Today we're talking ALL things preschool with some of the best - Jen Lofquist and Jess Esquivel from Kids Under Construction Preschool in Sterling, VA. https://kucpreschool.org/

Almost all parents know the impact a healthy preschool environment can have on kids' confidence, love for learning and emotional intelligence and this season is just so special in SO many ways. We discuss their favorite moments of teaching toddlers, when you know your child is ready for preschool, some REALLY practical tips for what to look for in a preschool (when you're child IS ready) and what the transition looks like for the entire family. One of my FAVORITE things is finding people who are truly walking in God's purpose for their lives and it exudes from who they are! These two are such a beautiful example of that and no matter what season you're in, I know you'll get SO much out of it!

The Director of KUC, Jen is a Mom of two amazing kids now thriving in their 20s and off in their own lives and lives in Ashburn with her husband! She began working at KUC Preschool in 2005 after applying to a job ad and became the Director in 2007. As she’ll share today, she has a tough time calling preschool teacher “work” because they just have so much fun and she loves how every day brings something new and different.

The Assistant Director of KUC, Jess Esquivel is a Mom of 3 (all of whom have gone to KUC) and lives with her husband in Sterling. She has a background in education and a passion for helping children grow into strong independent people. Jess’s favorite part of her job is helping children to know their beautiful confidence and learn their incredible strengths, which you’ll hear her share about today in our discussion.

If you’re local and in the market for a preschool for your child in the coming years, Kids Under Construction’s actual goal is that when a child leaves us they know they are loved, capable of anything they wish, and have the self confidence to go out and make their wishes reality, based in faith and love completely. You truly can’t ask for much more during these years.

Check them out here: https://kucpreschool.org/

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Today we're talking about the gift that keeps on giving: The Joy List - a powerful tool that highlights the little things that spark happiness in our lives, regardless of what’s happening around us.

It's SO easy to make and one of my favorite things to reference and use as I plan out my time. I share a few things on my list and some of the benefits it brings to your daily life.

What’s one thing on your joy list? Share it in the comments!

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Today on the pod, my friend Alicia Mott-Comitto shares her season of parenting through two NICU babies, the youngest of which has Klinefelter Syndrome. She’s honest about the grief that goes along with the expectations we set as parents, how trauma drives an out-of-body experience and how to get through it when you’re in the thick of it. She shares the honest realities of being a special needs parent and the stages of grief, but SO much joy, that comes with it.

This conversation is so relatable for any parent walking through hard seasons with kids, as we cover what to expect, what you need to remember and how SPECIFIC prayers are the best in the midst of these seasons.

Alicia Mott-Comitto is the Mom of 4 boys and lives with her husband in New York. She's a musician, author, certified meditation coach and facilitator on the app Insight Timer where her voice calms millions through daily meditations and music. Check her out here: https://insighttimer.com/AliciaMottComitto

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As we approach the Winter Solstice this Sunday, we're diving deep into what to expect in winter and how it shows up in our daily lives over the next few months. We share three questions to review what served you best in Spring, Summer and Fall, what you need to let go of and how to find light in the darkness this holiday season. You can download the Winter Purpose Page here and take it along with you to your holiday dinner as a conversation starter - www.seasonswithpurpose.org!

Our main goal for winter? Pruning. This is your official reminder that not everything needs to be carried into the next season with you.

- What do I need less of this winter?

- What are the biggest blessings of winter?

- What can I focus on this winter to get the most out of it?

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Today we're diving again into seasons of parenting, this time in the adoption world with my friend and neighbor Sara Freeman. We cover the truths of the adoption process, what they prayed for through all of the ups and downs of the process and the joy it's brought to the parenting triad - her and her husband, the biological parents and the adopted child.

Sara and her husband Shawn are the proud parents of a 9 year old son and two daughters - ages 23 and 7. Sara was born and raised in West Virginia before meeting the love of her life, getting married and moving to Loudoun County Virginia. She loves football, tattoos and will pick a book over a TV show any day. Her favorite moments in life are sitting in her family room with her family, cuddled up on the couch on a cold winter day!

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As I reflect on what I'm most thankful and grateful for this year, I wanted to share this story of a tough scoliosis diagnosis that my oldest received earlier this year and what we all learned in it. I'll cover the inconsistency in the industry right now, how we navigated them by continuing to ask questions and where we are nine months later! My prayer is that this helps anyone who has just received a Scoliosis diagnosis or is battling any medical diagnosis at this time.

I mention in the episode the program that we chose for our family and my daughter's situation that you can learn more about here - https://treatingscoliosis.com/. However, every diagnosis is different and please consult with multiple doctors before choosing the path that's right for you and your curve!

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My friend Ben Boyd has just begun a season of retirement that looks nothing like he thought it would, but is challenging him in ways he never thought possible. After losing his Mom in late 2023 and battling through a profound season of grief, he gained a whole new perspective on the question of "What’s Next?" With a lot of time, listening and grace, he's changed that question to "what's the next right thing?" and "does something HAVE to be always be next?"

We cover the power of relationships in grief and diving into new experiences, the lessons these seasons give and the power of decisiveness and grace in moving forward. Suggested for mature audiences, as we discuss the realities of hopelessness and finding your way out of the hardest seasons.

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Today we will dig into Anxiety and ADHD with Kellie Boyle, mental health specialist at ReProcess Therapy. We’ll discuss why there’s been such an increase in anxiety in the last ten years, what she really wants you to know about anxiety and ADHD and how EMDR therapy can work in healing trauma experiences. You can find Kellie at @reprocess_therapy, www.reprocesstherapy.com and kellie@reprocesstherapy.com.

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