Gluten-Free Lactation Bars

This is for my breastfeeding mamas! But honestly, they are amazing even if you aren't breastfeeding, you can just omit the brewer's yeast. My friend made these for me when I was postpartum and I loved them so much and had to get the recipe from her, so thank you to my friend Taylor! These bars are so easy to make but also packed with tons of nutrients to help support postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. They are a great quick snack or dessert to have on hand!

GF Lactation Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar

• 1 Tbsp brewer's yeast

• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 2 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

• 5-6 dates, chopped

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1 Tbsp hemp seeds

• Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg. Crumple parchment paper and place in bottom of 8x8 pan.

2. Combine coconut sugar, brewer's yeast, flaxseed, and baking soda in a large bowl and mix well. (I use a stand mixer with paddle attachment)

3. Add peanut butter, coconut oil, and egg to the bowl and mix again until creamy.

4. Add in oats, dates, walnuts, hemp seeds, and chocolate chips, and mix again.

5. Pour into parchment-lined pan and press down with back of spatula or using fingers/hands.

6. Bake for 20 min and let cool before slicing.

Why I Chose to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom (And What It Really Looks Like)

Before I Became a Mom

Before I became a mother, I always assumed I would work at least part-time. After spending so much time, money, and effort becoming a physical therapist, a big part of my identity was tied to my career—growing professionally and helping my husband, West, grow his business.

Life felt very structured. It was a step-by-step approach: set goals, reach them, and then move on to the next thing.

When Everything Changed

Then I became a mom—and everything shifted.

My priorities were completely rearranged, and I felt a deep pull to be home with Noah as much as possible. At the same time, I didn’t fully understand what being a stay-at-home mom would require of me—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

And if I’m being honest, I didn’t fully understand the beauty of it either.

Why I Chose to Stay Home

I chose to stay home for several reasons.

First, I had a strong desire to be present for the everyday moments—the small things I didn’t want to miss. I think every new parent hears, “Enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast,” but it wasn’t until I stepped into motherhood that I truly felt the weight of those words.

Another reason was to support my husband. Being married to a business owner means his work doesn’t neatly start and end like a typical 9-to-5. It requires flexibility, time, and energy. Being able to create stability at home so he can lead and provide has been an important part of our family dynamic.

Most importantly, I felt the Lord leading me into this role. He has gently reshaped my perspective, showing me that motherhood is deeply purposeful—not lesser, as I may have once believed.

This is what felt right for our family in this season.

What I Thought It Would Be Like

I expected motherhood to feel cozy, calm, and relaxed.

I imagined slower days, more control over my schedule, and the ability to move through my day on my own timeline. In my mind, our home would always feel peaceful and put together—like something out of a movie (cue the image of Cinderella cleaning while humming with the birds).

What This Life Really Looks Like

In reality, those expectations sometimes set me up for disappointment.

The work of being a stay-at-home mom is often repetitive, unseen, and at times underappreciated. My “employees”—also known as my two boys—don’t always offer praise for a job well done, but the work still needs to get done.

As someone who thrives on routine, the lack of structure some days can feel overwhelming. Not being fully in control and carrying the mental load of the home can, at times, make me feel like I’m drowning.

This role has stretched me in so many ways. It is a true sacrifice—of time, independence, and often comfort.

But at the same time…

There is no part of me that would trade being present for the milestones, the one-on-one moments, or being the first face my boys see when they wake up and the last one they see before they go to sleep.

What a gift that is.

I’ve learned to find beauty in the mundane—folding laundry, washing dishes, picking up toys. I’ve found joy in creating rhythms and structure for my children and building a peaceful home environment for my family.

Being home has allowed me to foster deep, meaningful connections with my children and my husband—and for that, I am incredibly grateful.

How It Has Changed Me

This role has refined me in ways I never expected.

It has taught me to let go of control, to be more patient, and to become more selfless. It has slowed me down in the best way.

More than anything, it has drawn me closer to God.

I find myself praying more, inviting Him into the small, ordinary moments, and asking for wisdom and discernment in how to respond as a mother. He has used this season to shape me, gently pruning me and growing me into a better mother, wife, and friend.

The Misconceptions About Staying Home

There are a lot of misconceptions about being a stay-at-home mom.

That it’s easier than working. That you don’t contribute financially.That you “just stay home all day.”

In many ways, this role can feel harder.

There’s less adult interaction, constant communication challenges with little ones, and a mental load that rarely turns off. It’s not always easy to step out the door either—sometimes it truly feels like it takes an act of Congress to get everyone ready and out of the house.

At the same time, staying home has allowed us to save on the high cost of childcare, which plays a practical role in our decision as well.

While I may not be bringing in an income in this season, I am contributing to our family in deeply meaningful and foundational ways.

A Little Encouragement For You

If you’re considering staying home, I would gently encourage you to lean into that.

If there’s even a small part of you that feels called to it, take time to pray about it. Seek peace and clarity, and trust that the Lord will guide your decision.

This season with your children is so fleeting. I am so grateful I get to experience these small, everyday moments with them, knowing they won’t last forever.

If you’re already a stay-at-home mom and struggling—I see you.

There are days that feel like I'm in the trenches. But if no one has told you lately, let me remind you: you are doing a great job, mama.

This is hard work—but it is meaningful, kingdom work.

There is purpose in what you’re doing, even when it feels simple or repetitive. You don’t have to do it perfectly.

Ask the Lord to guide you in this role. Invite Him into your days. Surrender perfection, comparison, and pride.

This role is humbling—but it is also deeply beautiful.

Final Thoughts

While this life may not look impressive to the world, it is full, intentional, and rich for our family.

Choosing to stay home isn’t always easy—but for me, it has been so worth it.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything 🤍

Butter Chicken Recipe

I'm always wanting to make easy and quick recipes for dinner that are flavorful and toddler (and husband) approved! And this one is a keeper! It's been added to our dinner rotation and also makes for great leftovers. It comes together in less than 30 min and is a one pan dish so minimal cleanup! I like to serve with jasmine rice and sourdough naan.

Butter Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 medium onion, diced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 ½ - 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks

• 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste, or half of a 6oz can

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon paprika,

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Optional: rice or naan for serving

Instructions

1. Dice onion and mine garlic and ginger.

2. Heat large pan over medium-high heat. Add oil, butter, and onion and cook until onion turns golden, around 3 min.

3. Add garlic and ginger and mix for 30 seconds, careful not to let it burn.

4. Add chicken, tomato paste, and spices and cook for 5-6 min until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Add heavy cream and let simmer for 10 min, stirring occasionally.

6. Serve with rice and/or naan and enjoy!