Elevating Motherhood

Happy Mother's Day, Mama! This is a super special episode…not just because it’s in honor of Mother’s Day, but because there will be 4 mamas speaking life over you today!  3 of my dear friends in life and business—Jennifer Ford Berry, Amy Debrucque, and Becky Kopitzke are joining me for this conversation. These lovely mamas are all members of the mastermind I’ve had the honor of being a part of for a while now, they are also authors, speakers, podcasters, coaches, wives, and mothers. We talk often about how these multiple roles take a lot of our time and energy and brainstorm together on a weekly basis about how we can thrive in various seasons of motherhood and live a more integrated life where family and business exist to support one another.   And that’s what today’s conversation is about. Thriving in each season of motherhood. Integrating our different roles in different seasons. And what it looks like to work on our own personal growth along the way. This is a beautiful conversation filled with vulnerability and stories as we share about our own personal struggles, times of worry, moments of judgement, and times we grappled for control…as well as how we got to the other side of those tough moments. This episode is packed with truths and encouragement!   I’m excited for you to get to know Jennifer, Becky, and Amy more…these women are also my co-hosts for The Focus Retreat happening this September in beautiful Kentucky. This episode is a great opportunity to get to know them more so you can connect with who will be speaking into your life and business this fall at the retreat. We have unique perspectives and convictions, but always manage to find common ground as women who have hearts for Jesus and encouraging other moms through our businesses and ministries.     I adore these women and know you will, too. Check out the show notes for links to their websites and IG profiles as well as links to The Focus Retreat. www.thefocusretreat.com   Stay tuned at the end, too, for a special message from Becky about The Focus Retreat and our bonus Early Bird Mother’s Day specials!   FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Today is a very special interview. I had the honor of interviewing Sally Clarkson, someone whose work I’ve leaned into often. Sally is such a loving resource for my homeschool, mothering, and spiritual growth. In this episode we’re talking about her new book Teatime Discipleship: Sharing Faith One Cup at a Time. I read it from cover to cover and wow—what a gift. Sally shares from the heart about how simple everyday practices like teatime can be a catalyst for connection, friendship, hospitality, ministry, and encouragement. It’s a foundational tool for women to center their hearts and draw nearer to God and one another. And wow, do mothers need more of that right now—we need the opportunity to be impacted by an encouraging host and the opportunity to be such a host. The world tells us we’re too busy for such things…Sally reminds us that we’re not and that there is everlasting greatness in the small moments with those we love.   Sally’s Bio: Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. She’s sold more than a million books and her podcast, At Home with Sally, has received more than 20 million downloads. Sally has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years. They have raised four adult children. Today, Sally splits her time between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM My Favorite Quotes from Sally’s New Book:   Page 21: “Come here and feast and rest a while. Good food, conversation, and friendship are awaiting you. I have prepared a place for us. You are special and I love spending time with you.”   Page 42: “A host provides for the comfort and security of all who cross her doorstep.”   Page 71: “If wisdom, truth, and love have been built up as resources in our hearts, then when we encounter people, they will draw wisdom, truth, and love from the ways we speak to them and interact with them. People draw from what we have invested in our souls over the years.”   Page 85: “The truth of Scripture is food for your mind—spiritual nourishment for growing in maturity, faith, and wisdom.”   Page 85: “Yet I have found that I often have to be the one who invites, who welcomes, who initiates the very fellowship I need and long for. When women seek out and cultivate fellowship, a community thrives.”   Page 111: “A wise woman takes care of her soul.”   Page 138: “Leaving a legacy of faith requires a lifetime of living steadfastly through each season and its demands.”   Page 139: “What might you do today to help your focus shift from the situation immediately surrounding you to the eternal unseen glory that is being worked out through those situations?” Today’s episode is sponsored by Homeschool Explained, an online course I created to help parents find their confidence as they begin their homeschool journey. Homeschool Explained is also for families who are already homeschooling but feel they could use more resources and a confidence boost to keep going...now with an updated PDF and monthly ongoing encouragement! In Homeschool Explained I show you what modern homeschool days actually look like—all while covering major topics like curriculum, homeschool styles, subjects to teach, cost, state laws, socialization and so much more. This course takes the guess work out of where and how to begin and leaves you with solid support and resources from day one. I would be honored to help you to start your homeschool journey with confidence! Find out more at www.homeschoolexplained.com

Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? That your calendar is full and overwhelming? That busy is your new normal and you wish it weren’t? When my schedule gets too full, I know that something needs to change and that usually it means I need to sit down and have a come to Jesus meeting about my priorities. I need prayer, I need perspective, and I need practical steps. Our guest today is going to speak with us about all of those needs. Overextending ourselves…most of us want to change…   Most modern moms feel overextended and like they want change. Crystal is just the encourager we need to work through those feelings and make actual change. You are going to leave this episode renewed—I was…three times over! Once after reading her book, again after this conversation, and once more when I was editing this episode. At the end of the show I share 4 ways that Crystal’s book changed my life. Get ready for some tips, encouragement, and fresh perspective about how to best budget our time as moms.   Crystal’s Bio: Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, having heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Today’s Sponsor: THE FOCUS RETREAT www.thefocusretreat.com   The mastermind I’m in with Jennifer Ford Berry, Becky Kopitske, and Amy Debrucque has an exciting announcement! We are hosting our first ever in-person retreat this fall at Shaker Village outside of Lexington, KY.  It’s called The Focus Retreat and we could not be more thrilled to share this opportunity with you! Join us this September for an opportunity to gather with other business minded mamas who long for the opportunity to carve out time to focus on what matters most to them in their businesses and lives—community, strategy, family, organization, and confidence.  We’re taking a whole woman approach to our coaching in this retreat by integrating business, personal, and spiritual growth—I love that this will all happen in-person with other woman who value genuine community over networking. They’ll be keynote workshops, break out sessions, social gatherings, a mastermind panel to help you learn how to form your own, (and the in-person opportunity to introduce you to other women who are also interested in joining a mastermind) PLUS an optional VIP experience at Amy’s lake house with live music, delicious food, and sisterhood. Come hang out with me, Jennifer, Becky, and Amy in-person this September at The Focus Retreat in beautiful Kentucky! Go to www.thefocusretreat.com for more information and to reserve your spot for this boutique retreat. Tickets are limited. Head to www.thefocusretreat.com to reserve yours!

There are so many times in my life I’ve wondered if I’m a people pleaser. I’ve wondered if I was taught to be, if everyone in our society is to some degree. I’ve questioned if some of my decisions are centered around people pleasing, and if it’s something I need to work on it my life. Am I modeling it for my kids? Expecting it from them unintentionally? I’m sure you’re here because you’ve wondered similar things.   My friend Lynn Carter is here to help us unpack our people pleasing habits and provide us with some much needed perspective to refocus our time, attention, values, and schedules and shake our people pleasing tendencies. She’s sweet, funny, kind, and encouraging. She tackles this conversation without making it a “heavy” and for that I’m so grateful.   Lynn’s Bio: Lynn Carter is the creator and host of The Good News Mama Podcast, she is a wife, boy mom, her sons’ coach (which she talks about in the show), and my dear friend. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT ⁠WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM⁠ Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: ⁠www.elevatingmotherhood.com⁠ Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood                                                                                                   Today’s Sponsor: THE FOCUS RETREAT ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠   The mastermind I’m in with Jennifer Ford Berry, Becky Kopitske, and Amy Debrucque has an exciting announcement! We are hosting our first ever in-person retreat this fall at Shaker Village outside of Lexington, KY.  It’s called The Focus Retreat and we could not be more thrilled to share this opportunity with you! Join us this September for an opportunity to gather with other business minded mamas who long for the opportunity to carve out time to focus on what matters most to them in their businesses and lives—community, strategy, family, organization, and confidence.  We’re taking a whole woman approach to our coaching in this retreat by integrating business, personal, and spiritual growth—I love that this will all happen in-person with other woman who value genuine community over networking.   They’ll be keynote workshops, break out sessions, social gatherings, a mastermind panel to help you learn how to form your own, (and the in-person opportunity to introduce you to other women who are also interested in joining a mastermind) PLUS an optional VIP experience at Amy’s lake house with live music, delicious food, and sisterhood. Come hang out with me, Jennifer, Becky, and Amy in-person this September at The Focus Retreat in beautiful Kentucky! Go to ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠ for more information and to reserve your spot for this boutique retreat. Tickets are limited. Head to ⁠www.thefocusretreat.com⁠ to reserve yours!

