We’ve been unemployed. A lot. More than we like to talk about because, well, unemployment hurts. Unemployment is a soul-crushing pain. Something that right now, 1 in 25 people are experiencing in our country. Which in our lifetime, our country saw its second highest unemployment rate in the last fifty years; ten percent of the […]
A Real Story of Unemployment
5 Ways to Work Working-Out Into #MomLife
I found myself at my highest weight post-baby two months into my husband’s unemployment. I was legitimately eating my feelings. I worked a part-time job and felt I was too busy to make it to the gym–or too overwhelmed. Whatever free time I had, I wanted to spend it in the bathtub with a bath […]
My Most Shameful Moment
Five years ago, I found myself in a unique situation. I was 22-years-old, teaching a bunch of sixteen and seventeen-year-old high school students. I was halfway through my student teaching experience. I was sleep deprived and a bit cocky. I thought I was much more mature than I was until I faced my most shameful […]
#FigAdventures | 2017 Rewind
2017 was a massive year of growth for our family. We were stretched and fortified. We learned to focus on what truly matters and makes us happiest. We humbled ourselves often–many times, without choice. However, we ended the year on the happiest note that we have had in a while. In one word, I’d […]
Be a Light & Attract Light | 2018 Goals
Yesterday, Adam and I gave talks in church to our ward (congregation) on the Light of Christ. I don’t feel like that was a coincidence because this entire month, I’ve been thinking about how I can help others and be joyful each day. I want light to permeate each aspect of my life this year: […]
National Adoption Month: Finding You & Giveaway
Hey, birth-mom! I’m looking for you. I want to find you. I’ve written several posts throughout the last few years, regarding my adoption and emotions around the issue. I’ve talked about the statistics and what I want people to know about being adopted. A year ago, I received my DNA results. I found out what […]
National Adoption Month: Yep, I’m Adopted & Adoption Statistics You Should Know
Adoption. Some people treat even the suggestion of it as if it were a four-letter word. When a woman finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she sees three options: 1. Abort the baby 2. Raise the baby 3. Place the baby for adoption Most women find even the idea of carrying a baby that you will not […]
To my toddler: I love you. I’m proud of you.
To my toddler, things are busy: You are busy. My mind is busy. We are both doing our best. I may tell you “no” or “please make the right decision” all too often, but what I do know is that when I look at you, I feel an immense amount of love. It surpasses the […]
Fig Happenings // vol. 1 Graduation Recap & Why You Should Get A Degree
It took me exactly three years to finish my Master’s degree and arrive at graduation. The day I graduated with my Master’s in English–Technical Writing was the first day I ever set foot on the Northern Arizona University campus. Flagstaff is stunning. Truly. You quickly pass from the desert into mountains which seem to pull […]
Passholder Secrets: Rock Your Disney Trip [Even with a Toddler]
I grew up with a Disneyland pass for the majority of my childhood. I learned a lot in those years. Here are my top Disneyland pass holder secrets. Let’s kick it. 1. Skip the traditional entrance and security lines. So this lil’ tip requires you going through Downtown Disney. If the security lines are awful, enter […]