Contact Lauren Alonso | Partnerships, Coaching, & Podcast Guest Inquiries

top of page

LAUREN ALONSO

SUBSCRIBE PODCAST

SHOP >
OUR STORY
PODCAST
BLOG
YOUNG LIVING
BUSINESS
OUR FAVES

Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Name

Email

Subject

Your message

Thanks for submitting!

get in touch

hey friends

I'm Lauren Alonso!

I’m a southern mama of 4 (and counting). I believe stories are worth telling and joy can be found in any season no matter how bitter or how sweet. I'm a podcaster, blogger, and entrepreneur who loves doing life together!

The last 24 hours have been rough. Early labor has been rough and full of surprises. I’ve had all the signs that active labor is coming which is reassuring, because I had very little symptoms with Abel and being a first time mom almost always ensures a late(r) delivery which is discouraging as you feel like they will NEVER COME.

Tomorrow we are 39 weeks. And I’ve had spouts of heartburn like no one’s business, throwing up, nausea, intensified contractions (but they never stuck), back labor, lightning crotch, cramps, nesting… the list goes on. Which all means… nothing 🤣

This morning I’m reminded that we have the strength we need, when we need it, supplied by a God who knows what we need in the exact moment we need it. I saw something that shared we don’t have what we need in a future moment but RIGHT NOW.

The Red Sea was not parted until the moment Moses placed the staff into the water. Not a minute before.

The point- God is building my strength for the moment I need it. And in those moments that I’ve felt depleted and exhausted, they were preparing me for the time to come, but they were evidence the time had not yet come.

Maybe you find yourself there too, sometimes. Maybe you need to be reminded that each day has an enough trouble of its own and His mercies are new every morning. Your strength for today isn’t found in tomorrow, but in today, friend.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

I hope you find some hope in knowing that your God will supply your every need as you need it.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

#quotes #christianquotes #bible #bibleverse #strength #pregnancy #labor

The last 24 hours have been rough. Early labor has been rough and full of surprises. I’ve had all the signs that active labor is coming which is reassuring, because I had very little symptoms with Abel and being a first time mom almost always ensures a late(r) delivery which is discouraging as you feel like they will NEVER COME.

Tomorrow we are 39 weeks. And I’ve had spouts of heartburn like no one’s business, throwing up, nausea, intensified contractions (but they never stuck), back labor, lightning crotch, cramps, nesting… the list goes on. Which all means… nothing 🤣

This morning I’m reminded that we have the strength we need, when we need it, supplied by a God who knows what we need in the exact moment we need it. I saw something that shared we don’t have what we need in a future moment but RIGHT NOW.

The Red Sea was not parted until the moment Moses placed the staff into the water. Not a minute before.

The point- God is building my strength for the moment I need it. And in those moments that I’ve felt depleted and exhausted, they were preparing me for the time to come, but they were evidence the time had not yet come.

Maybe you find yourself there too, sometimes. Maybe you need to be reminded that each day has an enough trouble of its own and His mercies are new every morning. Your strength for today isn’t found in tomorrow, but in today, friend.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

I hope you find some hope in knowing that your God will supply your every need as you need it.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

#quotes #christianquotes #bible #bibleverse #strength #pregnancy #labor

I’m not so secretly hoping Elijah makes his appearance today… happy “the day I became your mommy day” G and Addie!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since their adoption was finalized. And while it’s only officially been a year, I’ve gotten to fill the gap to be their mommy for over 2.5 years… man how time flies!

I’m so grateful God has made my dreams come true in ways I couldn’t have dreamt or imagined! In just 6 years, He has made me a mom to (almost) 5!

Isn’t He good! Isn’t He Great! Isn’t He faithful! Look at my life… look what He’s done… isn’t He able!

#adoption #motherhood #happygotchaday #adoptionday #blendedfamily

I’m not so secretly hoping Elijah makes his appearance today… happy “the day I became your mommy day” G and Addie!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since their adoption was finalized. And while it’s only officially been a year, I’ve gotten to fill the gap to be their mommy for over 2.5 years… man how time flies!

I’m so grateful God has made my dreams come true in ways I couldn’t have dreamt or imagined! In just 6 years, He has made me a mom to (almost) 5!

Isn’t He good! Isn’t He Great! Isn’t He faithful! Look at my life… look what He’s done… isn’t He able!

