Date

July 16 2019

Written By

Julie Khaled

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My kids are my greatest teachers

Written By Julie Khaled - July 16 2019

My kids are my greatest teachers

Written by: Genevieve C.

On a walk the other day, our sweet little Lissa, skipped ahead with such glee and joy and then suddenly stopped dead in her tracks and squealed out loud in excitement- “mom look at this heart!” She had found a leaf, a tiny little leaf hanging from a large tree full of much larger leaves, shaped perfectly like a little heart. Her face was full of wonder as she exclaimed that it was the most perfect leaf ever!

 

In that moment, watching her eyes light up at the little details, I learned a lesson. My free spirited, wild child life is full of glitter and unicorns. My 6 year-old taught me to look for goodness everywhere; look for the hearts in unexpected places; to see the joy in even the smallest moments. 

 

My kids are my greatest teachers.

 

I remember our first positive test, that first flutter kick, feeling all the emotions of “Am I ready? Do I know enough? Can I teach them everything they need to learn?” Yes, I’m a long-term thinker like that and worried in those early months about reading every parenting book, sleep training book, learning all the things on all things mothering. There were opinions about this and that, right and wrong, schedules and milestones for everything under the sun and I was determined to know them all. I mean, I was the mom and needed to know it all to teach it all, right?? Moms are always right.

 

I guess that’s been part of the beauty of my journey these last few years. The beauty found in waking up, realizing that I don’t know it all…and that’s ok. It’s ok to not know, it’s ok to not understand, it’s ok to ask questions, it’s ok to answer your sweet child with, “I honestly don’t know sweetie, let’s find out.” That doesn’t make you less of a mom. I believe that makes you a better mom. There is so much beauty in that raw vulnerability, that honesty, that humility, in saying “I don’t know, but let’s learn together.” 

 

In the Bible, in Matthew 18, we are taught that we are to become as little children. Why is that? What attribute of children are we missing as adults?? I have always thought it was humility, which is a great attribute to learn. But what happens when we learn humility? How does that spiral?? Is it bigger than just being humble? Maybe! A friend pointed out to me the other day, in that real humility, we become more like children- we ask questions, we aren’t afraid to say “I don’t know”. We search and study, we try to learn. We let our walls down, we let people in, we aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, to look for truth all around us and find joy in the little moments and details.

 

As I have been thinking on this, praying to understand, I have come to realize that my view of mothering has changed. My attitude of “I’m the mom and I say so” has slowly changed to “I’m the mom and I don’t know it all but I’d love to learn together.” I have learned so many lessons from my kids over the years. The lesson of slowing down, finding joy in the smallest details, the deep relationships that authenticity and vulnerability brings. Kids are as honest as they come- from the mouth of babes right? This role of mother, the greatest name I could ever have, means so much to me. I pray that I can mother from a place of honesty, vulnerability, authenticity, faith, and humility to keep being as a child, learning together with my sweet children.

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Genevieve is a homeschooling mama to 4 tiny humans and is just starting her blog. Check it out here! We love her take on motherhood and honesty throughout her posts.  

Date

July 04 2019

Written By

Julie Khaled

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What the Fourth of July means to me

Written By Julie Khaled - July 04 2019

What the Fourth of July means to me | Mom Culture

 Written by: Codi B.

The Fourth of July is always such a lively celebration. Fireworks booming in the air. The smell of cookouts all around you. The flag flying high in the sky with red, white, and blue colors on every person you pass by. The laughter of family and friends enjoying each other’s company, while celebrating the freedom that this great country has had since 1776. The Fourth of July is truly unlike any other holiday we celebrate in this country. This one specific holiday holds so much history, so much tradition, so much symbolism, and so much pride for our country.

 

Harry S. Truman said “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” Let that sink in for a second. As Americans we never waiver. We never back down from a fight.  We give so much of ourselves with little in return. We are courageous. We are brave. We are strong.

 

When I was younger, I remember the Fourth of July celebrations we had as a family. My dad always would get a ton of fireworks and I remember watching that night sky light up so bright and being in awe of how bright and beautiful those fireworks were. I remember being on a baseball field and hearing Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” playing over the loud speakers and everyone stopping to listen to that song. I remember the national anthem playing before we did our Fourth of July parade every year while I was a cheerleader in high school and standing with our hands over our hearts and seeing the pride every single person had while walking in that parade for three years. The Fourth of July celebrations that I had as a younger version of me will always play such an important role in how I view the Fourth of July today.

