Vanquishing Nightmares

On March 27, 2023March 26, 2023 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self Care2 Comments

My eight year old son was recently plagued by a recurring nightmare. This nightmare disrupted our sleep and exacerbated his already slow moving, groggy mornings. Being no stranger to sleeplessness due to middle of the night awake sessions, I turned to a handful of tricks to try to ease his night fears. Interestingly, some of the kid-friendly nightmare vanquishing tips have actually helped me with my own overthinking. Parenting has an amusing way of ensuring I am learning as much as I am teaching.

Kindergarten – There She Goes

On October 10, 2022October 9, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting2 Comments

Although the ongoing changes of the past few months have created a season of upheaval for my family, there is something about this transition to Kindergarten that feels so final, even more permanent than a change in address or employment. It is something that we cannot turn back from. The school years have begun.

Throwback: Unexpected Moments of Unrestricted Joy

On July 18, 2022July 17, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self CareLeave a comment

So now I watch for them, my little unexpected moments of joy where my face hurts from so much smiling and the mess-free glitter flies around me. I no longer take them for granted. The ordinary moment that is filled with joyful power no longer gets left as ordinary, but I capture it in my mind for rainy day remembering.

Throwback: Be Three

On June 20, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self CareLeave a comment

Three-year-olds get a bad rap sometimes. Granted, for good reason, they are often dramatic, defiant, loud, and unpredictable. However, as I reflected on some of the traits of my little girl, I started to flip my perspective and consider all the positive aspects of three. I thought of the times that I have watched her in awe and I began to wonder what my life would be like if I took on some of the positive characteristics of my three-year-old daughter.

The Bittersweet Parenting Journey

On May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Wendi, Family, Parenting1 Comment

Parenting can be so brutal, like a child asserting their independence, harshly declaring “I don’t want to snuggle and read with you.” Or so beautiful, like a child expressing their appreciation through a simple “I love you.” It’s a bittersweet journey.

Looking Ahead to a Season of Hope – Jessica’s Experience (Part 2)

On April 26, 2021April 25, 2021 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self Care1 Comment

As I reflected on this transition to a new season, one question in particular kept repeating in my mind: What might it feel like to grow out of the season of uncertainty and lean into a season of hope?

Enjoy the Small Moments

On September 21, 2020September 20, 2020 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Wendi, Family, Parenting5 Comments

I can’t enjoy every single minute of the day. I can, however, enjoy moments, even small ones, throughout the day.

First Day of Kindergarten

On August 24, 2020 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting2 Comments

Kindergarten!! How my little guy is already at the age of starting school is beyond me. As I’ve been working through all the logistics of our new routine, and processing the accompanying emotions, I decided to write a letter to my son, commemorating the beginning of his education.

Be Three

On August 10, 2020 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Jessica, Parenting, Self Care1 Comment

Fearless. Although I endlessly wish she would exercise more caution, or at least have some instinct towards self-preservation, I am also jealous of her fearlessness, her ability to throw caution to the wind and set forth on any and every adventure she desires.

Theological Musings

On April 27, 2020 By theunexpectedeveraftersIn Author: Wendi, Parenting2 Comments

Sometimes when I observe my kids, I wonder if God ever muses over us in a similar manner as parents watching their children. For example, kids can be incredibly trusting even in the most precarious situations. My daughter is quite daring and fearless. Last summer at the playground, she wanted to follow her brother onto …

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the unexpected ever afters

Tag: Parenting