Elevating Motherhood

Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors (Blossom & Root)

Instagram: @loribethauldridge

064. Menstrual Cycle Awareness & Tracking with Period Pioneer & Author Claire Baker Sep 09, 2020

Show notes

What are periods like for you? Awesome? Awful? A breeze? Maddening? Inconsistent? Non-existent in this season? Whatever your current relationship with your body and period, whatever your age, whatever season you’re in when it comes to your menstrual cycle, this conversation is for you.

Did you know you can work WITH your menstrual cycle, understand more about your hormones, and live in harmony with your body rather than pushing against it? And all with simple tracking techniques and one helpful mindset shift.

Claire Baker is here to share with us about what those do-able changes look like and how they can positively influence our relationship with our bodies and daily schedules. Her work has helped me get more in touch with my own menstrual cycle and energy levels and taught me how to have more grace with myself and be more productive by simply being aware of where I am in my cycle.

Claire shares so much in her new book 50 Things You Need to Know About Periods: Know Your Flow and Live in Sync with Your Cycle that just launched yesterday here in North America!

The Book: You guys. It’s good. It is sooooooo good. It’s visually appealing, packed with information, easy to understand…there’s lists and charts and bullet points and graphs and fun illustrations…you’ll fly through it because it’s just so interesting! And on top of that, it’s inspiring. The whole thing is a call to action—for us to track our cycles, sync our lives, understand our bodies more, and reframe the next generations’ thinking about menstruation. Honestly. I’m excited to pass this book on to my three daughters and have it available to them as a loving, supportive resource.

Claire views periods in terms of seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). And I have to tell you, thinking of it this way, there is so much freedom to be found in not trying to be the summer girl all the time. Claire wants us to adore our cycle, know ourselves better, and find monthly (and daily!) peace with natural hormone changes.

Claire’s Bio: Claire Baker is a teacher…and a sought-after period coach, author and speaker. For nearly a decade Claire has taught thousands of women how to live in harmony with their menstrual cycle, rather than working against it. Claire believes menstrual cycle awareness is the missing key in women’s wellbeing, empowerment and creativity, and her immersive online courses and workshops inspire women to know their flow and become the authority in their own lives. Claire’s online program Adore Your Cycle has students in over 35 countries.

With a background in visual arts and creative business, Claire is a certified health and life coach, has studied Menstruality Leadership and is trained as a natural fertility teacher. Known for her authentic voice and ability to ‘make periods fun’, Claire is regularly featured in publications such as Red, Glamour, and Women’s Health magazine. Originally from Australia, Claire now lives in sunny East London and spends her days coaching, teaching, writing, dancing and being as close to trees as she possibly can. After this conversation you’ll want to take Claire’s free cycle masterclass or say hello to her on Instagram.

(FULL SHOW NOTES OVER AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM)

Claire’s Links: Website: www.clairebaker.com Courses: (Here’s the free class!)https://www.clairebaker.com/free-class Instagram: @_clairebaker_

Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge

063. Study Something Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

When I first started Elevating Motherhood, I had two episodes that I wanted to share with you…1. Create Something and 2. Study Something. Create Something came to life in episode 10…and now we’re all the way to episode 63. I wouldn’t say I got distracted so much as it didn’t feel like the “right time” to publish it.

But now feels right.

Our whole world feels flipped upside down, we’re being asked to rethink basically everything…including our role as parents, our roles in our house, how we think about education, how we learn, how our kids learn, all of it.

I want to encourage in the middle of all this change to not forget about you and your own education and life-long learning journey. I’ve found so much peace in studying things—and I want that peace for you, too. Do I mean go to college or take “official” classes? Not at all. What I want to encourage you to do is tap into your curiosity and take it one step further.

Why Study Something?

· We life-long learners (

· It’s a way to model life-long learning for our kids

· It acknowledges our curiosity and keeps it alive

· It’s a way to feel happier, smarter, and more connected

· To check something off a list

· As an escape

· A way to learn more about yourself—including what kind of learner you are

· As a chance to slow down

· A chance to turn inward

What to study? The choice is yours. Something that interests you, fills your cup, fills a need you have, or just sparks joy, curiosity, or confidence!