“What does it mean to be creative…it’s allowing yourself to be so inspired by the beauty of the world that you want to capture it in some kind of form and then having the discipline to actually carry it out.” -Ashlee Gadd on the Elevating Motherhood Podcast Mothers often feel guilt when they pursue something that takes time away from their children, especially when that something could be deemed less important than parenting. Writer Ashlee Gadd felt the same way when she was navigating being a first-time mother, exhausted yet yearning to be creative. Now a mother of three and the founder of Coffee + Crumbs, an online community bringing mothers together through storytelling, Gadd intentionally finds time to be creative. Ashlee Gadd is someone I’ve followed my entire motherhood journey…for almost a decade. I’ve listened to her podcast and read her blog. Ashlee has been showing up for years through her brand Coffee + Crumbs. She’s been creating and mothering that entire time and all of those years of experience with creating and mothering are now brought together in her beautiful new book Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. Her book and this interview inspired me so much and I know they will inspire you. In a world that tells moms they are too busy to go to the bathroom by themselves let alone create anything, Ashlee is a voice of compassion and practicality that says “yes you can be a mom and create. Yes you can take matters into your own hands and make the time. Your ideas matter. Your creations have great purpose in this world. You’re not alone in your desire to want to create and bring more beauty into your life and the lives of your family and community.” Ashlee’s Bio: Ashlee Gadd is author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood and the founder of Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and storytelling intersect. As a writer and photographer, Ashlee has spent her entire motherhood creating in the margins. When she's not writing or vacuuming Cheerios out of the carpet, she loves making friends on the internet, eating cereal for dinner, and rearranging bookshelves. She and her husband have three kids and live in Northern California. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM TODAY'S SPONSOR: WWW.HOMESCHOOLEXPLAINED.COM Today’s episode is sponsored by Homeschool Explained, an online course I created to help parents find their confidence as they begin their homeschool journey. Homeschool Explained is also for families who are already homeschooling but feel they could use more resources and a confidence boost to keep going. My course is designed to save you time; it can be really overwhelming typing “how to homeschool” into an online search engine then spending hours sorting through the results. With Homeschool Explained, there will be no more maddening online searches for how to start homeschooling—this is me, a passionate veteran homeschool mom, holding your hand and walking you through homeschool 101 in just under 3 hours. The course is outlined to be logical and easy to understand. I take over 15 years of homeschool experience and condense it into a 3 hour instructional video and include a newly updated, downloadable PDF. I’m super stoked to announce that the PDF isn’t the only new upgrade! I’m now including ongoing encouragement! So learning doesn’t end when the tutorial video stops.  At least once a month I’ll upload encouragement for you. This month I have 2…an audio for parents who are teaching their young children to read and a video about joyful journaling—how to bring joy into writing and record keeping. FIND OUT MORE AT: WWW.HOMESCHOOLEXPLAINED.COM

My children are homeschooled at home in Idaho but are technically private school students at Clonlara School in Michigan. How does that work? I get that question A LOT so I’ve invited April Huard, the Director of Education at Clonlara School onto the show to answer that question and share more about Clonlara’s unique and transformative mission.   Clonlara’s Mission: The mission of Clonlara School is to transform education on a global scale through a highly personalized approach that fosters authenticity, autonomy, and joy in the learning process. We are passionate about supporting homeschooling families as they follow their curiosities and become lifelong learners.   April Huard Bio: April is currently the Director of Education at Clonlara School, but started her education career as a second-grade teacher in a public school. When her oldest child was ready for kindergarten, she quit her job to start homeschooling her. April had no idea at the time that homeschooling would turn into a lifelong passion and prepare her for a career at Clonlara School. April and her husband have homeschooled all five of their children at various points during their school years. At Clonlara, April works with on-campus and off-campus students and an amazing global team of passionate educators. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Today’s episode is sponsored by Homeschool Explained, an online course I created to help parents find their confidence as they begin their homeschool journey. Homeschool Explained is also for families who are already homeschooling but feel they could use more resources and a confidence boost to keep going. My course is designed to save you time; it can be really overwhelming typing “how to homeschool" into an online search engine then spending hours sorting through the results. With Homeschool Explained, there will be no more maddening online searches for how to start homeschooling—this is me, a passionate veteran homeschool mom, holding your hand and walking you through homeschool 101 in just under 3 hours. The course is outlined to be logical and easy to understand. I take over 15 years of homeschool experience and condense it into a 3 hour instructional video and include a newly updated, downloadable PDF. I’m super stoked to announce that the PDF isn’t the only new upgrade! I’m now including ongoing encouragement! So your learning doesn’t end when the tutorial video stops.  At least once a month I’ll upload encouragement for you. This month I have 2…an audio for parents who are teaching their young children to read and a video about joyful journaling—how to bring joy into writing and record keeping. SIGN UP TODAY AT: WWW.HOMESCHOOLEXPLAINED.COM

