Pigeon Forge Favorites If you have been a reader of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for any length of time, you know that traditions and creating special family memories play an integral part of our family make up. For many of […]
The Talk: Say the Right Thing, Even When Your Child Says the Wrong
Nov28
Our eldest son turns twenty four in two days and then next month, we usher him into a new season of married life. It’s been a joy to have him living at home for the last six months, but we’re […]
MOM JOY! I haven’t laughed this much in a LONG TIME!!
Jul13
A few months ago, the crazy fashion world dipped their toe into social media land to see if viewers would name the male romper friend or foe. A few entrepreneurial guys wanted to start a fashion revolution through their new brand “ROMPHIM.” They […]
Lessons Learned From My Daughter: Teens & Social Media
Mar17
I’ve been so quiet over here, but not on Instagram (jenschmidt_beautyandbedlam) where I post almost daily (including video stories). Over the next few months, I’ll get back to my Mentor Mom series , but my book manuscript is due soon and then I hope to […]
Reminders We All Need to Hear (& free printable for us all, especially the kids)
Sep21
Words. Names. Labels. Stereotypes. Close your eyes and take a minute to think about your childhood. Did one of those labels instantaneously pop into your mind from days of old? Words mark us, don’t they? They drip deep into the marrow of […]
I Want That To Describe Me
Jul18
Smooshed together in the back of the Guatemalan jeep, our four teens peered out the window, eyeing the edge of the cliff. I watched as our thirteen-year-old daughter clutched her plastic bag, just in case her stomach caught up with […]
The Importance of Fighting For Those Moments
Mar1
I’m coming back from my longest blogging break ever. I never intended to stop posting, but if felt so good. Taking a step back gave me time to think, refresh and refocus (although I’m still in process on that ;)). I’ve […]
One Little Perspective Change Altered How I Mother
Feb17
With a song in her heart, my mom’s sweet little voice sang out. Relishing in the joy that music brings to the soul of a young child, her heart filled and was satisfied. Then the words came. Words that changed […]
I Need to Focus on the Baton
Jan25
Shock and devastation erupted. The dreaded sound, which no relay runner wants to hear, permeated across the stadium. Ping. Ping. Ping. Four of the fastest runners in the world watched hope roll down the track. After an upset in the 2004 […]
Easy Playdough Recipe (Boredom Busters)
Jul20
It’s that time of the year when you begin to hear, “I’m bored.” Honestly, for years now, our children have learned that phrase is the kiss of death in our home because I can find plenty of things for them […]
Raising a Band of Brothers – Part 1
Apr15
Last week, our family was all together again. It was divine. For this mother’s heart, I never realized just how much I would miss my big boys when they were gone and now the moments we have together are priceless. It’s just […]
Enough With the Participation Trophy Mentality
Mar18
I remember that moment so many years ago. His name, yes, my precious baby boy’s name, announced for all to hear. Our tow headed blessing stepped forward and that grin, which captured the hearts of far too many four year old […]
8 Father Son Activities (that get guys out of the house)
Dec8
Howdy! Katie from the storycatching shop, Gadanke.com with you again today. I can already see my son mimicking what he sees his daddy do. Those two are going to become peas in a pod. And I’ll be honest: with Christmas around the […]
Dear Mom of Teens: it’s time we start talking about this
Nov11
Dear Mom of Teens: I am so glad you’re here. I invite you to scoot up close and take a deep breath. We are in this together. You know that right? You know that there are millions of moms around […]
Exhausted? Me too! (Encouragement & Printable)
Oct25
Dear sweet friends: I have a reminder for you today. If today is one of those days when you can barely keep your head above water with the daily tasks and “to dos” looming long and large, take a deep […]