#adoption #motherhood #happygotchaday #adoptionday #blendedfamily

Because “normal” is just not us.

Taking birth date guesses for Elijah drop yours here ⬇️

38 weeks and 2 days today

#baby #pregnant #birthdate #maternityphotos #naturalbirth #homebirth #waitingonbaby #pregnancy #bump #bumpphoto #38weeks

Because “normal” is just not us.

Taking birth date guesses for Elijah drop yours here ⬇️

38 weeks and 2 days today

#baby #pregnant #birthdate #maternityphotos #naturalbirth #homebirth #waitingonbaby #pregnancy #bump #bumpphoto #38weeks

Our birth room is coming together.

Playlist is ready, affirmations are hung, twinkling lights are dancing, and snow has come.

Elijah, now all we do is wait on you buddy. Whenever you’re ready, whenever you signal, we will be here. Your brothers and sister cannot wait to meet you and love you! They hug you, talk to you and pray for you every single day and anticipate the morning they wake up and it’s Elijah’s day!

I can’t wait to call our birth team and tell them “it’s GO time!”

If you’d like to see live footage of our birth, it’s not too late… get access now- just comment BIRTH below and I’ll send you the link.

Check out my stories for more BTS!

#waterbirth #fairylights #naturalbirth #homebirth #crunchymama #birthpool #birthaffirmations #birthstory

Our birth room is coming together.

Playlist is ready, affirmations are hung, twinkling lights are dancing, and snow has come.

Elijah, now all we do is wait on you buddy. Whenever you’re ready, whenever you signal, we will be here. Your brothers and sister cannot wait to meet you and love you! They hug you, talk to you and pray for you every single day and anticipate the morning they wake up and it’s Elijah’s day!

I can’t wait to call our birth team and tell them “it’s GO time!”

If you’d like to see live footage of our birth, it’s not too late… get access now- just comment BIRTH below and I’ll send you the link.

Check out my stories for more BTS!

#waterbirth #fairylights #naturalbirth #homebirth #crunchymama #birthpool #birthaffirmations #birthstory

Snow Day ❄️

What fun! Those tubes were worth every penny! Videos to come!

#snowday #snow #snowtubing #snowstorm #2025snow

Snow Day ❄️

What fun! Those tubes were worth every penny! Videos to come!

#snowday #snow #snowtubing #snowstorm #2025snow

Wait for it… ❄️❄️❄️

#snow #snowmageddon #snowflake

Wait for it… ❄️❄️❄️

#snow #snowmageddon #snowflake

Homeschool looks like…
Sunlight pouring in through our kitchen window
Worship music playing lightly in the background
Math being learned at our dining room table
Pajamas all day on a frigid day

When I decided to homeschool a year early, it wasn’t without pushback, but now I see a better plan. It’s allowed us to slow down, unrush our mornings, not worry about sickness, being late or last minute car trouble or pick up lines. Now we await another Alonso babe to arrive and I sit back knowing God winked at me, letting me know that this was so much bigger than I realized. It was about giving us more time as a family, growing our family relationship deeper and wider and we don’t miss a thing!

Yes, I still get frustrated. Yes, I still lose my cool more times than I need to when I repeat “don’t run and no screaming” as little feet pound through the house but then I hear giggles and see bonding and it takes me back and reminds me to savor these moments.

If I hadn’t obeyed the nudge, our life wouldn’t look anything like this. I’m so thankful I listened.

If you’re wondering if this is the time to keep them home, I don’t take it lightly that I’ll have about 18,000 more hours with my kids and I don’t take that lightly. This is God’s work. This is good.

#homeschool #slowmorning #unrushed #slowdown #homeschoollife #homeschoolmom

Homeschool looks like…
Sunlight pouring in through our kitchen window
Worship music playing lightly in the background
Math being learned at our dining room table
Pajamas all day on a frigid day

When I decided to homeschool a year early, it wasn’t without pushback, but now I see a better plan. It’s allowed us to slow down, unrush our mornings, not worry about sickness, being late or last minute car trouble or pick up lines. Now we await another Alonso babe to arrive and I sit back knowing God winked at me, letting me know that this was so much bigger than I realized. It was about giving us more time as a family, growing our family relationship deeper and wider and we don’t miss a thing!

