Tag: Motherhood

Motherhood

Thanksgiving Family Bucket List – Grateful Traditions to Start This Year

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Thanksgiving Family Bucket List – Grateful Traditions to Start This Year
Thanksgiving Family Bucket List – Grateful Traditions to Start This Year

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a season to slow down, count our blessings, and make memories with the people who matter most. Whether you’re spending the day cooking together, writing gratitude notes, or helping others in your community, these simple ideas will help your family focus on thankfulness, connection, and joy.

1. Bake a Pumpkin or Apple Pie 🍁

Nothing says “Thanksgiving” like the smell of pie baking in the oven! Get the kids involved by letting them roll out dough or mix the filling — messy hands make the best memories.

2. Write Gratitude Notes ✉️

Take a few minutes to write short notes of appreciation to friends, neighbors, or family. You can slip them into lunchboxes or mail them to loved ones far away.

3. Say a Thanksgiving Prayer Together 🙏

Before your meal, take turns sharing what you’re thankful for and offer a family prayer of gratitude. It’s a meaningful way to center your day on faith and togetherness.

4. Go on a Nature Walk 🌿

Bundle up and head outside to enjoy the beauty of fall leaves, crisp air, and God’s creation. Collect leaves or acorns to use for crafts later.

5. Host a Family Dinner 🍽️

Invite relatives or close friends for a cozy dinner at home. Keep it simple, and focus on laughter, storytelling, and connection.

6. Light a Candle for Someone You Miss 🕯️

Honor loved ones who can’t be with you this season by lighting a candle in their memory. Share a favorite story about them at the dinner table.

7. Donate to a Food Drive 🥫

Teach kids the power of giving back by collecting canned goods or volunteering at a local food pantry.

8. Create a Gratitude Jar 💛

All month long, write down things you’re thankful for and place them in a jar. On Thanksgiving Day, read them together as a family reminder of your blessings.

9. Take a Family Photo 📸

Capture your Thanksgiving traditions each year — the kids grow fast, and these moments are precious!

10. Watch a Thanksgiving Movie 🎬

Cozy up after dinner with a classic Thanksgiving movie (bonus points for pajamas and leftover pie).

11. Visit a Local Farm or Market 🧺

Support local farmers while picking up seasonal produce or fresh flowers for your table.

12. Let the Kids Help Cook 👩‍🍳

Give little ones age-appropriate kitchen tasks. Letting them mash potatoes, stir batter, or set the table makes them feel proud and included.

13. Share What You’re Thankful For at Dinner 🥧

End your meal by going around the table and sharing one thing you’re grateful for this year — big or small.

14. Celebrate Gratitude and Togetherness🌻

Remember that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. Whether your pie burns or your table is a little messy, what matters most is that you’re together — giving thanks, creating joy, and filling your home with love.

✨ Save this Thanksgiving Family Bucket List for inspiration throughout the season, and share it with another family who could use a little extra gratitude this year.

Pin this post for later, share it with a friend, and tag @MotherhoodUncharted when you try one of these Thanksgiving ideas — I’d love to see how your family celebrates! 🦃

👉 Follow along for more faith-filled family traditions at www.MotherhoodUncharted.com

Motherhood

Scriptures to Pray Over Your Sons

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Scriptures to Pray Over Your Sons
Scriptures to Pray Over Your Sons

As mothers, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the covering of prayer.

In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and ever-changing values, our prayers anchor our sons in God’s unshakable truth. Speaking scripture over them isn’t just powerful—it’s transformative. It shapes their hearts, guides their choices, and reminds them daily that they are deeply loved by their Creator.

Here are seven scriptures to pray over your sons as they grow in wisdom, strength, and faith.

1. Pray for Wisdom and Perspective

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

Pray that your son would live with intention, understanding how precious each day is. Ask God to fill him with discernment and teach him to make wise choices that honor Him in every season of life.

2. Pray for Courage and Strength

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – 1 Chronicles 11:2

May your son be brave and steadfast, standing firm in truth even when it’s not popular. Pray that he would find his courage not in the world, but in the Lord who never leaves his side.

3. Pray for Godly Character

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52

Ask God to help your son grow in grace, kindness, and humility. Pray that he would reflect Jesus in his words, actions, and relationships—becoming a light wherever he goes.

