What Motherhood Has Taught Me: A Journey Through Faith, Family, and Growth

The Unexpected Emotion of Inadequacy

One of the most unexpected emotions I felt when I had my first child was an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy.

I was not enough.
I was not going to do it right.
I could not protect him.

I couldn’t sleep for the first week because I was sure something would happen to him while I slept.

I was enormously blessed to have the easiest baby for my first child. Once I finally could sleep and learned that he was more resilient than I knew, I quickly realized William was an angel. In fact, he never cried.

From Confident to Humbled

By the time William turned one, I was certain I had it all figured out. When people asked for advice, I had plenty to give. Oh, the life lessons that were in store for me!

Phillip was almost as easy as William, but by the time I had David, we both cried together every night.

Want to know what I’ve learned after having seven children? I know very little.

When people ask for advice, I often sit in silence. When encouraged to give it, my answer is usually:
Each child is individual, and yours is going to need something different than any other.

Why My Relationship with God Matters

That’s why having a relationship with God is so important to me. He’s the only one who has the handbook for these amazing children. It’s a shame they didn’t come with one—but they didn’t!

Sure, I know lots of tricks. I can usually soothe a fussy baby. I’m often called a baby whisperer. But I just love babies. I feel like they are as close to heaven on earth as we can get.

We all have different gifts and talents—soothing a fussy baby just happens to be one of mine.

Toddlers: Brilliant and Bossy

Toddlers? Another story entirely!

Number one: they are way smarter than we give them credit for.
Think you can’t teach them not to scream? Wrong!
They’ve taught you to think that. They’ve trained you to give them exactly what they want as quickly as possible to stop that noise. They are brilliant.

Crying is another beast altogether. Do they need a hug, do they need to be helped—or do they need to be heard? Soothe that baby. They’re sad—fill the need.

But blood-curdling screams for attention? Not the same animal. Good luck with that.

Navigating the Phases of Childhood

Each phase is so different, I could go on forever.

Ages 3–4? That’s tough. They know better—but what are you going to do about it? They test every boundary.

Be firm but loving. Mourn with them when consequences are necessary.

What Family Time Really Means

Life is just hard, but the most important thing you can do for your family is be with your family.

And it’s okay if that looks different for you.

One family might travel.
Another might picnic on the living room floor.
One might play Go fish and eat popcorn or cookies.

If your child is begging you every day to do something with them—do it. Take ten minutes and do it. It doesn’t have to start with hours. It just needs to start.

The Lens of Life Experience

Every life experience I’ve had gives me a new lens through which to see life. But we don’t get moments back.

Sometimes I wanted to break those lenses. Sometimes it was too painful in the moment.

But one thing I’ve learned for certain: alone, I am not enough.

I need a Savior to lead and guide me. And He has done exactly that. He teaches that He walked the path before us and marked the way. But He takes it a step further—He promises we won’t walk the olive press alone.

Whether it’s through family, community, friends—or just Him—I promise it is enough. His presence can feel as tangible as yours or mine.

From Small Town to City: The Power of Being Seen

When I lived in Las Vegas, it was hard for me to get to know my neighbors. Probably more a me problem.

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. Sometimes that wasn’t great—but it had its perks.

I didn’t always want people to know when I was struggling, but then a dinner would show up and I’d be so grateful because I didn’t feel well enough to cook for the family.

If you run into the same people in the same places—introduce yourself. Be the friend. People need to be seen.

Or hey—send me a message! I’m happy to see you.

Homeschooling and a Divine Nudge

Let me take you on a unique journey that shows how intimately Heavenly Father is aware of me and my children’s needs.

I always had this thought in the back of my mind that someday I’d homeschool my kids. But I shoved that box way down deep—it was scary and overwhelming.

Then COVID hit and opened that box right in my lap.

I learned I could do it—and it wasn’t so bad. But then I made the mistake I usually avoid when I don’t want an answer: I prayed about homeschooling.

I loved our local public school. Great people. Amazing teachers. No real issues.

But what needed to happen was I needed an education.

Education is a Shared Responsibility

For a long time, I didn’t feel responsible for my kids’ education. That was the school’s job—the teachers, the administrators—someone else.

Boy, was I in for a wake-up call.

It has always been and will always be my responsibility to offer my kids the opportunity to learn.

But here’s the kicker: it’s my child’s responsibility to take that opportunity and run with it.

You can’t force education. You can try to spark interest—it happens all the time in school. Bless those wonderful teachers for trying!

A Heavenly Friend in a Time of Need

A year into homeschooling, I noticed one of my daughters was really struggling. I had previously told the school she reversed a lot of letters and numbers, but nothing changed. Her insecurity grew, and I suspected dyslexia.

And then Heavenly Father stepped in.

Around that time, a new family moved to our community. When asked to speak at church, the mom introduced herself by saying, “I homeschool my children and I’m a dyslexia specialist.”

I went up to her afterward and said, “You don’t know me, but you moved to Moapa just for me—and we’re going to be best friends.”

I was just being funny—but five years later, it feels prophetic.

Jennifer and her family are incredible, selfless, thoughtful people. She now tutors two of my daughters for dyslexia, and I feel my Savior’s love through her regularly.

Why This Blog Exists

Tim started this travel blog because he loves to travel. I joined in because I saw an incredible opportunity to inspire our children to learn, grow, thrive—and see people in new ways.

I know it will.

Life—with all its bumps, bruises, and scars—can teach us to be cautious. But when we look up and see the needs and hopes of others, we forget our own pain and are inspired to go to work and lift others.

That is my hope.

So, I guess we’ll see, Mr. Walker… I don’t know where we’re traveling to next, but I hope it’ll be unforgettable.

What gems of wisdom molded you? Are you willing to share (comment below if you are)? With Mother’s Day coming ponder what impact your mother truly had in your life.