weird stuff, and surviving one messy, beautiful day at a time.

Let’s Normalize the Chaos

The next time you say something ridiculous like “Don’t put peas in your ears,” smile. You’re in the club. The sacred, sleep-deprived, spit-up-stained sisterhood of motherhood.

We’re all just trying to keep our tiny humans alive while keeping our sense of humor in the process.

🍼 What’s the weirdest thing you’ve caught yourself saying as a mom? Share it in the comments or DM me on Instagram—I’d love to do a follow-up post with your best submissions!

💌 Want more honest motherhood posts and a free printable prayer for overwhelmed moms? Click here to grab it and join my email list for faith + mom life encouragement.

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Encouragement, Lifestyle, Motherhood

Calm the Chaos: Create a Peaceful Morning Routine with Affirmations

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Mornings used to feel like chaos: cereal bowls clinking, clothes flying, and the clock ticking louder than my thoughts. But something shifted the day I decided to begin our mornings not with noise or rush—but with intention, calm, and truth spoken into my daughter’s heart.

I started a simple habit: every morning, I tell Eila something kind, strong, and true. Some days it’s as simple as:
“You’re such a good helper.”
Other days I remind her:
“You’re kind, you’re brave, and you’re ready for today.”

And slowly, I noticed how our mornings transformed. Less fuss, more peace. Less resistance, more connection.

Speaking affirmations over our children isn’t just about making them feel good—it’s about planting seeds. Seeds of identity, confidence, purpose, and joy. When we lead our mornings with gentleness—using calm voices, gentle hugs, and words that speak life—we set the tone for their entire day. And ours too.

Because truthfully? I need those reminders as much as she does. I find myself breathing slower, choosing joy over frustration, and realizing that parenting from peace starts with me.

Whether it’s:

  • “Today is going to be a great day.”
  • “You can do hard things.”
  • “God made you on purpose and for a purpose.”

These little words shape big hearts.

If you’ve been feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or disconnected during the morning hustle, maybe this is your invitation to slow down. To bring the calm. To speak life into your child before the world does.

That’s why I created a gentle, printable set of Morning Affirmations for Kids—simple truths to start the day with hope and heart. You can print it, hang it on the fridge, or say them aloud together while brushing teeth.

Because when we lead with light, our little ones learn to carry it with them too.

Grab your free affirmation printable and tag @lightandclay if you hang it up—I’d love to see your morning moments 💛

Free Affirmation Printable!

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Motherhood

Finding Myself Again After Motherhood

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Motherhood changes everything—in beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming ways. Somewhere between the night feeds, the snack runs, and the endless ‘Mama!’s, I realized I didn’t recognize myself anymore.

This post is for the moms who’ve felt lost in it all. For the ones who want to feel like *them* again—not just someone’s mom.

1. Naming the Loss (and Knowing It’s Okay)

There’s a quiet grief in realizing you’ve put your passions, dreams, or even your personality on hold. The first step for me was naming it: ‘I miss who I was.’ And that’s not a betrayal of motherhood—it’s honesty.

2. Making Space to Be More Than ‘Mom’

I started doing one small thing a week just for *me*. Maybe it was painting my nails. Maybe it was sitting alone at a coffee shop with my Bible. We are allowed to exist outside of our roles. Making space reminded me I’m still here.

3. Letting My Child See Me as a Whole Person

I want my daughter to see that I’m not just her caregiver—I’m a woman with hobbies, faith, dreams, and goals. That’s part of how she’ll learn to value those things in herself too.

4. Reconnecting with My Faith (For Me)

When I returned to my faith journey, something shifted. It became less about what I ‘should’ do and more about being filled again. God reminded me who I am—fearfully and wonderfully made, not forgotten or sidelined.

5. Redefining What ‘Me Time’ Really Looks Like

It doesn’t have to be spa days or weekend getaways. It can be journaling for 10 minutes. Reading a few pages of a book. Drinking hot coffee while it’s still hot. Those moments matter. And they add up.

Final Thoughts

Rediscovering myself hasn’t happened all at once. But each little step feels like a deep breath. If you’ve felt lost in motherhood, I hope this post reminds you: You’re still in there. And you’re worth rediscovering.

Have a small way you’ve started finding yourself again? I’d love to hear in the comments or connect with you on Instagram!

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Motherhood

5 ways I’m Strengthening My Faith as a Busy Mom

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Motherhood is a lot. And lately, I’ve felt God gently nudging me to stop letting the chaos keep me from Him. This post isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. These are 5 ways I’ve been strengthening my faith in the everyday moments of being a mom.

1. Listening to Faith-Filled Podcasts While Cleaning

Some mornings I don’t get quiet time. But I *do* get dishes, laundry, and messes. So I started turning on faith-based podcasts while I clean.
My favorites right now:
– The Daily Grace Co.
– Risen Motherhood
– She Reads Truth

Even five minutes helps center my thoughts on truth.

2. Keeping a Mini Devotional in the Kitchen Drawer

I tucked a 5-minute devotional next to my oven mitts. Why? Because when the spaghetti’s boiling and the toddler is yelling, I can flip open a page and catch a breath of peace.
You’d be surprised what God can do with two minutes.

(Optional affiliate plug: Share your favorite devotional here with your Amazon link.)

3. Praying Out Loud in Front of My Kids

It’s usually messy and unrehearsed — but I’ve started praying out loud when we’re driving, when someone’s upset, or when I’m overwhelmed.
I want my daughter to grow up knowing that prayer isn’t fancy. It’s just real.

4. Setting the Tone with Worship Music in the Morning

Instead of cartoons or silence, I started putting on a soft worship playlist while we eat breakfast or play. It changes the tone of the whole day.
Music invites peace — and that’s something I want our home filled with.

5. Giving Myself Grace, Like God Does

This one is hard. I used to beat myself up for not reading my Bible daily or skipping devotionals. But God isn’t keeping score — He’s calling me closer.
I’m learning to show myself the same grace He shows me. Every little yes matters.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a mom feeling stretched thin and distant from God — you’re not alone.
These small shifts have helped me feel connected, grounded, and a little less scattered.
I hope they give you a starting point too.

Want a printable of my go-to prayers during busy days?

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