Examples of Topics I’ve Studied Recently: Chickens, orchards, gardening, miniature goats, dahlias, sourdough bread, children's literature, poetry, self-improvement, cleanses, gluten free baking, paleo, Ayurveda, non-toxic lifestyle, plant identification

What I’m Studying Now/What I Plan to Study Soon: Charlotte Mason (her life and her education philosophy), education reform, homeschool laws, watercolor, self-improvement (stays on my list), Weston A. Price (person and foundation), national parks, intuitive eating

When to start: Now...Tomorrow...Soon...Before you’re ready...With someone else

Time:

· “I don’t have time.” I hear this a lot. I have freeing news for you…that’s a fib. It just is. I’ve tried to see it as truth, but I just can’t. I’ve tried to see where we are putting all 24 hours in a day and well, truth by told, we all have the same 24. Not having enough time (i.e. being too busy) is a cultural myth that is perpetuated and celebrated…it’s the constant excuse that’s alive. Being “too busy” has become a badge of honor that need to go away, one day, one moment, one mama at a time. Time to take our time (and our power!) back.

· You do have time…but what about pragmatics? Get creative: Wake up early. Go to bed late. Do something with your down time other than tv or social media. Take care of you…mind, body, spirit.

· Do it when your kids are around (but they will interrupt…so you be the parent when they do. You don’t have to be harsh, you can just let them know that mommy is studying right now and that’s okay. Learning is important. We’re life-long learners. It’s okay if I read right now. It’s okay if I take time to learn about this. It’s okay if you wait a few moments. It’s okay if you study something you’re interested in while I do, too.

Mindset: (more show notes over at www.elevatingmotherhood.com)

Love the podcast? Share it with friends & family, on social media, leave a review on iTunes, or simply share it via word of mouth! Help other mamas find resources, confidence, and connection as we elevate modern motherhood together!

062. The Power of Prayer with Speaker & Author Chrystal Hurst Sep 02, 2020

Show notes

Mind, Body, Spirit…I believe that we have a lot of resources for how to care for our minds and bodies as moms, but what about our spirits? I think it’s really important that we as mothers nourish our spiritual side as well as our mind and body. It’s honestly one of the main ways I get closer to feeling “whole” and more like my authentic self, when I work on my mind, body, AND spirit (but especially my spirit). For some of us, this is done through our religion or church. Some moms don’t have a clearly defined or defined by an institution faith base.

So how do we talk about prayer when there is such a mix? I think it’s in sharing our stories, hearing the stories of others, sharing our hang ups, our doubts, our questions, our needs. I use prayer as a way to tune out the nonsense in our world and tune into my spiritual side. Prayer is my medium of choice. God is who I speak with as a person who identifies as a Christian.

But I’ll be honest, I’ve had doubts on my prayer journey. I’ve felt like I wasn’t saying or thinking the right things while praying, I don’t feel like I’m very good at praying out loud, especially in groups of people, and I’ve taken seasons off from consistent prayer in the past. But I never felt like it was okay to say those things out loud or explore ways to deepen my prayer practice.

That’s why I’m so glad I had the chance to talk with today’s wonderful guest, Chrystal Evans Hurst about her new book The 28 Day Prayer Journey. It’s awesome. It’s thorough and thoughtful. Chrystal shares so much insight and makes prayer do-able. Her book really helps readers establish rhythms and habits to transform their prayer practice.

Whether you have an active prayer practice or not, I appreciate you listening to this episode. I think it’s really powerful to acknowledge and grow the spiritual side of you. And we do that by slowing down, hearing stories, reading books, being still, and listening.

Chrystal shares some great ideas about the how, why, and when of prayer and brings ease to some common doubts surrounding prayer and what it’s like to talk with God.

Chrystal’s Bio: Chrystal Evans Hurst is an energetic, life-loving “girl-next- door” who loves encouraging others to fulfill their potential in Christ. With humor and vulnerability, Chrystal tells it like it is but does so with grace, integrity, and love.

