What Loving Yourself Looks Like | Motherhood Journey

by SimplyHollyJo on February 18, 2022 , No Comments

Motherhood allows for some interesting opportunities, quite often. This month, I was driving with my kids. I don’t remember exactly how it came up, but we were talking about who we love. We were possibly making up songs about loving people, because we are a family that turns anything into a song. I said something about loving a few people. My oldest repeated me, and said that I loved myself. I had t said that the first time around, but I did when I continued my list. He then asked me how do you love yourself. I instantly had a […]

Adding a Third Baby to the Mix

by SimplyHollyJo on December 17, 2021 , No Comments

I’m currently three months deep in the baby phase with our third baby. It’s a stressful and exciting phase that has me thinking back to my previous baby phases. I almost feel like a first time mom with the amount of information I feel like I’ve forgotten. Not to mention how much temperaments change from baby to baby. First Time Mom Life With my first baby, I lounged around at home, watching Call the Midwife (SO much crying), and attempting various tasks around the house when I could get a moment of baby free time, unless I could somehow do […]

Remember to Savor the Everyday Moments

by SimplyHollyJo on November 20, 2020 , No Comments

There’s a lot to be stressed, worried, and frustrated about this year. But there’s also a lot of wonderful things happening as well. Some of them are on smaller levels, and not as often spoken about, but important, nonetheless. So the topic of “savor” is perfectly fitting for this season.  Finding Inspiration When I first started reflecting on this word, a lot of things came to mind. Thanksgiving is coming up soon, so there’s people, food, and celebration, and honestly, there’s a lot of love and happiness around me in general. But what really stuck to me in the end, […]

Stocking Stuffers for Dads | Holiday Gift Guides

by SimplyHollyJo on November 17, 2020 , No Comments

Do you have a hard time figuring out gifts for your significant other, father, or other male in your life? I know that for me it’s the most difficult shopping experience within my family. In my family we still do stocking stuffers for even some adults. Especially my Mother-in-law. She still loves to do them for everyone. I grew up on practical stocking stuffers and loved it as a kid. I have shown my husband the light of how awesome practical stocking stuffers can be as well. But still, even year I have to make a list of stocking stuffer […]

SmileReader Ovulation Test Kit | A Review

by SimplyHollyJo on November 13, 2020 , No Comments

Today I’m going to be talking about the SmileReader Ovulation Test Kit that can be found on Amazon. I was recently chosen by MomsMeet.com to receive the product to try out and I have been pleasantly surprised. A Little Background… Now, let me start by saying that I have never used ovulation strips before. In my years of being a mother, and before that, learning about pregnancy and fertility, I have seen many mamas talking about and using them. I simply had never felt the need myself. For years, I have used the charting to track my cycles, prevent pregnancy, […]

Stocking Stuffers for Moms | Holiday Gift Guides

by SimplyHollyJo on November 10, 2020 , No Comments

I don’t know about you, but as a mom I spend a lot of time thinking about stocking stuffers. For my kids, for my whole family, and for others that like to get them for us. I also reflect on my stocking stuffers from childhood. My mom was a fan of getting toiletries for stocking stuffers, and I loved it. It meant I had some “fancy” stuff to call my own in the bathroom that I shared with my brother and sister. So, since moms also deserve some fun things for being “good” all year, today I’m sharing some awesome […]

Lazy Days and a Love of Learning | Unexpected Joy

by SimplyHollyJo on October 23, 2020 , No Comments

I feel as though I’m constantly talking about “this crazy time we live in.” I suppose it’s just going to be the running theme for some time. The world has been flipped upside down for most of us and we are all navigating some form of uncertainty and anxiety. It’s a time of great divide AND bonding. I have been doing my best to think of the good things happening in life right now, and the topic of Unexpected Joy is the perfect way to reflect. Lazy Days There has been a lot of laying around and relaxing, watching movies […]

the birth of my second child | taking his time

by SimplyHollyJo on September 28, 2020 , No Comments

In honor of National Sons Day, (who comes up with these?) I’m going to share the birth story of my second child, who is also my second son. Better Late Than Never, I Suppose… I was 40 weeks and 5 days along. My brain convinced me that the birth of this baby wasn’t going to happen until exactly 42 weeks. Then he would share a birthday with his brother two years apart. My first had been stubborn and come early. My second was being stubborn and coming late. I had wanted him to come in April so that they would […]

the birth story of my first child | early arrival

by SimplyHollyJo on August 11, 2020 , No Comments

In honor of the National Son and Daughter Day, I am going to share the birth story of my first little guy, who decided to come early at 36 weeks and 4 days. I feel the need to start this by saying that I had moved states about three weeks prior to having my son. My recent activities included unpacking a house, sealing grout, setting up a nursery, and generally working on lots of stuff. Even afterwards my midwives didn’t know why I went into labor early. I guess he was just ready to be out and about! Woke up […]

My Boys | A Snapshot of Daily Life

by SimplyHollyJo on June 22, 2020 , 1 Comment

It was a normal weekday morning. My husband and I had woken up, gotten ready, made breakfast and coffee, and released the kids. The weather was unusually cool and outdoor play required light jackets. Mainly because quarantine had kept me from dressing my boys most days. Why fight them to get dressed when PJs make great play clothes? The cool weather had me craving more hot drinks and maybe a blanket. It really wasn’t that cool, low 60’s, but my body was craving the sun from all the low moods being induced by the current life circumstances. I was beyond […]

Connection Through the Storm | Apart Together

by SimplyHollyJo on May 22, 2020 , 2 Comments

Apart, together. What a great way to describe what we have been going through in the world lately. It’s been a time of isolation, but also a time of community, strangely. People that haven’t communicated regularly are even communicating MORE because of this crazy phase of life. It’s somewhat surreal to me. I am blessed to live near both my family, and my husband’s family. I don’t know how I would feel if we still lived states away from family, but thankfully, I don’t have to find out. Being close also means my little guys are both VERY use to […]

Capturing Life During a Pandemic | Go Where the Light Is

by SimplyHollyJo on April 24, 2020 , 7 Comments

As a photographer, I have actually been leaning a bit on my photography to help with the stress and “new normal” caused by everything currently going on. I have been trying to pick up my “big girl” camera more often and capture life in and around our house. Simple moments that create snapshots of our lives. As I was compiling them, I realized they kind of fall into different categories or strategies, so I’m going to share some short tips on capturing life during a pandemic. Quiet/Independent Play When your kids are quietly playing or interacting, try to get it […]