Life is messy, from kids to the house to how we handle day to day living in a broken world; but here you will find encouragement and inspiration to help keep you thriving in the mess.
Welcome, I’m Emily!
I’m so glad you decided to visit Thriving in the Mess, a place where I share recipes to make and share with love to your family and friends. Check out inspiration for managing your home and encouragement for all you moms. You will also find comfort and reassurance in raising your little ones as you learn to thrive in the mess.
My husband, Shane, and I have been married since 2011 and have three boys and one girl. Our oldest two are 19 and have flown the coop, while our youngest two are four and one.
We just purchased a farmhouse on five acres in Missouri that, after some updates, will be our dream home. It’s not far from where I grew up. Which means my children will have their grandparents close not just relationally, but physically. God has been truly been faithful in providing this home for us.
I have one younger brother who growing up was my best friend and worst enemy since we lived somewhat rural there was only the two of us to play together.
I had the best childhood on 20 acres in Southwest Missouri. Most of my extended family all lived within a 30 minute drive, so large family gatherings have always been a source of fond memories.
Starting a Family
My husband also has a large family, most of whom live within a short drive of us. Hosting family and friends is something I truly enjoy and feel is a gifting. My grandmother and mom have always had a special gift of making anyone feel relaxed and comfortable when they enter their homes. I strive for that same atmosphere in my own home.
My husband and I walked through five years of infertility and I wondered if I would ever be able to have children. If you would like to read more about that journey, click here. (link/article coming soon) During that time we began fostering which was both difficult and rewarding. During these years there were many times I still felt I was barely surviving rather than thriving in the mess that was life.
God has since blessed us with a sweet, clever, funny boy (my miracle baby) and three years later a beautiful, spunky, happy girl. I spent the week between my first and second trimester with my daughter in the hospital with COVID, but neither of us seem to have any lasting effects. After her birth, I gave my notice and quit the job I loved, for an even greater calling, motherhood.
As a former public school teacher who now stays at home with her precious kids, I sometimes feel like I’m missing my broader voice and impact on society. I want to use this blog to continue doing what I love and that’s teaching, encouraging, and inspiring others.
Fun Facts About Me
When I was thirteen I went on my first foreign mission trip to Nicaragua and cut my knee open to the bone. Had it stitched up in a mud floor “clinic” with ducks and dogs running in and out.
I went skydiving when I was eighteen after I graduated high school.
At nineteen I interned with a non-profit in Nicaragua for two and a half months in the summer and loved it.
Before I began teaching, I worked at a transition home for girls in state’s care.
During my time as a teacher I tutored after school at a group/transitional living home that was in my school district so I could work more closely and connect with those students outside classroom hours.
I still attended prom with my former students a year after I left teaching and took my four-year-old son as my date. So fun!