4. Pray for Obedience and a Heart That Honors God

“As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness… I will establish your royal throne.” – 1 Kings 9:14

Pray that your son would follow God’s commands joyfully, not out of duty but from a heart that loves Him. Ask the Lord to guide his steps as he walks in obedience.

5. Pray for a Pure Heart

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

Ask God to guard your son’s heart and mind from the temptations of this world. Pray that his motives would be pure, his thoughts holy, and his faith unwavering.

6. Pray for Integrity and Leadership

“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Pray that your son would lead by example, choosing righteousness even when no one is watching. May he be a man of character—strong in conviction and gentle in spirit.

7. Pray for Focus and Devotion

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:12

Ask God to help your son resist worldly distractions and fix his eyes on things above. Pray that he would seek God’s will in all things, walking boldly in His purpose.

A Mother’s Prayer

“Lord, thank You for the gift of my son. Help me to raise him in Your truth and grace. Fill his heart with wisdom, courage, purity, and faith. Let Your Word guide his steps all the days of his life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

 Encouragement for Moms

You don’t have to have it all together to be a praying mom. You just have to show up—daily, faithfully, and with a heart surrendered to God. Your prayers matter more than you know.

If this blessed you, share it with another mama who’s raising her boys in faith.

📬 Want Weekly Encouragement?

Subscribe below to receive my Faith & Family Friday Devotional — short, scripture-based reflections to bring peace, purpose, and presence into your week.

And don’t forget to pin this post to your Faith & Family or Christian Parenting board for later! 💛

Motherhood

Fall Fun at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze: A Day to Remember

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Fall Fun at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze: A Day to Remember

There’s just something special about fall days at the pumpkin patch. The laughter, the hayrides, the smell of kettle corn in the air — it all feels like childhood wrapped up in one golden afternoon. Even in the Florida sunshine, fall has its own kind of magic.

This past weekend we spent the day at @foxsquirrelcornmaze with friends and family, soaking up every bit of that autumn charm. From snapping fall photos to riding the hayride, wandering through the corn maze, playing in the corn pit, and bouncing until the kids were out of breath, the day was pure joy from start to finish. 🎃✨

There’s something about watching your kids laugh with their friends, cheeks flushed from the sun and excitement, that reminds you how quickly these seasons pass. The muddy shoes, the sticky fingers from fair snacks, the endless “one more time!” at the bounce house, all of it adds up to the moments that matter most.

We came home with muddy shoes, tired smiles, and hearts overflowing with gratitude. 🧡

No souvenirs, no pumpkins this time, just memories that filled our hearts far more than anything we could’ve carried home.

As parents, it’s so easy to get caught up in the planning, the schedules, and the to-do lists. But these kinds of days remind me to slow down and simply be present. The best moments are rarely the perfectly planned ones. They’re the messy, joy-filled, laughter-loud kind that sneak up on you when you least expect it.

So this fall, I’m choosing to say yes to more of this: muddy shoes, messy hair, and family days that fill our hearts more than our calendars.

What’s one fall tradition your family looks forward to every year? 🍁

I’d love to hear in the comments below. Your story might inspire another family to start a new one this season.

💛 Want more weekly encouragement for faith-filled motherhood?

Subscribe below to get my Faith & Family Friday Devotional straight to your inbox—short reflections and scripture-inspired ways to bring peace, purpose, and presence into your week.

📌 Loved this post?

Save it to your Faith or Family Adventures board on Pinterest so you can revisit it later!

Motherhood

You Are More Than Enough: Truths to Speak Over Yourself Each Morning

by StephanieLeave a Comment on You Are More Than Enough: Truths to Speak Over Yourself Each Morning
You Are More Than Enough: Truths to Speak Over Yourself Each Morning

There’s something sacred about those first quiet moments of the morning—the hum of the coffee maker, sunlight slipping across the counter, and the stillness before the world begins to stir.

As I stood in my kitchen this morning, iced coffee in hand, I caught myself reading the words etched on my glass:

“You Are Beautiful. Victorious. Enough. Strong. Never Alone.”

I paused.

Because sometimes, we don’t feel any of those things.

We wake up tired, stretched thin, juggling a million needs before our feet even hit the floor. We question if we’re doing enough, being enough, holding it all together enough.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to be perfect to be chosen. You don’t have to have it all together to be loved.

When You Forget Who You Are

It’s easy to let the noise of the world drown out what God has already said about you.

That’s why I love surrounding myself with little reminders—like this glass—filled not just with coffee, but with truth.