Yes, I still get frustrated. Yes, I still lose my cool more times than I need to when I repeat “don’t run and no screaming” as little feet pound through the house but then I hear giggles and see bonding and it takes me back and reminds me to savor these moments.

If I hadn’t obeyed the nudge, our life wouldn’t look anything like this. I’m so thankful I listened.

If you’re wondering if this is the time to keep them home, I don’t take it lightly that I’ll have about 18,000 more hours with my kids and I don’t take that lightly. This is God’s work. This is good.

#homeschool #slowmorning #unrushed #slowdown #homeschoollife #homeschoolmom

I’m so sad he won’t be the baby much longer. 😭

Somebody help me. Be still my heart.

I’m so sad he won’t be the baby much longer. 😭

Somebody help me. Be still my heart.

It’s BABY MONTH… Time is of the essence friends… if you want to be part of the full experience, comment “BIRTH” and I’ll send you details of how to get access now!

Or find the group on Facebook by searching “Redeeming Birth”

Make sure you’re following and 👀my stories for real time updates.
*women only please 🙏

#naturalbirth #homebirth #waterbirth #physiologicalbirth #birthstory #childbirth #crunchymom #crunchymama #birth #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #pregnant

It’s BABY MONTH… Time is of the essence friends… if you want to be part of the full experience, comment “BIRTH” and I’ll send you details of how to get access now!

Or find the group on Facebook by searching “Redeeming Birth”

Make sure you’re following and 👀my stories for real time updates.
*women only please 🙏

#naturalbirth #homebirth #waterbirth #physiologicalbirth #birthstory #childbirth #crunchymom #crunchymama #birth #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #pregnant

NOW is the time!!!

Last chance to jump in on our live birth updates.

Here’s what we’ve decided and how to be part of it!

Comment BIRTH and I’ll send you details!

#naturalbirth #homebirth #waterbirth #physiologicalbirth #birthstory #childbirth #crunchymom #crunchymama #birth #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #pregnant

NOW is the time!!!

Last chance to jump in on our live birth updates.

Here’s what we’ve decided and how to be part of it!

Comment BIRTH and I’ll send you details!

#naturalbirth #homebirth #waterbirth #physiologicalbirth #birthstory #childbirth #crunchymom #crunchymama #birth #laboranddelivery #pregnancy #pregnant

There is no magic in January 1st.

From one goal-setter to another, let this be your reminder that goal setting doesn’t happen because a date changed on the calendar and it’s magically January.

In fact, it’s winter.

A friend of mine recently just challenged us to SLOW DOWN, and savor the season. At first I was weary- the goal getter in me wanted to defy that idea, but I let it sink in. I let it simmer.

Spring is coming. But let’s not rush it.

I am sharing a podcast this week about how to create 7 sustainable strategies that stick in goal setting, but I also want you to know that I’m easing my way into goal setting this year and I’d LOVE to invite you along this journey with me.

If you want some encouragement easing in, creating sustainment long term goals that live well past February, comment REST and I’ll send you details of how to join me!

I’ll see you in April with my fine-tuned goals… for now, I’m going to rest, reflect and focus on what matters most.

And if this spoke to you… share it!!!

#goal #goalsetting #goals #newyearsresolution #newyearnewgoals #newperspectives #newgoals #goalgetter #goalsetter

There is no magic in January 1st.

From one goal-setter to another, let this be your reminder that goal setting doesn’t happen because a date changed on the calendar and it’s magically January.

In fact, it’s winter.

A friend of mine recently just challenged us to SLOW DOWN, and savor the season. At first I was weary- the goal getter in me wanted to defy that idea, but I let it sink in. I let it simmer.

Spring is coming. But let’s not rush it.

I am sharing a podcast this week about how to create 7 sustainable strategies that stick in goal setting, but I also want you to know that I’m easing my way into goal setting this year and I’d LOVE to invite you along this journey with me.

If you want some encouragement easing in, creating sustainment long term goals that live well past February, comment REST and I’ll send you details of how to join me!

I’ll see you in April with my fine-tuned goals… for now, I’m going to rest, reflect and focus on what matters most.

And if this spoke to you… share it!!!

#goal #goalsetting #goals #newyearsresolution #newyearnewgoals #newperspectives #newgoals #goalgetter #goalsetter

Where everything becomes a sword ⚔️

Where are my boy moms?! Can you relate?

