As I was growing up, all I ever wanted was to get married and have children. I envisioned the house with the white picket fence, the perfect husband and perfect children. Children who would always be clean, never cry, eat everything, sleep well and never give me a hard time. All would be bliss.
And then I gave birth.
No handbook could have adequately prepared me for the sleepless nights, the colic, the spit up, the fatigue. And that was only in the first three months.
If you are a mom and you have ever, ever struggled with motherhood, even just one day, then this book is for you. The book is Finding Mommy Bliss: Discovering Unexpected Joy in Everyday Moments by Genny Heikka.
Often when reality sets in, the joy can exit. Motherhood is challenging and often those challenges can cloud the bliss which is right before us. If we let it. Genny offers pages of encouragement for every mom. Sharing from her own experiences, she offers wisdom gleaned from both her successes and her mistakes.
Genny reminds us that our children will probably remember and treasure the ordinary days. The days in which we muddle through homework and schedules and tantrums can be the very days in which we still can find laughter and joy.
Each chapter includes a tip (for survival), an experienced shared, questions for group discussion and/or personal reflection, Scripture and a prayer. Each topic is easy to relate to as they are everyday, ordinary circumstances in the life of every mother.
Genny will challenge every reader to face motherhood with anticipation, gratitude, love and joy. She will help moms to cherish each day of motherhood, recognizing that motherhood is a wild journey meant to grow us up at the same time our children are growing up. We can learn to navigate the tough and challenging days so as to become an example to our children.
This book will encourage and strengthen each mother. I highly recommend this book as I so enjoyed it. You will laugh. You will cry. You will find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as you come to realize – it is all going to be OK.
Genny Heikka is an author, speaker, and passionate mentor to moms and writers. Before having her own kids, she was busy climbing the corporate ladder. She quit her job to become a stay-at-home-mom. Today, she lives in Northern California with her husband and two kids, where she balances writing with motherhood and loves both.
**I was given a pdf of this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend the book as it will encourage you in taking on the most important and most cherished job of your life – motherhood.
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Tell His Story and Thurs. Favorite Things and Thrive at Home and Quitting Thurs. and Cozy Reading Spot and Booknificent Thurs. .
You are so good at these book reviews. You always have me convinced to purchase. It’s funny…some of these mom books I’ve thought I’m passed the days of reading because my kids are grown but I’m never done being a mom so I think I shall add this to my reading list. Thanks for always sharing with us what you are reading. I’m still working on Love Idol. I’m a slow reader…
Much love.
Beth – I read your comment & thought, “Perhaps they will prepare you for “Mimi-hood” 🙂 I have always been an avid reader & greatly enjoy passing along a review of a great read. May you have a blessed Mother’s Day!
Looks like a well thought out and researched book! Thanks for sharing it on Tina’s linky.
-Reshama @ Stackingbooks
It really was a most enjoyable read!
It’s so true that our kids will remember the ordinary days. Those are some of my kids’ favorite memories! Lovely post and great review, Joanne.
Thank you, Holly. My kids still remember the hot summer days & driving down the street to get a slush in the middle of the afternoon. Funny, I remember those days too! May you have a blessed Mother’s Day!
I’ve seen Genny’s book out and about on the Internet. I appreciate your review. This looks very good!
It will be a great resource for moms. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Jennifer!
I love that thought that kids will remember and treasure the ordinary days. I’m going to hold onto that! Thanks for sharing this with us at Booknificent Thursday! Loved it!
Tina
I am glad that thought resonated with you as well, Tina. I think so often we think it is the special days our kids will remember. I am finding out my children remember most what we did on the ordinary days which then made them special. Be blessed in raising your children!