What I’ve Learned in 18 Years of Parenting

Today my oldest turns 18. 🥹

I keep thinking about the phrase everyone tells you: “It goes by fast.” The truth is… it doesn’t. Not on the hard days, not in the long seasons, not when you’re trying to stretch yourself across a big family and real life.

And then one day, it does.

I haven’t been at everything. But I’ve been at most. And when I was there, I tried to really be there- all in, loudest cheerleader, loving hard!

If I’ve learned anything in 18 years, it’s that each child comes entirely themselves- unique, specific, holy. And I can’t parent on my own. I need Jesus and Heavenly Parents in the middle of it all… because I need help seeing them clearly, loving them better, and guiding them with wisdom I don’t naturally have.

Happy 18, my first baby girl! Thank you for making me a mother. 🤍