Poor Addie- she will either be extremely tough or protected… we will see 😅

#boymom #momlife #motherhood #momofboys #brothers #imagination #imaginativeplay

Where everything becomes a sword ⚔️

Where are my boy moms?! Can you relate?

Poor Addie- she will either be extremely tough or protected… we will see 😅

#boymom #momlife #motherhood #momofboys #brothers #imagination #imaginativeplay

It took me a while, but I’m finally starting to pin point the emotions of Abel’s birth and how they have impacted this pregnancy.

I know a lot of people would just brush it off and say “Oh at least you have a healthy baby” and while that’s true, it doesn’t help you cope and move forward. It only makes light of the really tough emotions which can be blocks to healing.

I know it sounds silly… but I’ve really had to dig deep to unbury these emotions and thoughts which have turned into beliefs which have impacted my thoughts around giving birth again!

I’m so grateful to know how to change my thoughts and navigate the emotions to process events in my life. And I hope this year to really use what I’ve learned and encourage you.

I’m not sure what you’ll hear in my story but I’m praying that it hits you right where you need it to and helps you find some inspiration and empowerment to find joy, despite disappointment in your circumstances.

🙏🏼 Feel free to comment below or message me if this spoke to you, friend! This is why I share!

#laboranddelivery #birth #midwifery #homebirth #labor #birthtrauma #pregnancy #pregnancy #birthstories

It took me a while, but I’m finally starting to pin point the emotions of Abel’s birth and how they have impacted this pregnancy.

I know a lot of people would just brush it off and say “Oh at least you have a healthy baby” and while that’s true, it doesn’t help you cope and move forward. It only makes light of the really tough emotions which can be blocks to healing.

I know it sounds silly… but I’ve really had to dig deep to unbury these emotions and thoughts which have turned into beliefs which have impacted my thoughts around giving birth again!

I’m so grateful to know how to change my thoughts and navigate the emotions to process events in my life. And I hope this year to really use what I’ve learned and encourage you.

I’m not sure what you’ll hear in my story but I’m praying that it hits you right where you need it to and helps you find some inspiration and empowerment to find joy, despite disappointment in your circumstances.

🙏🏼 Feel free to comment below or message me if this spoke to you, friend! This is why I share!

#laboranddelivery #birth #midwifery #homebirth #labor #birthtrauma #pregnancy #pregnancy #birthstories

When you have a lot of ideas floating around in your head, how do you know what goal to set your sights on next? 👀

Every year I make a list of goals for our family and for my business… the crazy part is, as I focus on ONE, the others just kinda happen naturally. Every piece of my vision starts creating a story and I find myself living a life I love without stressing over lists and being overly busy.

I started truly goal setting 6 years ago and I absolutely love the practice of setting my eyes on a single goal and working towards it. However, this year I wanted to work on easing into them (not trying to tackle all of the things to work overnight) and surrounding myself with others who want to do the same.

Do you feel like you could use some direction or clarity or just accountability for achieving your goals?

What if you kick off this new year with inspiration AND a real, strategic plan?

Let’s set some goals together and ensure you’re not guessing your way through 2025. Time to focus, friend!

Want to come along for the journey? Over the next 90 days, I’ll guide you in creating a vision for your life, set lasting values that help you build a solid foundation of goals, and start habits that help you achieve them, all while being surrounded and supported by friends!

Comment “GOALS” and I’ll send you the details of how to get started today!

#goals #goalsetting #goalgetting #goal #planning #2025goals #newyear #newyeargoals #newyearsresolution

When you have a lot of ideas floating around in your head, how do you know what goal to set your sights on next? 👀

Every year I make a list of goals for our family and for my business… the crazy part is, as I focus on ONE, the others just kinda happen naturally. Every piece of my vision starts creating a story and I find myself living a life I love without stressing over lists and being overly busy.

I started truly goal setting 6 years ago and I absolutely love the practice of setting my eyes on a single goal and working towards it. However, this year I wanted to work on easing into them (not trying to tackle all of the things to work overnight) and surrounding myself with others who want to do the same.

Do you feel like you could use some direction or clarity or just accountability for achieving your goals?

What if you kick off this new year with inspiration AND a real, strategic plan?

Let’s set some goals together and ensure you’re not guessing your way through 2025. Time to focus, friend!

