Mom Jeans and Minivans momjeansandminivans

Well, this episode will give you some insight into why we’ve been off the grid for a while (with pop-in appearances from all the kiddos). Morgen and Trisha catch up on life, love, health, and family as they keep it real with all the big feelings. Life has a funny way of reminding us how short it is, what is truly important, and what we’re made of. Transitions and challenges are inevitable in life, and it’s how we handle them that builds our character.
Listen in to get an update on what has been happening in the lives of Morgen and Trisha, and give them an update on your own life at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.

Strap in for a heavy one. Trisha and Morgen dive into some significant life events they have recently experienced and are working through and processing. Trisha's twin sister, Jessica, moved her and the kids 10 hours away. Trisha and Jessica have been together for everything… their children's births, their marriages, Trisha's divorce, the birth of their children, all the way up to the passing of Jessica's husband two years ago. They have never been more than an hour apart. Morgen talks about the nostalgia of visiting with family she hasn't seen in over a decade, partaking in traditions and food recipes she had forgotten about, and even driving by her birth mother's house. There are phone calls, texts, FaceTime, and emails, but nothing can replace face-to-face interactions with the ones you love. Change is inevitable in life. It's how quickly you can adapt, make the most of your new situation, and embrace all that there is to learn along the way. 

Apparently, Trisha and Morgen need to record in the mornings because the energy level is palpable. And how appropriate as we introduce Morgen and Phil’s 3rd edition to the family, Harlow Rae! Trisha and Morgen catch up on life with the three and the dynamics in the home. They discuss the challenges of giving each child one-on-one attention while also managing big emotions and ensuring there is quiet downtime from the constant go. As the family grows and being working parents, it also means recruiting childcare to help out. You won’t want to miss Charlie and Auggie’s little voices at the end of this episode and the momfessions. Please don’t hesitate reach out and say hello at momjeansandminivins@yahoo.com

Get ready for some Morgen and Trisha squirrel moments because this episode got them. Every once in a while, Mom Jeans and Minivans likes to take a listener email and share their responses with the whole listening clan. Follow along as Morgen and Trisha tackle newborn bonding and entertainment, sensory bin ideas, their favorite children’s books, diaper-changing tricks, tv shows, and parental advice. It’s like eight mini-episodes rolled into one, a smorgasbord of topics. Enjoy! Reach out, and maybe you’ll make the next episode, momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com!

How do we teach gratitude to our children? Morgen and Trisha discuss how they have been handling the girls, who are four years old and with an influx of birthday parties to attend. Charlie has been struggling with gift-giving and being unable to keep or open the presents herself. Morgen can't help but wonder if there is more she should be doing to teach her about giving to others and ensure Charlie isn't becoming spoiled. Morgen is hoping Trisha is right and this is simply a phase. 🤞🏽
Trisha continues to teach Remi the importance of giving to children and people who are less fortunate. It is challenging to go into a store and not have Remi ask for toys, so Trisha made a rule that she will purchase a small item for Remi with every four toys she donates. 
What do you do to help teach gratitude to your children? Please share because, as parents, we are constantly learning and growing! Also, you're not going to want to miss our end of the episode mom-fessions! They're the best part. 

We’re talking 3’s today. Morgen is expecting baby #3, and Trisha is one of 3, with an older sister and twin sister (who also has three children!) There are 3s all around! So what’s the big difference going from 2 to 3 kids? How do the dynamics change except for the obvious, being officially outnumbered? We can say that 3, whether having three or having two siblings and being 1 of 3, definitely adds an extra layer of adventure. A.k.a., it’s pretty awesome! Con: Be ready to upgrade your vehicle to one with a third row. Space gets tight quickly with the bulky car seats.
Do you have three kids? Are you one of three? Are you thinking of having three? Write in and share! We can be reached at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.