She is the best-selling author of She’s Still There and Kingdom Woman. You can find Chrystal regularly sharing encouragement via her podcasts and blogs, where she poignantly reflects on faith and speaks with frank honesty about the everyday experiences of women.

Chrystal firmly believes God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans that I have for you...” and she desires to help other women believe and apply that truth to their lives. You can find Chrystal sharing chronicles of the journey at www.ChrystalEvansHurst.com.

Follow Chrystal on Facebook + Twitter + Instagram: @ChrystalHurst

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Elevating Motherhood Links:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

061. Interest Led Learning, Homeschooling an Only Child, Gameschooling & More with Jessica Waldock Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever heard of gameschooling? Strewing? Relaxed homeschooling? If so, you’ll know how magical these elements of home education can be. If not, you’re in for a treat! Jessica Waldock is here with us today to offer us tips and insight on all the things.

Whether the homeschooling an only caught your eye or it was the interest led learning or the word gameschooling, this episode is for you! It’s not just for parents of only children…you’ll see that very quickly.

Jessica is an incredible resource! Her website www.thewaldockway.com is fun, informative, and interesting. Her approach to home education is inspired. But she doesn’t just stop at creating an incredible education for her daughter, but then takes the time to put it all together for us.

Jessica’s Bio: Jessica Waldock is a writer, photographer, and homeschool mom of one living in sunny Florida. She founded The Waldock Way as a way to give back to the homeschool community that she loves so much. At The Waldock Way Jessica shares tips, tricks, inspiration, and unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in children that will last a lifetime. She inspires families to engage in homeschooling as a lifestyle where relationships come first and interested led learning prevails. Jessica also has a fabulous collection of unit studies on her website and shares generously on her YouTube channel.

FULL SHOW NOTES OVER AT: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Jessica Waldock links:

Website: www.thewaldockway.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/thewaldockway

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewaldockway

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewaldockway

Please visit today’s sponsors:

Homeschool Explained: August 31, 2020 is the last day for the summer sale of Homeschool Explained, my online course that helps you feel resourced and confident as you start your homeschool journey. Use the code LORIBETH50 for 50% off your enrollment! That’s my thank you to you for being a listener of Elevating Motherhood!

Beautiful & Simple: My other favorite passion project is my online boutique Beautiful & Simple. I’ve filled it with products that remind us to slow down, practice self care, and focus on the meaningful parts of our day…the beautiful and simple ones. My favorite mug is the one that says “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” It’s my daily reminder to take care of myself so I can take care of my family. Go check out the collection of mugs, shirts & bags currently available at www.beautifulandsimple.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

060. Adventuring Together with Greta Eskridge Aug 30, 2020

Show notes

“Adventure is the vehicle, connection is our destination.”

Second generation homeschool mom Greta Eskridge wrote a book! Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids...and it’s not only an awesome resource for homeschool families but ALL families! Adventuring together becomes an art, a simple space of connection & fun, and is totally do-able when viewed through the lovely lens Greta offers us.

This book is for all families (this episode is for all families!), whether you’d consider yourself a high adventure person, adventure weary, or if a trip to the store with toddlers is probably all the adventure you can handle in this season…this book is for you. Greta shares so much about how to engage with our children, embrace the new, and make our adventures positive learning experiences.

Greta’s Bio: Greta Eskridge is a nature lover, book reader, and coffee drinker. She craves relationship and loves having adventures. Her faith in God is the lens through which she sees life. Greta is a home schooling mom of 4, a wife of 22 years to Aaron, and an author and speaker.

Greta’s first book, Adventuring Together, releases July 2020 with Thomas Nelson. Greta is passionate about helping parents protect their kids from the devastating effects of pornography and she loves to travel the country sharing her message of joyful, connected parenting.