“The modern homestead movement is 100% a state of mind. It’s the strive for self-sufficiency.” My friend Kody Hanner wrote a homestead curriculum that my family adores. It’s being used by homeschoolers, schools, and I know some adults who could benefit from the huge amount of information in her homestead curriculum. Kody joins us today to talk about her curriculum, how it came to be, the modern homestead movement, life-long learning, parenting, and so much more.  Kody has generously offered a discount code for listeners of Elevating Motherhood. Use the code LORIBETH for 10% your purchase of the Homestead Education Curriculum Kody’s Bio: Kody is a wife of a veteran, mother of 6, homesteader, and homeschooler, that has devoted her life to agriculture and embracing rural living. She created and authored the Homestead Education series of homeschool curricula that includes homestead science. She is the host of The Homestead Education Podcast, which is rapidly growing in popularity where she chats candidly about homesteading, homeschooling, and personal growth. In This Episode, Kody and I Talk About: · What qualifies as homesteading · How she got started as a homesteader · Her homestead background · Homestead flexing · Permaculture · How she stared writing a curriculum · The need for a homeschool homestead curriculum · The writing process · How long it took her to write the curriculum · You don’t need to know everything, you need to know how to find good information · The modern homestead movement · Reach out to your county’s extension office for resources · Production over consumption · Slowing down · Taking responsibility for your life · Having entrepreneurial values · People like to quiz homeschoolers randomly · Adding depth to science experiments · Who the curriculum is for · Complaints she has received about the curriculum · Writing to a broad audience · Healing disconnect · Integrating topics into your homeschool...and SO MUCH MORE! Full Show Notes Available at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Today's Sponsors: www.homeschoolexplained.com and www.thefocusretreat.com

What is your homeschool freedom worth? Today’s episode is probably going to be controversial to some listeners. My guest, Aby Rinella, and I are going to talk about School Choice and Public School Partnerships and what effect these have on homeschool freedom. You might not agree with what Aby and I have to say on these topics. You might agree with part of it. You might agree with all of it. And that is okay. We’re here to share a perspective that is not shared very often during recent conversations about School Choice. I always trust my listeners to use their discernment. You know what is best for your family. And I think we can all agree that there is no one size fits all solution for anything ever. All of that being said, Aby and I are here today to share our perspective as two veteran homeschool moms with a lot of kids between the two of us. We are both passionate freedom fighting homeschool mamas who have been active in homeschool politics for quite a few years. Homeschool freedoms are under attack & are very much affected by the School Choice movement happening right now. I appreciate you showing up for today’s show and considering a different perspective than the one being sold by politicians…if nothing else, I’m hoping this conversation helps bring foresight to discussions surrounding school choice and public school partnerships as well as much needed perspective from homeschool families who have opted out of mainstream education. Aby’s Bio: Aby Rinella lives in the mountains of the west with her college sweetheart and their three kids. Aby writes and speaks to encourage and inspire parents to answer the call to train up their children in God’s Word and to stand on truth in a culture that has lost it’s foundation. Aby can be found as a frequent guest on the Schoolhouse Rocked podcast and she and her husband serve on their state homeschool board. Aby also writes for the outdoor industry, sharing her family’s experiences in the outdoors. You can find her at www.calledtothetop.com FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM TODAY'S SPONSOR: HOMESCHOOL EXPLAINED WWW.HOMESCHOOLEXPLAINED.COM

Leah Boden is back! Leah & I recorded Charlotte Mason 101 back in Episode 56…I highly recommend both of her episodes! Leah truly is the Modern Miss Mason and now has a book with the same title. I 10/10 recommend her book—it’s my favorite book of the year! Charlotte Mason is a niche pedagogy that I passionately believe should be less niche and more mainstream. Charlotte Mason’s philosophies can be applied to education, homeschool, parenting, and life in general. I know I’m a better woman and mother after being introduced to her philosophies…and who better to introduce us to all things Charlotte Mason than Leah Boden! Leah’s Bio: Leah Boden is wife to Dave, mother to four children, and a longtime home educator. With over two decades of experience in church leadership, Leah’s background also features many years in youth, children’s, and family work within the church and for the local education authority. Leah speaks, hosts podcasts and coaching sessions, and runs workshops sharing the beauty of a Charlotte Mason approach to childhood, motherhood, and education. She and her family live in the West Midlands, England. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM BLOSSOM & ROOT DISCOUNT CODE: LORIBETH10