Want to come along for the journey? Over the next 90 days, I’ll guide you in creating a vision for your life, set lasting values that help you build a solid foundation of goals, and start habits that help you achieve them, all while being surrounded and supported by friends!

Comment “GOALS” and I’ll send you the details of how to get started today!

#goals #goalsetting #goalgetting #goal #planning #2025goals #newyear #newyeargoals #newyearsresolution

I want to know…

How many kids did you dream of having? And, how many do you have?

I’ve always wanted a BIG family. It was just my sister and me growing up and with nearly 5 years between us, it felt more like a lifetime between our age gap until we were adults.

I wrote in my dream journal 6 years ago that in the next 10 years, I wanted to have🖐🏼 (yes…FIVE) kids. For a mom who had just adopted her first child and fertility was a struggle at the time and I was already 29… this seemed unrealistic and a pipe dream… BUT GOD!

Now, I’m 35 and we are about to welcome the 5th Alonso kid to our family in the next month. Who knew?! God speed and I’ve only had to give birth twice 🫠😅

So tell me… how many kids do/did you dream of having? And how many do you have?

#motherhood #momlife #blendedfamily #goals #dreams #family #bigfamily

I want to know…

How many kids did you dream of having? And, how many do you have?

I’ve always wanted a BIG family. It was just my sister and me growing up and with nearly 5 years between us, it felt more like a lifetime between our age gap until we were adults.

I wrote in my dream journal 6 years ago that in the next 10 years, I wanted to have🖐🏼 (yes…FIVE) kids. For a mom who had just adopted her first child and fertility was a struggle at the time and I was already 29… this seemed unrealistic and a pipe dream… BUT GOD!

Now, I’m 35 and we are about to welcome the 5th Alonso kid to our family in the next month. Who knew?! God speed and I’ve only had to give birth twice 🫠😅

So tell me… how many kids do/did you dream of having? And how many do you have?

#motherhood #momlife #blendedfamily #goals #dreams #family #bigfamily

So many amazing memories were made in 2024 with our family this year and it was sweet to relive them and reminisce.

January I got to adopt G and Addie and became their Mommy (officially) 🩵🩷
February I schooled G in my favorite sport 🏀
March we made a day trip to explore Clemson 🐅
April Freddie went to prom for the first time🤴🏽
May we celebrated mommy’s birthday and took our first family vacation to the beach 🏖️
June we found out Alonso kid #5 was a baby boy 💙
July we celebrated daddy’s birthday and shot fireworks 🎇
August we went on our annual apple picking trip to Hendersonville🍎
September we celebrated Addie and G’s birthdays and took a hike at Brasstown Falls 🥾 and who can forget surviving a hurricane 🌀
October we celebrated Abel’s birthday and both big kids learned to ride their bikes 🚲
November we took family fall portraits 📷
December we cozied up and spent all the time we could together 🎄

What was your favorite memory of 2024? I’d love to hear about your family adventures and best moments from this year!

#yearinreview #yearinpictures #2024 #newyearseve #favoritememories

So many amazing memories were made in 2024 with our family this year and it was sweet to relive them and reminisce.

January I got to adopt G and Addie and became their Mommy (officially) 🩵🩷
February I schooled G in my favorite sport 🏀
March we made a day trip to explore Clemson 🐅
April Freddie went to prom for the first time🤴🏽
May we celebrated mommy’s birthday and took our first family vacation to the beach 🏖️
June we found out Alonso kid #5 was a baby boy 💙
July we celebrated daddy’s birthday and shot fireworks 🎇
August we went on our annual apple picking trip to Hendersonville🍎
September we celebrated Addie and G’s birthdays and took a hike at Brasstown Falls 🥾 and who can forget surviving a hurricane 🌀
October we celebrated Abel’s birthday and both big kids learned to ride their bikes 🚲
November we took family fall portraits 📷
December we cozied up and spent all the time we could together 🎄

What was your favorite memory of 2024? I’d love to hear about your family adventures and best moments from this year!

#yearinreview #yearinpictures #2024 #newyearseve #favoritememories

Curious to know ⬇️

1. How many kids have you had?
2. How long were you pregnant with each? (Specify- 💚natural, 💜induction, or ❤️C-section)
3. How long did you labor for each?

I have so many questions and ideas running through my head and I’m finally ready (now that we are made it through Christmas) to start prepping and planning and envisioning this birth. Hope y’all are ready for loads of birth inspired content in January!!!