 

Now as an adult, and married to an Active Duty service member, my Fourth of July’s don’t look very different. The pride is still there, but flows so much deeper. The national anthem playing and seeing both of my children standing still, at such a young age, with their hands over their heart, is such a priceless feeling I don’t think I could put into words to describe. The feeling I get seeing my husband home for the Fourth of July, when I know that someday in the future he’s probably going to miss one of them, or seven, is something that can never be replaced. The time we get together on holidays such as this one, when the sacrifice is so deeply rooted in our being, is something I know my children, my husband, and myself will cherish forever.

 

Ronald Reagan said “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." In all reality, our freedoms are fought for everyday by brave men and women who serve this great country near and far, stateside and abroad, and deployed to every corner of this Earth to keep their loved ones safe and sound through it all. The people who serve currently, or have served in the past have done this country a great service. They have fought battles they won’t speak of. They have done things that you cannot imagine. They felt a calling in their hearts to serve and protect their country without ever expecting a thank you from those around them. These people keep us safe without us ever really realizing that someone, somewhere, has our backs without us ever asking them to protect them like they do.

 

The Fourth of July symbolizes so very much; it is a celebration of freedom and a remembrance of those we lost for that freedom. I think, as Americans, we often see the liberties we have as something that has always been there, and will always be there, but there are so many out there that know that those liberties, those freedoms, that we enjoy every day were given to us because someone else paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live the way we do. For me; that sacrifice is brought to the forefront whenever my husband mentions his Uncle Terry that fought in Vietnam and ultimately lost his life shortly before he was due to come back home. That hole in the hearts of my husband’s dad and his family is always there and will always be ever present. That sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and will never go unnoticed. His story will live on in the people who love him, the people who he has made an impact on without ever meeting Earthside, and the people who tell his story to others to shed light on the ultimate sacrifice that so many have given to this country to protect it.

 

This Fourth of July—I want you to stop in the midst of what seems like never-ending fun and a good kind of chaos to enjoy the moment. Soak in what it feels like to be an American on this day. Smell the smoke from the BBQ’s cooking your favorite food. Look at the colors flying high above you and the pride on every person’s piece of clothing they decide to wear on this day. Relish in the bright colors of the fireworks and what they stand for on a day like today. Believe in the power of what we have accomplished together as a great nation and what we will accomplish together in the future. Enjoy your freedoms because someone, somewhere, that you probably don’t know, is stationed on a base far away from their family not enjoying the day like you are, but standing in and waiting for an enemy to strike at any minute.

 

You are an American. We are Americans. Together we are strong, brave, and full of an unseen power that somehow exists in all of us that is so much greater than we know.

 

Today is the Fourth of July. Let freedom ring. Let everyone sing.

 

Being born in the USA is such a great feeling and I’m proud of what this great country has provided for me throughout the years. I wouldn’t be who I am without the freedoms and liberties granted to me by a country, and people, who have done so much to protect me. Enjoy your parades, your cookouts, your family time, and the fireworks. But don’t ever forget how this celebration symbolizes something so much bigger than blowing stuff up and yelling “America” at the top of your lungs. This Fourth of July, celebrate so big, celebrate so hard, and remember how and why you get to celebrate the way you do.

 

We are the land of the free because of the brave. Happy Fourth of July to everyone out there.

 

 What the Fourth of July means to me | Mom Culture

What the Fourth of July means to me | Mom Culture

 Photo credit: @haileywilson_photography

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Codi is a military wife and mama to two young ladies. She has a blog where she shares her encounters with PPD and PPA. She talks about the realities of marriage and explores all journeys of motherhood.

Date

June 26 2019

Written By

Sarah Komers

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Mom Culture Loves The Elderberry Co.

Written By Sarah Komers - June 26 2019

Mom Culture Loves The Elderberry Co.

Summer colds are no fun, and they can put a major damper on fun in the sun. If you're like me and are trying to keep your tiny humans' immune systems up this summer season, you'll love The Elderberry Co. as much as we do!

I'm a little late to the Elderberry game, I must admit, but with a really rough winter season and two out of three kids having asthma, I'm hopping on the bandwagon now. Mama is a believer and those yucky germs aren't gonna stop us this summer.