When you sip your morning drink, speak these words over yourself:

Beautiful – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Victorious – Romans 8:37

Enough – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Strong – Philippians 4:13

Never Alone – Matthew 28:20

Amazing – Psalm 139:14

Capable – Mark 10:27

Chosen – 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Created – Genesis 1:27

Always Loved – Romans 8:38

Every one of these verses whispers the same message: You are already enough in Him.

A Challenge for the Week

This week, I want to challenge you to start each morning by declaring truth over yourself.

Not perfection.

Not hustle.

Just truth.

👉 Write one of these affirmations on a sticky note and put it on your mirror.

👉 Say it out loud while making breakfast for your kids.

👉 Or whisper it in prayer when the day feels heavy.

You’ll be amazed how much lighter your heart feels when you anchor your morning in Scripture instead of stress.

From My Heart to Yours

Friend, whether your coffee is hot, iced, or reheated for the third time today—know this:

God sees you.

He calls you chosen, capable, and dearly loved.

You don’t have to strive for His approval.

You already have it.

So take a deep breath, sip that coffee, and remember who you are. 💛

Motherhood

🌟 Raising Kids Without a Village: The Reality 🌟

by StephanieLeave a Comment on 🌟 Raising Kids Without a Village: The Reality 🌟
🌟 Raising Kids Without a Village: The Reality 🌟

Hey, everyone! As many of you know, parenting can be a beautiful yet challenging journey. For those of us navigating this path without a supportive village, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, isolating, and even exhausting.

💔 We often hear about the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but what happens when that village is missing? For countless parents, the journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll explore the realities of raising kids without a support system, share valuable insights, and offer practical tips for finding fulfillment in this unique parenting journey.

Here are a few thoughts and reflections on this journey that many parents face:

1️⃣ The Importance of Community: Building connections with other parents can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend from school, or an online group, having even just one or two people who can relate to the struggles of parenting can make all the difference. Sharing experiences, swapping stories, and knowing you’re not alone can lighten the emotional load.

2️⃣ Resourcefulness and Creativity: Raising kids without a traditional support system forces us to become resourceful. We learn to seek out local community resources, attend parenting workshops, or connect with social media groups that provide support and advice. Many apps and websites offer parenting tips, activities, and even virtual meet-ups that can help bridge the gap. Embracing this resourcefulness not only helps us navigate challenges but also teaches our kids valuable lessons about resilience and creativity.

3️⃣ Prioritizing Self-Care: In the hustle of daily parenting, it’s easy to forget about our own well-being. However, prioritizing self-care is crucial. A happy and healthy parent means happier kids! Whether it’s taking a quiet moment to enjoy a cup of coffee, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply getting lost in a good book, carving out time for ourselves can rejuvenate our spirits and help us tackle the parenting challenges with renewed energy.

4️⃣ Embracing Imperfection: In a world that often glorifies the “perfect parent,” it’s essential to remember that perfection is a myth! Every parent faces their unique challenges, and it’s okay to ask for help or lean on others when needed. Sharing our struggles openly can create a supportive environment where we can all feel free to be ourselves, flaws and all. Our kids will learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

5️⃣ Finding Joy in the Little Things: Without a village, we might miss out on some communal experiences, but it’s also an opportunity to create our own traditions and memories. Celebrate the small victories, laugh at the chaos, and cherish the moments of connection with your children. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room or a picnic in the backyard, these little joys can fill our lives with happiness and build strong family bonds.

Conclusion

Parenting without a village may come with its challenges, but it also offers unique opportunities for growth and connection. By actively seeking community, embracing resourcefulness, prioritizing self-care, accepting imperfection, and celebrating small joys, we can navigate this journey with resilience and grace. 

Let’s open up the conversation about parenting without a village. Share your experiences, tips, and stories below! How do you navigate the challenges? What strategies have helped you find support? Together, we can create a community right here, one post at a time. 👇

✨If you found this post helpful, please share it with fellow parents who might benefit from these insights. Let’s create a network of support and encouragement for one another! ✨

#Parenting #NoVillage #CommunitySupport #ParentingJourney #family #advice #familylife

Motherhood

Austin’s Plagiocephaly Journey

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Austin’s Plagiocephaly Journey

Happy Tuesday from my sweet little Austin bear! I have been sort of quiet on here just focusing on my family and super busy with my business Stephanie Ripa Photography! I sincerely appreciate you all who have continued to stay close to us we seriously cannot thank you guys enough! 🤍

For the past 2 months Austin has been getting physical therapy for his torticolis and has been wearing his doc band helmet for 2 weeks now! Last week was the toughest for for this little guy waking up all night and unable to sleep with it on! He has to wear his helmet for 22 hours a day and poor guy did not like it at all at first but is finally getting used to it a little more each week! We have been going to physical therapy twice a week so it’s been a lot of juggling in the Ripa household!