#pregnancy #pregnant #naturalbirth #homebirth #midwifery #labor #birth #laboranddelivery

Curious to know ⬇️

1. How many kids have you had?
2. How long were you pregnant with each? (Specify- 💚natural, 💜induction, or ❤️C-section)
3. How long did you labor for each?

I have so many questions and ideas running through my head and I’m finally ready (now that we are made it through Christmas) to start prepping and planning and envisioning this birth. Hope y’all are ready for loads of birth inspired content in January!!!

#pregnancy #pregnant #naturalbirth #homebirth #midwifery #labor #birth #laboranddelivery

Is your family team
🎁“open 1 gift at a time” or
🌪️“a free for all” (everyone opens all at the same time)?

My husband and I both admittedly hate receiving gifts- we don’t like being the center of attention… and I don’t have a good poker face (I’ve come to realize). I think I have PTSD from my childhood where everyone would stare 👀at you as we opened one gift at a time 🤣

Please tell me that I’m not alone 🫠

We kinda do a mixture now, thank the Lord- the attention is on the kids 🙌🏼

#Christmas #presents #christmaspresents

Is your family team
🎁“open 1 gift at a time” or
🌪️“a free for all” (everyone opens all at the same time)?

My husband and I both admittedly hate receiving gifts- we don’t like being the center of attention… and I don’t have a good poker face (I’ve come to realize). I think I have PTSD from my childhood where everyone would stare 👀at you as we opened one gift at a time 🤣

Please tell me that I’m not alone 🫠

We kinda do a mixture now, thank the Lord- the attention is on the kids 🙌🏼

#Christmas #presents #christmaspresents

Just like daddy! ❤️

Thanks for his favorite gift YaYa!

Just like daddy! ❤️

Thanks for his favorite gift YaYa!

Our little breakfast board feast for Christmas morning!

Adam’s dad engraved it for us and filled it with epoxy. We are soaking it up and the family time!

Hope your Christmas was a delight!

#merrychristmas #christmas #breakfastboard

Our little breakfast board feast for Christmas morning!

Adam’s dad engraved it for us and filled it with epoxy. We are soaking it up and the family time!

Hope your Christmas was a delight!

#merrychristmas #christmas #breakfastboard

Merry Christmas from the Alonsos ❤️🎄

I hope your Christmas was blessed and merry!

#christmas #christmaspjs

Merry Christmas from the Alonsos ❤️🎄

I hope your Christmas was blessed and merry!

#christmas #christmaspjs

Our Christmas Eve tradition… 🎁 Christmas pjs! This started with my dad, the first year Joel and I were together when we were 14 years old! And now I’ve passed it on to our kids!

What’s your Christmas Eve tradition?

#Christmas #christmaseve #christmasevetradition #christmaspjs

Our Christmas Eve tradition… 🎁 Christmas pjs! This started with my dad, the first year Joel and I were together when we were 14 years old! And now I’ve passed it on to our kids!

What’s your Christmas Eve tradition?

#Christmas #christmaseve #christmasevetradition #christmaspjs

Well… here it is ⬇️

I was assigned the task of bringing an appetizer for Christmas Eve dinner. But this was no simple task to decide what I’d bring. My in laws are pretty much vegetarian. I’m much more a cook and baker but knew we’d be traveling so I had to get strategic.

I decided after so many of you gave me your input, I’d try my hand at a cream cheese ball- and it didn’t disappoint! I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes over after tonight’s festivities but I think it’s pretty tasty!

Want the recipe?! Comment RECIPE below and I’ll send it over to you!

#appetizer #christmasfood #christmasfeast #foodie #recipe #foodblogger #foodblog #gritsgraceandgranola

Well… here it is ⬇️

I was assigned the task of bringing an appetizer for Christmas Eve dinner. But this was no simple task to decide what I’d bring. My in laws are pretty much vegetarian. I’m much more a cook and baker but knew we’d be traveling so I had to get strategic.

I decided after so many of you gave me your input, I’d try my hand at a cream cheese ball- and it didn’t disappoint! I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes over after tonight’s festivities but I think it’s pretty tasty!

Want the recipe?! Comment RECIPE below and I’ll send it over to you!