Greta would love to connect with you on her blog at www.gretaeskridge.com. She also loves hanging out on Instagram and would love to connect with you there too. You’ll find her @maandpamodern

“We were made for hard things…and this will make a good story later.” (my new life philosophy inspired by Greta and other mamas)

In this episode Greta and I talk about:

· The practice and time it takes to get the hang of homeschooling (every drop in the bucket counts)

· What it means to adventure together

· Why connection is so important

· What it’s like to be a second generation homeschooler

· How adventuring can bring joy into motherhood

· The call to connect with our kids and family

· The role of adventure in homeschool and motherhood

· Hope for the teenage years

· Being intentional with our kiddos

· Adventuring with various personality types

· Coping with misadventure

· Unplugging & distractions

· How we can provide learning opportunities for our children

· Adventuring with little kids—the good, the bad, the ugly, & the magical

· Starting adventure clubs and book clubs!

· Adventuring through books

· How Greta offers support for other moms

· And just so, so, so much encouragement!

Greta’s Links:

Instagram: @maandpamodern

Blog: www.gretaeskridge.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Please Visit Today's Sponsors:

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

059. From Classroom Teacher to Homeschool Mom: Reframing Education with Monica Erwin Aug 29, 2020

Show notes

“There are hard things in life, but should education be one of them?”

The perspective of a classroom teacher turned homeschool mom is pretty interesting…and very insightful. Monica Erwin is with us today to share more about her experience of moving from classroom teacher to homeschool mom…she shares so much about the mindset shifts she had to make and shows us a path toward a more compassionate approach to education and parenting. I was very moved by her honesty and really humbled by her stories and perspective.

There are stigmas surrounding homeschool in general…and we don’t skirt around them in this conversation. Monica shares how she moved from believing the old stigma that homeschool meant kids stayed home, fell behind, and couldn’t measure up to traditional education school kids to advocating for connection and the power of an individualized education that is a hallmark of homeschool. She walks us through how she was so involved in test scores and assessment and loved the structure and accountability of an institution, but then stumbled upon homeschool because of a family need. She once believed “(her) kids would never perform for me at home like they do for their own teacher”—but not anymore!

Education reform and reframing learning are happening all around us—we are in the middle of what I believe will be a pivotal point in the history of education. This is a long episode, but I followed Monica’s pace on this one and I’m so glad I did. There is a LOT to unpack when it comes to education reform. How fortunate we are to have Monica here to share her insights into this shift and how we can best show up during these big changes.

Monica’s Bio: Monica was an elementary teacher who unexpectedly became a homeschool mom of 3 kids. She lives with her family in San Diego, CA. Her vision is to encourage parents as they navigate the home education of their children by sharing her journey and pointing them to helpful resources. Follow Monica on IG: @sweetwaterhomeschool

In this episode, Monica and I talk about:

* Her school experiences as a child and how they shaped her decisions as a mom and how they led her to pursuing her teaching degree

* How she reframed her “school is tough—toughen up!” mentality to...(tune in!)

* How the switch to homeschool reduced stress levels by slowing down when she needs and picking up when it’s called for

* Getting over societal stigmas that are false (especially as it relates to modern homeschool)

* Taking the time to slow down and get it done.

* Homeschool styles

* Modern homeschool is NOT like it was in the 80s and 90s…how homeschool has transformed

* Upgrading our ideas about education

* AND SO MUCH MORE! Head to www.elevatingmotherhood.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES!

Please Visit Today's Sponsors:

Homeschool Explained: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

Elevating Motherhood Links:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

058. Making Homeschool Manageable & Fun with Kristi Clover Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

When home education doesn’t feel manageable, that’s the time for us to reach out and lean in to experienced homeschoolers who are enthusiastic about helping…and today’s guest Kristi Clover is bringing the enthusiasm! She’s here as our own personal cheerleader today to talk with us about everything from organization, how to pivot when things get sideways, and offer us a dose of fun, joy, & grace.

We laugh SO MUCH in this episode! It’s a good time when these two Enneagram 7s who are also ENFPs get together! (p.s. I know you’re here for the homeschool motivation, but listen for the Princess Bride, Indiana Jones, & Frozen II references if you’re a fan…lol!)

Kristi’s Bio: Kristi Clover is a home organization and #momlife expert. She’s also the author of M.O.M.=Master Organizer of Mayhem and Homeschool Basics, the host of the Simply Joyful Podcast, and is a popular conference speaker. Her passion is to encourage families to find simple ways to bring more joy into their home and life. She loves to share about her adventures in motherhood and home life through a variety of media that you can find at KristiClover.com. Kristi lives in San Diego with her husband, Steve, and their five children. Be sure to connect with Kristi online for an extra dose of encouragement. She’s @KristiClover on most social media networks.

