Virtual Blog Tour

Happy Monday! I’m popping in with a short post today, to share a little bit about why I blog and how I go about it.

A couple weeks ago I was invited on a “virtual blog tour” by Renee who writes at Fit For Motherhood. I’ve gotten to know Renee through blogging, and love reading her posts and perspective, especially since we have a lot in common, as I’m about to join her in the “mom of four” club. She has FOUR girls, including a set of twins, and I’ve been so thankful to look up to her in her journey as she’s a stage ahead of me.

Here’s a little bit more about her:

“Renee is a wife and mom to four little girls, including a set of one year old twins. To say her life is busy is an understatement, but staying fit and healthy is important. She loves to inspire other moms to take care of themselves through healthy living. Being a mom is not easy, so taking the time to take care of yourself is a must. She encourages people to live a balanced lifestyle; everything in moderation. Renee loves to talk about all things family, fitness, food, and more; her girls are her top priority. Join her on her wild adventure through motherhood and life in general, all while trying to be fit and healthy; most of the time. She loves new recipes, trying different types of exercise, and enjoying her family.”

In addition to getting introduced to a couple new bloggers, the purpose of this blog tour is to share a little bit about why we blog and what goes through our minds when we do it. With that in mind, here are the questions I was asked to answer:

What am I working on? 

Right now I’m in the process of giving my blog a face lift! I’ve never really spent much time into making it “pretty” or user friendly, so that’s my mission! I want it to be a place where you can easily click around and find what you’re looking for, and a place where you are greeted with a little bit of beauty when you have a few minutes to get out of your own chaos.

How does my work differ from others in its genre? 

Good question. There are obviously thousands of mom bloggers out there. I guess what makes my work unique is that I like to think that no matter how much we have in common, God gives each of us a unique story to share, so that we can declare His glory and through the ups and downs, we can remember that we’re all in this together. You won’t find perfection here, but rather a place to relate to one another in our not perfect but beautiful journeys.

Why do I write what I do? 

I write because I have a heart for moms. Since becoming one, I’ve learned that much of what we do is done behind closed doors, and it’s easy to feel isolated in it. My hope is that by sharing real life moments I can remind every mom reading that we are in this journey together, that each of us has our own battles and victories, and that we aren’t expected to be perfect. Motherhood isn’t about sharing perfect pictures and our kids always being the most well-behaved or over-achieving. It’s about loving our kids with the love of Christ so they can grow to be world changers! When moms are filled up and encouraged, I believe we have the power to be the best moms we can be to our littles! And so I’ll keep writing!

How does my writing process work?

In a perfect world, I’d schedule my blog posts and have them done weeks in advance. However, life isn’t perfect, and I haven’t been dealt much extra time. I suppose in a way it technically makes me a “bad blogger” but I like to think it leaves room for the Holy Spirit to direct me and lay upon my heart what he wants me to share. When I feel like the Lord is laying something on my heart, I’ll make a note of it in my phone. I have a running list of topics, and then when I have time to write, I pray about which one to choose and start typing away. It’s always amazing how God uses my most vulnerable moments and posts to connect with other moms. Someday maybe I’ll have more time to be a “good blogger” and write more methodically, but until then, I’ll keep soaking in His grace and sharing my heart as He leads and my life allows.

Okay, now I have the chance to pass on the torch and ask another blogger to join us on the tour. When I thought about my readers and who you’d be encouraged by, my friend Laura immediate jumped into my mind. She and I are contributors for a local blog called Twin Cities Moms Blog, and have become great friends. Laura has a blog called Oakland Avenue, and I am continually blessed by each post. She is clever, witty, hilarious, and writes with complete honesty about her journey in motherhood so far. Here’s a little more about Laura:

Laura is a stay-at-home mom to Eli, a chubby, blue-eyed, and often literally bouncing, baby boy who will soon be knocked off his throne with a sibling coming in December. Laura stumbled into motherhood unexpectedly, but so far she’s fared better than anyone ever thought she would. Laura loves drinking her coffee while it’s still hot, DIYing (always with the goal of not severing any limbs), and is feared by to-do lists around the world. If you want to see sweat or hear her loud, anxious laugh, just ask her about how motherhood is going. She writes her honest (sometimes too honest, but who’s judging, right?) thoughts on motherhood on her blog, Oakland Avenue.

You can follow Laura on Facebook here, and on Instagram here.

Thank you for taking time to read a not so normal post, and thanks again to Renee for inviting me!

I’ll be back later today or tomorrow with a “real post”!

XOXO,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!