In this episode, we go all in on talking about trying and failing and succeeding in balancing parenting marriage church-life and work. How sometimes balance looks like going all in and how sometimes it means taking a break! We also share stories of when we could not find that balance and how it almost broke us - more than once! Please feel free to reach out and share your feedback or your own stories of finding balance

THIS IS REPOST - the audio file in the original post was incorrect

In this episode, we dive into the heart of our upcoming family journey—a month of living apart while caring for Lana’s sister. We share the unique dynamics of parenting through distance, preparing for the unexpected, and managing family responsibilities while keeping our bond strong. Reflecting on past times we've spent separately, we discuss the lessons in flexibility and resilience that have shaped us, emphasizing how to embrace change with open hearts. We also unpack the recent challenges of moving, from logistical hurdles to the emotional rollercoaster it’s brought for our family. With the holidays on the horizon, we explore how we’re adjusting our traditions to stay connected across provinces, highlighting the importance of maintaining those ties, especially during Christmas. This episode is filled with reflections on family, change, and the excitement of what’s to come, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we share our number 1 practice that we have to encourage each other -TAG. We dive into the complexities of parent guilt. We share tips for encouraging each other and stopping the spiral we can feel as parents. Sharing some of our own experiences and the expectations that come with being a parent. We explore the emotional struggles that so many parents face, from the pressure to be perfect to the overwhelming feelings of self-doubt. Communication plays a key role in how we manage these challenges, and we discuss the importance of having strong support systems, whether through family, friends, or other resources. We also talk about our own journey of growth, learning from mistakes along the way, and realizing that imperfection is not just okay—it's a part of parenthood. Our hope is to encourage other parents to embrace the messiness, seek help when they need it, and work towards fostering a healthier, more balanced family dynamic.

In this episode, we go deep into a big move that happened in our lives a couple of years ago. We detail the how and why we make decisions and why we think it is the best way to live, even if it comes with its own challenges.

Summary

In this conversation, Joel and Lana reflect on significant life changes, including a move from British Columbia to Manitoba, the importance of family, and the challenges of balancing work and parenting. The discussion highlights the couple's journey of faith in seeking a new beginning. In this conversation, the couple shares their journey of relocating for a faith-based job, navigating family dynamics, and the challenges of parenting a child with autism. They discuss the importance of community support, the process of finding a home, and the significance of making decisions guided by faith. The conversation highlights the balance between work and family life, the impact of faith on decision-making, and reflections on their journey and future aspirations.

Chapters

00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Life Changes

02:01 The Move from BC to Manitoba

05:49 Family Dynamics and Isolation

10:07 Navigating Work and Family Life

15:07 The Decision to Move Back to BC

19:58 Exploring New Opportunities in Landmark

27:03 Faith and Family: A New Beginning

36:39 Navigating Job Opportunities and Faith-Based Work

39:57 Challenges of Relocation and Family Dynamics

43:27 Understanding Autism and Parenting Concerns

49:34 Finding a Home: A Journey of Faith and Community

52:25 The Importance of Family Time and Work-Life Balance

01:00:31 Making Decisions Guided by Faith

01:09:39 Reflections on the Journey and Future Aspirations

Summary

In this conversation, Joel Fortune shares his experiences and insights on navigating family road trips, creative solutions for travel challenges, building family traditions, and embracing creativity in family life. He discusses the importance of being resourceful during long drives, the significance of unique family activities, and how to foster a sense of love and appreciation among family members through intentional efforts.

takeaways

• Traveling with kids can be challenging but rewarding.
• Creative solutions can make road trips more enjoyable.
• Planning snacks is crucial for a smooth journey.
• Unique family traditions can strengthen bonds.
• Embracing creativity can lead to memorable experiences.
• It's okay to feel guilty about not meeting expectations.
• Kids appreciate the effort put into family activities.
• Trying new things can lead to unexpected joy.
• Being resourceful is key in parenting.
• Low-risk activities can yield high rewards for family bonding.

Chapters

00:00Navigating Family Road Trips

32:03Creative Solutions for Travel Challenges

36:04Building Family Traditions

40:10Embracing Creativity in Family Life

In this episode, Joel and Lana explore the complexities of joy in marriage and parenting, discussing their experiences with pregnancy, loss, and the challenges of raising children. They reflect on the importance of finding joy amidst hard seasons, the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, and the excitement of gaining independence as their children grow. Through candid conversations, they share insights on navigating relationships and the value of support from family. In this conversation, Joel Fortune shares his experiences of navigating parenthood, the challenges of expanding the family, and the emotional journey of pregnancy and loss. He reflects on the dynamics of family life, the importance of support systems, and the beauty found in the chaos of raising children. The discussion highlights the struggles and joys of parenting, the impact of health crises, and the significance of cherishing family moments amidst life's uncertainties.

takeaways

• Finding joy in marriage is essential, even during tough times.
• Hard seasons are temporary; there's always hope for better days.
• Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster, filled with joy and fear.
• Independence in parenting brings new joys and challenges.
• Communication is key in navigating family dynamics and emotions.
• It's important to cherish small moments of joy in daily life.
• Support from family can be crucial during parenting challenges.
• Every pregnancy journey is unique and can come with its own fears.
• Reflecting on past experiences helps in coping with current challenges.
• Embracing change is part of the parenting journey. Parenting two kids can feel overwhelming and chaotic.
• The desire for a son can influence family planning decisions.
• Health challenges can complicate parenting and family dynamics.
• Postpartum depression can affect the ability to manage family responsibilities.
• Home sharing can create additional stress in family life.
• Involving children in pregnancy announcements can strengthen family bonds.
• Navigating health crises can be a significant challenge for parents.
• Coping with loss requires support and understanding from family.
• Finding beauty in the chaos of family life is essential.
• The journey of parenting is filled with both joy and uncertainty.

In our first episode!! We cover a whole bunch of topics and stories around personal growth and managing expectations we have of ourselves and of each other. We really enjoy being open and transparent and hope that you all follow along. We are learning how to Podcast so give us some time to learn and please excuse the unfinished feel 🤣

- Joel and Lana