In this episode Kristi & I talk about:

· Fun, Joy, & Grace

· Her unique story of how she started homeschooling

· How she graduated her oldest this year!

· The power of pivoting

· Curriculum temptations

· Her book: M.O.M. Master Organizer of Mayhem

· Becoming more efficient

· Prioritizing what is important

· How lowering our expectations can serve us

· The Clover Crate System

· Organizing your homeschool year

· Not staying stuck

· Simply Joyful Podcast episodes about homeschool: Andrew Pudewa (episode 20)

· Mindset shifts we have to make for homeschool

· Instilling a love of learning in our kids…by setting the example!

· Homeschool room…do we need them?

· Streamlining your homeschool and your day

· 9-12 time blocking for homeschool

· How we find “me time” with full schedules & lives

· How we come back to center when we feel off balance

· How we don’t have all the answers…and that’s okay

· Stamina…how and when to say “yes” and “no”

· Dissecting cow eyes…true story.

· How to find homeschool support local to you

· HSLDA

· Finding homeschool conventions

· How homeschool rights are in jeopardy

· CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association)

· Curriculum suggestions: My Father’s World, Sunlight, IEW, Apologia, Math U See, Teaching Textbooks,

Kristi’s Links:

YouTube: https://YouTube.com/KristiClover

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/KristiClover

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/KristiClover

Podcast: http://SimplyJoyfulPodcast.com

Please visit today's sponsors: Oak Meadow and Homeschool Explained More at www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Elevating Motherhood Links:

057. Bringing Beauty & Community into Your Homeschool with Lauren Giordano Aug 22, 2020

Show notes

Today’s conversation is real, relatable, and empowering. Lauren Giordano is with us today talking about her new magazine, her beautiful shop, all the resources she offers, the importance of community (including how to be involved and how to involve others!), as well as so many stories that will warm your heart while offering a moment of calm. You’re going to learn so much about what homeschool can actually look and feel like today.

Lauren’s Bio: Lauren is a home educating mother and business owner. She has a passion for community and interest-led learning. Lauren and her family believe that all of life is school and try to soak up all experiences!

Things Lauren & I talk about in this episode:

· Her new magazine: The Kindred Learning Collection!

· Lauren’s homeschool style/philosophy

· Being flexible in homeschool education philosophy

· Why we knew we wanted to pursue homeschooling before we even had kids

· Learning from perspectives and people

· Life long learning as moms

· Bringing back enchantment & delight right now in our world

· A bit about unschooling

· “Parenting is a life long lesson in letting go”

· Expectations in motherhood and homeschool

· All of the awesome support Lauren offers:

o Kindred Learning Collection Magazine

o Chickie & Roo Shop

o Flower of the Month Club & More!

· Bringing beauty into your homeschool

· The importance of community

· How Lauren supports the community & offers

· Child led learning

· Nature studies

· Enrichment in our homeschool

· Being a friend who encourages and supports other moms on this homeschool journey

· How socialization is not a worry for most homeschoolers

· Personal accountability on social media

· How social media serves the homeschool community well

· (hilarious pie and sourdough analogies)

· Lauren’s favorite community resource: Instagram

Interesting Mentions from this Episode:

· Book Lauren is reading: The Well-Trained Mind

· The other book she’s reading: Understanding Waldorf Philosophy

· Firefly Nature School

· Curriculum mentions/materials: The Good & The Beautiful, Beautiful Feet Books, Simply Charlotte Mason, Singapore Dimensions, Montessori card sets, Steph Hathoway Designs, Stories Begin at Home, Letters from Afar, A Year of Tales, A Year of Learning, Rooted Childhood (for handcrafts), and Twelve Little Tales.

Lauren’s Links:

Website: www.chickieandroo.com

IG: @chickieandroo @kindredlearningcollection

Elevating Motherhood Links:

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562