This is a very raw episode about a woman who is very dear to my heart. My beloved Grandma Huck passed away at the end of 2022. We just got back to Idaho after her funeral in Ohio and I have to tell you that with her passing, I feel changed. I feel like our family’s hearts will be forever full and forever broken at the same time. I debated on sharing about her. She was so special it’s one of those loves, one of those special relationships you hold super close to your heart because it was that special. But I also think that her legacy is too powerful not to share. Full show notes and blog will be available at www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Books are incredibly powerful. We know this and yet as moms we don’t always make time to read. The world tells us that there is no time for anything, ever. And in the same breath often tells us what to do, what to read, how to think, how to mother…and a lot of that messaging leaves us feeling fearful, unworthy, and like we aren’t doing enough. What if there was a way to step off the hamster wheel of modern motherhood and find ourselves feeling more whole, more worthy, and like we’re getting it right? And what if the secret to that was found in reading more books? Today’s conversation with Jennifer Pepito is so enlightening. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am a changed person, a changed mother, and I believe a better mother because I read books. Namely the books of the authors I have interviewed here on the podcast, including Jennifer’s book Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy. Jennifer is here to expand our book lists and shine a light on our motherhood journeys with deep, mature insights, ideas for battling comparison and other daily fears that arise in our mama hearts. Jennifer’s Bio: Jennifer Pepito is the author of Mothering by the Book and the founder of The Peaceful Press (http://thepeacefulpress.com). Jennifer is on a mission to help moms overcome fear and love their life, and her homeschool curriculum empowers this through heroic stories, heartwarming poetry, and engaging life skills development. Her resources help create joyful memories among families, which leads to deeper connections and lasting relationships. Jennifer’s writing has been featured in several online and print journals, including Wild and Free, Commonplace Quarterly, and Home Educating Family. She’s a Wild and Free podcast host and has made guest appearances on popular podcasts such as 1000 Hours Outside, At Home with Sally, and Charlotte Mason Poetry. Jennifer lives in the mountains with her beloved family, where she enjoys reading aloud, working in her garden, and watching the sunset. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Wellnesse: www.wellnesse.com/loribeth (CODE: LORIBETH for 10% off your order!) Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

This brief episode is a follow up to Episode 136…if you haven’t listened to that one, I highly recommend listening to that one first, otherwise this one won’t make very much sense. I feel like it’s really important to not just talk about ideas or make plans, but to take time for self-reflection after an event to see how you’re feeling—especially as a mom. Mamas set the tone for their entire family and sometimes it can feel really out of control to create a plan only to have the day come and the plan go out the window. Halloween 2022 was no exception for us. There were frantic moments the day of Halloween with costume preparation and getting everyone out the door on time, but all in all, I’d say this holiday went well and my goals ended up being more of a guideline than a set in stone plan of action. My Original Goals From Episode 136 Included: · Wean off of Halloween traditions (trick or treating) · Switch Witch · Harvest Festivals and parties over mainstream celebrations · Heirloom costumes (no darkness) · Celebrate with neighbors, make it clear we will use our discernment & leave if necessary · Talk openly about Halloween and spiritual warfare · Make pie instead of scary jack-o-lanterns · Be aware of sweets consumption and ingredients · Set a good example for our kids with either no costumes or innocent ones · Up our vitamin regiment, get good sleep, take care of our health How Halloween 2022 Actually Went: · We’re still upping our vitamin regiment, getting good sleep and taking care of our health · Switch Witch went off without a hitch · We’re aware of sweets consumptions and ingredients—the kids asked about the candies they received and tried a few. They all agreed most of them were gross (green snickers, smarties, fire balls, etc). We let them have chocolates I bought at the health food store, let them keep just a few from trick-or-treating (they all chose less than 5 each!), and in general, candy was a non-issue · We set a good example with no costumes…truthfully, I just didn’t have it in me this year. I was not motivated to spend money on Halloween costumes for the grownups · The kids’ heirloom quality costumes were amazing and continue to be an everyday play hit in our homeschool. I’m really glad we invested in www.khepp.com and www.treasuresfromjennifer.com · We did talk openly about Halloween and spiritual warfare…although it was a bit of a dance. I was left wondering if we shared too much or in the right way? · We did not make a pie with our pumpkins, we fed them to the chickens after we carved nice things in them at a friend’s Harvest Party (did you see that “Jesus knows your harvest parties are really Halloween parties” meme going around?) · Our church’s Harvest Festival was a blast…so wholesome and well organized! We will definitely be going again next year · Are we weaning off Halloween? I don’t know. It was so fun doing an activity with our neighbors. I think it made me realize I want to do more adventures with them and it doesn’t have to be trick-or-treating · A word on Trick-or-Treating…I had a moment where I thought this is so picturesque! What’s the harm in this? And then we came to the creepy house…listen to the full episode to hear this part FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Talking about mediocre motherhood is—believe it or not—probably one of my favorite things. I don’t align with a lot of the modern motherhood messaging that we’re fed and I know that our mama hearts desire more than mediocrity. I like talking about it so we can name it…and I name it so we can change it. Abbie Halberstadt is fighting mediocrity head on in her new book M is for Mama. She is here to remind us that hard is not the same thing as bad, she delivers so many other truths and encouragments. Hold on to your hats, mamas…today’s episode is on fire. Abbie’s Bio: Abbie Halberstadt is a homeschooling mama to 10, former high school Spanish teacher, she is married to renaissance man with whom she’s built two DIY houses, she’s also a fitness instructor, business owner, blogger, bestselling motherhood author. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Blossom & Root Discount Code: LORIBETH10 www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool Homeschool Explained Course: www.homeschoolexplained.com