So what is this magical berry all the moms have been telling me about?

"What is elderberry syrup, and why do you keep hearing about it? Come cold and flu season, it’s usually a pretty popular topic because elderberry syrup is a highly effective combatant against colds, flu, and allergies. And our elderberry syrup is in a league of its own because of the RAW LOCAL honey we use to sweeten it. Between the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties of the elderberries we use, as well as the natural enzymes and immunity-building benefits of raw, local honey, our organic elderberry syrup has become a household staple for our customers and their families, keeping them healthy during those colder months of the year." -The Elderberry Co.

Not only do we love this company's product, but we also love their mission to help children and victims of human trafficking by donating a portion of their proceeds to Safe Passage Inc.

Safe Passage, Inc. was formed in 2018 in response to Kentucky’s need to open a shelter for sexually-trafficked and exploited children. "Today, Kentucky is annually identifying over 200 trafficked children in our state. 94% of these victims already have a history with child welfare, telling us our most vulnerable children are at serious risk of becoming trafficked. Youth who are homeless, runaway, poor, abused, and neglected are most at risk for the worst things in life, including continued poverty, abuse and even trafficking. We face a reality where these unfavorable (and uncontrollable) socio-economic factors tie directly into child trafficking. Traffickers prey on these children, those who come from unstable homes, are looking for an escape, and are vulnerable and desperate." 

If you're like me, you remember to take care of the kiddos but tend to forget about YOU. I'm a big tea drinker. So, their Organic Elderberry Wellness tea is the perfect answer for this busy mama in need of an immunity boost.  

 Bottoms up, ladies & littles! Here's to staying healthy this summer season. We love shopping with brands that not only help to keep our tiny humans healthy but help keep those in need to stay safe from harm with their charity work!  

For a limited time, use code MOMCULTURE15 to get 15% off your first purchase at The Elderberry Co.

Code valid through 7/31/19

 

 XO,

Sarah

 



Date

June 19 2019

Written By

Julie Khaled

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Brave is One More Step in the Dark

Written By Julie Khaled - June 19 2019

Brave is One More Step in the Dark

 

 Written by: Jen M.

I can hear You say, “Be not afraid.

It will be okay; I own every wave.”

I will not leave you an orphan—

I will meet you right here on the shoreline.”

Oh, it’s less like a coming disaster

And more like a dance with my daughter.

-  From “Shorelines” on the upcoming album, Brave is One More Step in the Dark

 

When my first two children were small, my husband and I took a trip to Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin.  That trip is burned into my memory as one of the places where my postpartum anxiety reared its ugly head most powerfully, and all I can remember is the feeling of dread and terror as I pictured the many ways my beautiful babies could die there… in the water, on the rocks…  Overwhelming fear instead of fun on what was supposed to be just a family getaway.  Then, a few years later, after my third came along, and I was battling both depression and anxiety in even deeper ways, we took a similar trip to the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan.  This time, however, the fear felt different, coming in waves over my feet instead of pushing me under completely.  In other words, I was still soaking wet, but I wasn’t drowning, and I was somehow stronger.  I looked over at my daughter, Zoe, then only two… in a princess dress on the shoreline.  Fear and hope, dancing together.  And this song came to me – the voice of my Heavenly Father, telling me not to be afraid.  That I would be okay.  And that He would not leave me there alone on the shoreline of my mind.  Sometimes the rescue doesn’t come in the way we want it to – immediately, with a snap of the fingers.  Sometimes instead it comes in waves, one brave step at a time in the dark… as the dawn comes alive inside of us first.  I wrote this whole album, Brave is One More Step in the Dark, as a message of hope and light in postpartum depression and anxiety, even as I still battle my own mind and body every day.  And I pray that it brings every woman who hears it enough light to help her take her own next brave step too.  You are not alone – you are seen and known and loved, no matter the size of your waves. 

Love, Jen

_________________________________________

Jen is a wife and mother of 3 who has struggled with PPD & PPA (postpartum depression & anxiety) over the years. She has chosen to use her music as a way to reach other women who find themselves struggling with similar issues. Find out more about her new album set to release on June 21st! Her album is live on Spotify, click here to check it out!

