“Mom, I really don’t want you to invite them to our house. Their kids are kind of weird, and I’m not friends with them. It will be just plain awkward. Can’t you just ask the mom? I mean it. Don’t […]
Creating Strong Family Ties: Weekend Away
Mar23
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 […]
Conversation Starter Questions Free Gift: Our Family Dinner Questions
Dec4
Don’t miss out on my Free Homemade Christmas Coupon Book. It offers another option for a last minute, meaningful gift idea. I am so very excited to share something with you that has been part of our family tapestry for […]
The “We All” of Family: Cultivating Memory Making Moments
Sep14
With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will turn our hearts towards traditions. There’s such power and importance in establishing them, yet with our busy schedules, maybe consider implementing some Once a Month Memory Moments, instead of piling more pressure […]
Why Can’t We All Get Along?
Aug22
How Good and Pleasant it is when God’s People Live Together in Unity. Our four year old daughter stormed through the front door, flung herself on the sofa and with a Scarlet Ohara flair declared, “I just don’t understand why […]
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 […]
Life Changing Legacy Happening in Frozen Foods
May31
In the middle of Aldi’s frozen food aisle, I “did” church. Right in between the tater tots and frozen peas, I almost missed it. I’m so grateful I didn’t. Since I’ve been studying Scripture on imperfect hospitality, I’ve begged the […]
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 […]
When I Struggle with a Fresh, New Year
Jan22
It’s January: everything around me reminds me it’s time to ring in 2017 with new beginnings, goals, dreams and a renewed vigor to all things. Brand new journals glisten with fresh pages eager to be conquered and the artistry and craftsmanship […]
Present, Presents, Presence: pre-holiday encouragement
Nov11
As the holidays arrive, stoves simmer, and families reunite, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year resonates in our hearts. Our desire is to welcome guests to our home with beautifully adorned decorations, deliciously homemade delights and ambiance that rivals […]
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 […]
I’m Choosing to Make This a Great Day (free printable)
May10
Every day when we wake up, we have a choice and sometimes I forget that very simple, yet vitally important truth. We begin the day with new opportunities, new interactions, and new decisions. Many things in our day to day life […]
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 […]