Halloween…you might be here because you feel something is different this year, too. Or you might be like “What’s the big deal? It’s just Halloween.” Or you might be here hoping I’ll expose it for the demonic celebration you think it is. Wherever you fall on this spectrum of perspectives, I’m glad you’re here. People are super passionate about Halloween. Some love it and can hardly wait (my bestie from Episode 135 literally dresses up in 31 costumes and posts pictures of each online—one for every day of the month). And then there are those who are passionately believe Halloween is demonic with pagan origins. They see it as an invitation to invite darkness into our world unnecessarily. Some people view it as harmless and a holiday for people to just have a little fun, and there are those of us who land somewhere in the middle of all of these perspectives and aren’t sure how to feel about it or if we should take part in it. I think most of us in this middle are moms with little kids. We don’t want our kids to be scared. We don’t like them exposed to evil or grotesque imagery and Halloween takes that control out of our hands. We don’t have control over what stores put on display, what people put up in our front yards (heaven forbid our neighbors put up a Freddy image on their front door for our toddler to stare at for a month), we don’t know who is going to open the door, what they’re dressed as, or if someone is going to jump out and try to scare us. And scare us anonymously…that’s the part that gets me…the masks make pranksters anonymous. That never sat right with me even before kids. We live in a world where we tell our kids not to take candy from strangers…and then parade them around to the homes of strangers and instruct them to accept candy from them. If you’re a “crunchy” mom like me, your kids don’t even know what reeses peanut butter cups and kit kats are…we stick to the healthier options when it comes to candy and rebuke mainstream, chemical laden crap. But that’s all people hand out because that’s what Costco, Walmart, and Target sell within our budgets. And then there’s the costumes. Have you heard the term “prostitot?” It’s the kid sides prostitute worthy outfits that make most parents with any morals want to barf. Why on Earth do they sell midriff baring, mini skirt, way to adult costumes for kids (especially little girls)? They’re bad enough for the grownups (seriously…do an image search for “adult woman costumes” and tell me if anything comes up that doesn’t look like a hooker outfit with spandex, mini skirts, ruffles, boostiees, high heeled boots, and thigh high stockings)…but when they apply these same styles to outfits for children? I think a line needs to be drawn. So. Here we are. Parents acting hypocritically while often dressed as prostitutes filling ourselves up with chemical laden sugar all for the sake of “tradition” and “having a little fun.” I know that might seem harsh, but when I take a step back and actually look at the holiday…that’s what I see. And I’ve been guilty of more than one of those offenses. But we’re talking about THIS Halloween. And how many of us are feeling THIS year. 2022 is just hitting differently. It’s been over 2 years of divisiveness and 2 years of spiritual warfare being out in the open. So anything that causes division (like attitudes about a holiday) and anything that is obvious spiritual warfare (think light vs. dark…which, no one can argue that Halloween doesn’t fall into the “dark” category) is a huge turn off. FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

My best friend wrote a book about business and I couldn’t help but read it through the motherhood lens as well. So that’s what this episode is about: applying business principles to motherhood as a way for moms to find their balance between the two. We’ll talk about the principles of growth mindset in both our professional and personal lives. We’re besties, so this episode starts out super informal and has it’s off the cuff moments throughout, but we do dive into the nitty gritty and I can promise you’ll walk away with some useful insights on how to show up as your best self in both motherhood and business. Amanda has a section in her book where she talks about growth mindset. Finding joy in work and living the life you want to have. Finding what gives you life and joy. She lists the following elements of growth mindset that we’re going to talk about: 1. Reflection 2. Cultivating Your Purpose 3. Take on Challenges 4. Foster Grit 5. Write Your Goals 6. Check Your Attitude 7. Ask for Feedback 8. Stop Seeking Approval 9. Reward Actions, Not Traits Amanda’s Bio: Amanda Furgiuele is a sole parent, multiple-business owner and entrepreneur, international performer, and an expert in creative problem-solving and time management. She is also the co-author of the Amazon best-selling book, The Pursuit of Badasserie: How to Create Badass Business Abundance, and co-hosts The Pursuit of Badasserie podcast. With over 16 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Amanda has extensive knowledge in productivity, structural development, strategic planning, crisis management, and business process improvements across multiple fields. She challenges her clients to stop making excuses and start making progress through innovative solutions to even the most mundane problems. Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Wellnesse: I have a new discount code for you! Wellnesse—a company started by the amazing Katie Wells of the Wellness Mama podcast—has offered a discount code for listeners of Elevating Motherhood for her amazing products! Wellnesse makes some of my favorite toothpaste (including a strawberry one for kids that my girls approve of!), shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, tongue scrapers, silk dental floss, biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and more. You can now use the code LORIBETH for 10% off your purchase. I’ll have a whole list of my favorite Wellnesse products on the Elevating Motherhood website soon, until then, go check them out on their site www.wellnesse.com and be sure to use the code LORIBETH at checkout for 10% off!