Date

June 14 2019

Written By

Julie Khaled

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University of Fatherhood: Father's Day Edition

Written By Julie Khaled - June 14 2019

University of Fatherhood | Mom Culture

Written by: Codi and Jeremiah B.

When I think of fatherhood I think of my husband playing with our daughters. It’s a beautiful sight to see-full of love, light, and laughter. He’s literally the textbook version of a great dad and our daughters are blessed beyond measure to have such an amazing force in their lives. He’s steady like a rock and never falters. He’s strong and brave, and he puts so much on the line to make sure his family, and his country are protected. Most of all, he’s always willing and ready to deal with any hard thing that might come up while being a parent-which is something I lack and something he makes up for time and time again.

 

I recently asked him to help me write this blog post, because it is about Father’s Day, and I’m not a father. I can only imagine what it’s like being a dad and the struggles you face on that side of parenting; while also all the happiness you encounter as well. He sent me what he wrote and I think it’s something that’s so important in today’s society to remember the things he laid out in his post.

 

I’m so proud of him. I’m proud of the husband he is. I’m proud of the dad he is. I’m proud of the person he is, and I’m especially proud of him for writing what he wrote. So here it is, from the words of my husband, Jeremiah; what it’s like to be a dad and why being present is so important in your children’s lives.

 

“Let me first start off by saying that I am no perfect dad. I wish there was a manual out there that told us all how to be the perfect father because sometimes us dads definitely know we could use a manual- but who are we kidding, we wouldn’t read it anyways. I am the proud father to two beautiful little girls, Hadlee and Ember, as well as two angel babies in Heaven who I will one day see again.

 

 What does it mean to be a father? That’s not an easy question to answer these days and there is no one way or absolute right way to be a father. The first time I saw my oldest daughter being born I thought to myself “what did I get myself into?” I had a strange feeling all over, one of pure joy, love and another of absolute panic. I had no idea how to be a father, let alone raise a child, but here I was, ready to take on the title of father.

 

Fortunately for me, I had a slight advantage. I had an amazing role model and father to look up to, my Dad. Growing up, I know we as men don’t always say “I love you” enough, and we all know we certainly don’t express our feelings enough either.  The greatest lesson my dad taught me of fatherhood was being present. He worked hard and there were times that he would be called away on a job or have to leave in the middle of the night, but when he was home, he was present. He showed up to events when it counted, and sometimes he just randomly showed up with pizza for my brother and I just to spend time with us when he could.

 

For me, that is what being a good, loving father is all about. Just being present for your children when you can. This world isn’t getting any less busy and with technology at our finger tips, being present matters more today than it ever has. I think sometimes as fathers we don’t do this well enough and it is something I know I will always continue to work on: putting the phone down when I get home, not checking emails, and being present for my daughters.

 

As for my situation and many other fathers who are just like me, being present when you can is key as sometimes our military orders take us all over the world, and far away from our children. It hurts to the core leaving your children behind, but we know that what we do everyday protects them when they lay their heads down at night or when they go to school. As much as it pains me to leave my daughters, I know that one day they will understand why daddy had to do what he did and they will understand why I had to miss things in their life. That’s why I vow to always be present and give my daughters my full attention when I can because I know they deserve that from their father.

 

You don’t have to be the perfect father, Lord knows I’m not, but if I had to simply say what being a father is to me it’s being present for your children. It’s showing up when it matters and it’s being involved in their lives no matter how they feel about it because one day they will appreciate it more than they know. Love your children everyday and be the father they deserve.”

 

For me, reading what he wrote hit the nail on the head; being present is something we all struggle with.

I was lucky enough to have a dad and a step dad growing up who tried their hardest to be there for me when I needed them to be. I was busy and there were all sorts of different directions I took, but they supported me and loved me through it all. To my Dad and my Bill Dad, I love you guys so much. Thank you for being there and for loving me through it all.

 

On Father’s Day this year, I challenge you to be present in every way, shape, and form for the father of your children; keep the phone by your side to take pictures, but don’t check it, let social media fall to the wayside for just one day. To all the father’s out there that are apart of this “University of Fatherhood” club, you guys deserve so much. Happy Father’s Day to you. I hope you’re spoiled and loved beyond measure this year.

 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Codi is a military wife and mama to two young ladies. She has a blog where she shares her encounters with PPD and PPA. She talks about the realities of marriage and explores all journeys of motherhood.

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