#appetizer #christmasfood #christmasfeast #foodie #recipe #foodblogger #foodblog #gritsgraceandgranola

… I was bound and l determined to find an outfit for Christmas in my wardrobe.

What’s your vote?! ⬇️

Outfit one is a lot better when it’s a dress and not a shirt 🫣 I’ve never gotten to wear it… guess I’ll postpone another year!

And those stockings feel more like compression to the max… nope.

I was about to call leggings and a sweater good!

#christmasfit #christmasoutfit #maternity #pregnancy #maternityclothes #montage

… I was bound and l determined to find an outfit for Christmas in my wardrobe.

What’s your vote?! ⬇️

Outfit one is a lot better when it’s a dress and not a shirt 🫣 I’ve never gotten to wear it… guess I’ll postpone another year!

And those stockings feel more like compression to the max… nope.

I was about to call leggings and a sweater good!

#christmasfit #christmasoutfit #maternity #pregnancy #maternityclothes #montage

Friend, here’s your reminder that you can do hard things with Jesus. Having faith isn’t about an absence of pain and suffering, but that He will be with you in it.

Speak this truth in the comments “I can do hard things” if you’re in a season of hard.

Share this with a friend and remind them that suffering isn’t a curse, a gift to remind us that we can do hard things and we are not alone. We suffer with Christ.

As we embark on these last few weeks before labor I’m reminding myself I can do anything for 60 seconds. I’m preparing my mind, my body, and my spirit that there is purpose in the pain and it will produce a beautiful baby boy in my arms.

And here’s a comparison for real life and childbirth… when you fight the pain, the suffering only intensifies. Be grounded, ride the wave, and remember that there is peace on the other side.

#pain #childbirth #labor #pregnancy #homebirth #naturalbirth #waterbirth #suffering #faith #christianblogger #christianpodcast

Friend, here’s your reminder that you can do hard things with Jesus. Having faith isn’t about an absence of pain and suffering, but that He will be with you in it.

Speak this truth in the comments “I can do hard things” if you’re in a season of hard.

Share this with a friend and remind them that suffering isn’t a curse, a gift to remind us that we can do hard things and we are not alone. We suffer with Christ.

As we embark on these last few weeks before labor I’m reminding myself I can do anything for 60 seconds. I’m preparing my mind, my body, and my spirit that there is purpose in the pain and it will produce a beautiful baby boy in my arms.

And here’s a comparison for real life and childbirth… when you fight the pain, the suffering only intensifies. Be grounded, ride the wave, and remember that there is peace on the other side.

#pain #childbirth #labor #pregnancy #homebirth #naturalbirth #waterbirth #suffering #faith #christianblogger #christianpodcast

IYKYK… it’s time to start the Miles Circuit, inversions, and shaking that “apple tree” to get baby primed and ready for a smooth delivery.

Not sure about you but I think he is enjoying this too much 🤔🫣🤣

#laborprep #3rdtrimester #homebirth #naturalbirth #bellysifting #laborpositions #birthpartner #laboranddelivery #milescircuit #birthpreparation #pregnant #pregnancy #spinningbabies

IYKYK… it’s time to start the Miles Circuit, inversions, and shaking that “apple tree” to get baby primed and ready for a smooth delivery.

Not sure about you but I think he is enjoying this too much 🤔🫣🤣

#laborprep #3rdtrimester #homebirth #naturalbirth #bellysifting #laborpositions #birthpartner #laboranddelivery #milescircuit #birthpreparation #pregnant #pregnancy #spinningbabies

Our little mud kitchen is coming together! ❤️🎄

I can’t wait to share the final product with you guys.. and more so with my kids on Christmas morning!

Our little mud kitchen is coming together! ❤️🎄

I can’t wait to share the final product with you guys.. and more so with my kids on Christmas morning!

This is one of my favorite stories 📖

Drop me a berry 🫐 in the comments if you were here when I was in my “farm Lauren” season!

Do you remember when I first shared this story?

This week I share how God is still using it in my story to kindly remind me to honor the season I’m in. Comment POD and I’ll send you all the ways to get the full story on the blog, podcast, YouTube and more!

#podcast #storytime #blogger #christianblog #christianpodcast

This is one of my favorite stories 📖

Drop me a berry 🫐 in the comments if you were here when I was in my “farm Lauren” season!

Do you remember when I first shared this story?