“It’s ridiculous that birth plans even have to exist. The purpose of a birth plan really is to decrease the likelihood that you are going to be abused while you’re in this setting. To decrease the likelihood that people are going to do stuff to you that you don’t want done.” -Dr. Sarah Leahy Join our Birth Plan Workshop on July 19, 2022! (www.birthuprising.com/events) There was a crazy letter circulating on IG recently that was penned by three OBs from New York about birth plans, letting their clients (specifically their pregnant moms) that birth plans were not welcome in their practice. There was a poor attempt at justifying their reasoning behind this, but the simple fact this “rule” in their practice was put into place is enough to show me that women NEED to talk about birth plans more—including what they are and why they are essential. Birth plans are about so much more than the ridiculous stereotypes that surround them. People dismiss them (medical providers and OBs) because they assume women are creating them thinking that their birth can be planned. We don’t create birth plans hoping our births will be “perfect,” they are an education tool, a path to clear communication with a healthcare provider, and so, so much more that we’ll talk about today. It’s insane to me that there are OBs in the world that don’t trust in a mother’s ability to give birth to the point that they manipulate and micromanage every aspect of our pregnancy and birth experience—down to your expectations about your birth and your right to communicate with them. Birth plans are a necessity now more than they’ve ever been. In this episode, you’re going to hear real life examples, stories from our birth and pregnancy experiences, how to find your conviction & strength to speak up, and even “elephant in the room” topics like “I want a homebirth and my partner does not” and explanations for basic questions like “why do I need a birth plan?” and “how do I start to create a birth plan?” Dr. Sarah’s Bio: Dr. Sarah Leahy is a doctor of chiropractic, mother of three, artist, birth educator, and the creator of Birth Uprising. She shares passionate, funny, and informational videos & slides on the regular over on her IG account @birthuprising  FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM   Please Visit:  WELLNESSE: www.wellnesse.com/loribeth  Code: LORIBETH for 10% off your order HOMESCHOOL EXPLAINED: www.homeschoolexplained.com 

Summer flies by...we only have 18 summers with our kiddos (but do we?) In this episode, I address the mom guilt that surrounds creating magical summer for and with our kids + give you some great ideas to have fun with ease--the ease that comes from living an aligned life.  The 2 Lists: 1. Family Values List 2. Summer Bucket List Add meaning to your summer by creating a family bucket list that aligns with your family’s values. I know that my family thrives most when we align our actions and values…and that includes things like summer fun! 1. Identify what your family values—make a values list first! · Examples: Faith, Social, Character, Health, Education, Time, Financial · Our family values: time in nature, friendships, trying new activities, going to new places, eating quality foods, and rest. 2. Take everyone into consideration—create your activities/wish list! · Take the pressure off yourself to be the one who does it all and plans it all. Summer magic can happen with the help and input of your family · Ask everyone what they hope to do this summer · Write down their suggestions. See what is feasible and which ones align with your family’s values · If your kids are too young to give their input, use your values as a guide to create plans, adventures, or daily habits 3. Put your lists into action · Every Day Goals: If you value being outside, an everyday goal could be to eat outside as much as possible or prioritize having your morning coffee outside or get outside first thing in the morning or last thing at night catching fireflies with your kids. · Destination Goals: your value of being outside could look more adventurous and out of the ordinary rhythm of life, like booking a camping trip or planning a trip to a local park or stream you’ve never been to. · Look to see which items overlap. For our family, our summer list includes requests for fishing, swimming, and being on a boat. One day on the lake in a boat could check all 3 of those hopes off our bucket list. 4. Troubleshoot with your Values List First. · Use your values list to troubleshoot as needed. Plans go awry. Attitudes go sideways. The weather turns. Plans get messed up. How can we re-center? Go back to our values list first. It’s your values list that is going to inspire you and give you perspective when your bucket list of hopes goes sideways. New Discount Code! For Wellnesse! Use the code LORIBETH at www.wellnesse.com/loribeth for a discount on all of Wellnesse's amazing products!