Long story short: he dropped in utero too early and ran out of space in the womb which caused a small flat spot on the side of his head! Hopefully he will only have to wear this for a few more months!🤞

Now I have to get his name put on the front of it or something cute!

Do you have any kids that had to go through this? If so what was your experience? ⤵️

Motherhood

Austin James

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Austin James
Austin James

Meet our sweet little Austin James! It feels so good to be back and finally able to have a creative mojo on writing again! Fun fact I am a newborn and family photographer at http://www.StephanieRipaPhotography.com and let me tell you, the months of October through December we’re beyond busy and is considered high season for us photographers! I am so happy to have somewhat of some breathing room now a while enjoying motherhood at the same time!

Hiring a newborn photographer while recovering from a c-section was the best thing I ever did! So glad I had a friend capture these sweet photos of our little Austin when he was born! Life gets so busy and they are only this little for such a short period of time! I am soaking up these late nights of nursing and cuddling because I know one day when he’s older like my oldest Mason, that he will need me a little less! This though has me balling my eyes out but that’s the truth, and that’s life… perhaps more babies in our future… not sure..

When I was on the operating table having my c-section with Austin, the surgeon asked me if I wanted to have my tubes tied! Without a doubt and zero hesitation without even asking my husband I said no, absolutely no! I was not ready to make that gigantic decision just yet! Thankfully my husband had zero say in my decision anyways because he respects me and my decisions! So just maybe their will be one more in the future, but for now I am going to just enjoy snuggling my sweet little Austin and really be present in these moments with him!

Motherhood

Austin’s Birth Story

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Austin’s Birth Story

✨𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆✨

On August 11, 2020 I started to feel contractions at 3:30am. These were 20-25 min apart and strong, it felt totally different then Braxton Hicks contractions.

We waited until 9am to go to my OBGYN, they then hooked me up to monitors to check my contractions and babies heart rate. At one point there was a drop in Austin’s heart rate and my doctors couldn’t exactly determine why or if it was just him moving around in the womb.

After about 30 min my doctors then made the executive decision to send me to the hospital with our bags packed for the possibilities of Austin’s arrival! My husband and I were both excited and nervous because he was not actually scheduled to be born until the morning of August 13th via csection.

We excitedly went in to the OB emergency room at the hospital where they placed me on monitors to check Austin’s heart rate and my contractions.

After 2-3 hours I went from a 0 to a 4cm dilation and my water broke, all naturally while being monitored.

Austin had plans that day to make his grand debut and strangely at 3:30am when my contractions hit I just new today was going to be the big day!

Just like that at 3:39pm little Austin James made his way into this world to complete our family as four! 🤍

Motherhood

Welcome Baby Austin

by StephanieLeave a Comment on Welcome Baby Austin

The big day has finally arrived!

We are overjoyed to welcome our sweet boy, 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝗽𝗮 into the world! He made his big debut a few days before planned on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 3:39pm! He weighs 7.4 lbs & is 21 inches tall! Happy to finally be home from the hospital and adjust as a family of four! 💙

Motherhood

A Letter to My First Born

by StephanieLeave a Comment on A Letter to My First Born

𝗧𝗼 𝗺𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻 . . .

You are the first person I fell in love with long before I saw your face.

I kept imagining how my life would be like with your arrival 2.5 years ago. All the plans and preparations we made, yet nothing truly prepared me for the moment when I first held you in my arms. 

It was a life-changing moment. I never anticipated I could love someone so deeply. Not even in the way I love your father. 

As I held your tiny body against my chest, trembling with overwhelming emotions and amazed at this tiny life that just came out of my womb, I knew, without a doubt, I would do anything for you. 

It’s bitter sweet to know I’ll no longer have you all to myself.

“𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲.”

As I hold you today, I remember the moments when you were born. You are my first born, the one who first made me a mom.

In a few short days your baby brother will be born, love to new heights will be reached as our family expands. I cannot wait to document this next chapter in our lives because I know without a doubt you will be the best big brother!