This week I share how God is still using it in my story to kindly remind me to honor the season I’m in. Comment POD and I’ll send you all the ways to get the full story on the blog, podcast, YouTube and more!

#podcast #storytime #blogger #christianblog #christianpodcast

I’ve been holding out. I feel it.

Trauma will do that. Getting your hopes up is a recipe for disaster and disappointment- sometimes. And it sucks. No sugar coating it.

Yet every time I go back to labor, do you know what stands out to me? That moment my husband was ready to throw in the towel for me, because he was tired of seeing me labor in pain and agony- in a birth experience I fought so hard to avoid. In the moment he felt weakest, I was mentally ALL IN. I was stubborn and persistent. Confident.

I refused a c-section as an unnecessary intervention for the 5th or 6th time in the same shift. And you know what keeps coming to my mind?

The moment I fought for- as I raised my hands high surrendered Abel’s birth to the Lord and envisioned my midwife team at my side for Elijah (because we knew we weren’t finished having babies).

Why is that so significant? Because if I had given into the pressure of the medical staff pushing me to have a c-section, I would have ruled out the possibility of having a home birth again. I knew God didn’t give me that desire to let me down. That’s not in His character.

Yet for some reason I have struggled with the process of imagining this birth and we are nearly on the heels of it. It’s a trauma response- I know.

What do you do? When you’re afraid because your expectations and your experience are opposing and you’re scared to get your hopes up- again?

There’s no dipping your toe in the second go around. Your brain is firing those fight, flight, or freeze responses and my natural response is to FREEZE. I do nothing, but that’s also a response- an inaction is an action that’s delaying progress.

I write out my fears. I lay them at the feet of Jesus and I choose affirming ones instead. I take back the power, hold my thoughts captive to God’s unwavering character and know that regardless of how this birth story plays out, it’s God’s story- I’m just playing the role He has given me.

I trade feelings of…
disappointment for hope
bitterness for curiousness
let down for thankfulness
skepticism for confidence
fragility for courage
worry for peace

What negative feelings about your current situation do you need to trade for hope?

I’ve been holding out. I feel it.

Trauma will do that. Getting your hopes up is a recipe for disaster and disappointment- sometimes. And it sucks. No sugar coating it.

Yet every time I go back to labor, do you know what stands out to me? That moment my husband was ready to throw in the towel for me, because he was tired of seeing me labor in pain and agony- in a birth experience I fought so hard to avoid. In the moment he felt weakest, I was mentally ALL IN. I was stubborn and persistent. Confident.

I refused a c-section as an unnecessary intervention for the 5th or 6th time in the same shift. And you know what keeps coming to my mind?

The moment I fought for- as I raised my hands high surrendered Abel’s birth to the Lord and envisioned my midwife team at my side for Elijah (because we knew we weren’t finished having babies).

Why is that so significant? Because if I had given into the pressure of the medical staff pushing me to have a c-section, I would have ruled out the possibility of having a home birth again. I knew God didn’t give me that desire to let me down. That’s not in His character.

Yet for some reason I have struggled with the process of imagining this birth and we are nearly on the heels of it. It’s a trauma response- I know.

What do you do? When you’re afraid because your expectations and your experience are opposing and you’re scared to get your hopes up- again?

There’s no dipping your toe in the second go around. Your brain is firing those fight, flight, or freeze responses and my natural response is to FREEZE. I do nothing, but that’s also a response- an inaction is an action that’s delaying progress.

I write out my fears. I lay them at the feet of Jesus and I choose affirming ones instead. I take back the power, hold my thoughts captive to God’s unwavering character and know that regardless of how this birth story plays out, it’s God’s story- I’m just playing the role He has given me.

I trade feelings of…
disappointment for hope
bitterness for curiousness
let down for thankfulness
skepticism for confidence
fragility for courage
worry for peace

What negative feelings about your current situation do you need to trade for hope?

Humor me… caption this ⬇️🤣

#dogsofinstagram #aboyandhisdog #boymom #babiesofinstagram #christmas #christmastree

Humor me… caption this ⬇️🤣

#dogsofinstagram #aboyandhisdog #boymom #babiesofinstagram #christmas #christmastree

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

ON THE GRAM

freebies

home

about

blog

podcast

business

our faves

links

get in touch

Get around.

© 2024 grits, grace, and granola llc

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

bottom of page