This episode will give you all the life and podcast updates for 2022 (so far).  It’s been a big break. Ironically, I’ve watched others around me take a long 6 month+ break at the same time. Coincidence or calling?  In the last 6 months, I've:  Had a baby Stayed on an extended maternity leave (whatever that means) Moved from Maui to Idaho (I answer the #1 question: Do you miss Maui?) Found a new church & wonderful friends Adventured daily! Started a book Joined a mastermind Returning to the podcast: A back log of episodes will be coming out shortly! I look at what it means to elevate motherhood & how I'll be showing up boldly. · Resources: I'll keep bringing you resources to feel confident · Protection: Motherhood is sacred--to elevate motherhood means to protect the sacredness of our role as mothers · Perspective: There is a need for paradigm shifts · Bettering motherhood experiences: like birth, educating our children, finding balance in all areas of our lives, and encouraging moms to get to know themselves, show up as their most authentic self, and feel like you’re enjoying the journey · Balance: I want to find the balance between being authentic and vulnerable and also being appropriately private Want you to feel resourced: · Email me and let me know what topics you’d like me to cover! Email me: loribeth@elevatingmotherhood.com · What areas of your life do you feel like you need resources?

Organizing is not my strong suit. It’s actually something that I tend to shy away from if I can help it. But in the interest of life-long learning and personal growth—and out of necessity because we had the huge move from Maui to Idaho coming up—I decided to tackle the topic with your help! This episode is packed with questions from Elevating Motherhood listeners. My friend Jennifer Ford Berry made this deep dive into getting more organized so easy! She helped me so much during this transition. This interview took place before I even started packing the first box (and before the baby was born in December!) I got to apply her insights from this chat to the move and WOW what a difference. Her guidance was with me the whole time and has even carried over into setting up my new home here in Idaho. Jennifer’s Bio: Jennifer Ford Berry is a professional organizer, best-selling author of the Organize Now series and Purpose Over Possessions…and she has a new book in May! She is also the host of The 29 Minute Mom Podcast—I was a guest on her show, too! She owns a semi-annual family consignment event: Mothertime Marketplace, is the president of Jennifer Ford Berry Ministries, and is a loving wife and mom of 2. She shares all kinds of insights and tips for organizing your life and home. We all come to this topic with different energy—some of us love organization, some of us avoid it—no matter where you are on your organization journey, Jennifer has some helpful thoughts that will speak to you! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM I have a new affiliate discount code for you! Use the code LORIBETH for 10% off your purchase at www.wellnesse.com 

“Ultimately, we recognize the season of Lent before Easter not because God demands it of us, not because Christ commanded it to prove our mettle, and not because we must perfect ourselves before we’re worthy of Easter,” writes Oxenreider. “We observe Lenten practices because they’re good for us… In a world that celebrates indulging our whims whenever we want, to practice the traditions of Lent is countercultural.” Today is the first day of Lent—which is holding a new meaning for me this year as I pack up my house and life on Maui and get ready to move to Idaho (ironically in the middle of the Lenten season this year). The message and meaning of Lent is helping me get through this move by bringing in notions of self-discipline and reflection (which I need right now). Many of us think of Lent as a time of lack—of fasting & taking away. But what if we could expand that perspective and see the “lack” or “taking away” as making room for more, for celebration. Fasting making room for feasting. (Lent’s purpose is to quite literally makes room for Easter). What if this year we don’t skip straight to the Easter baskets and egg hunts, but use this time to come out of this season (a two year long season of lack) more meaningfully and intentionally? If Lent is a new concept to you, don’t worry, we share the basics and history of Lent in this episode. If you’re an old hat at Lent, there’s something here for you, too, as Tsh Oxenreider walks us through her inspiring new book Bitter & Sweet as well her reasons why our world needs the life giving practice of Lent now more than ever. Tsh’s Bio: Tsh Oxenreider is the bestselling author of several books, including Bitter and Sweet: A Journey Into Easter and At Home in the World, her memoir about her family’s year traveling around the world and living out of backpacks. She’s also a travel guide, teacher, and podcaster, and she lives in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and three children. She is equally happy snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef with her family and putzing around her own backyard. Find Tsh online at tshoxenreider.com. FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM VISIT TODAY'S SPONSORS:  BLOSSOM & ROOT (CODE: LORIBETH10) HOMESCHOOL EXPLAINED