S2 E1 Fresh Starts & Full Hearts: Launching Season Two

Join Robin and Nicole in the second season of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle.' This episode sets the stage for a season filled with themed miniseries on challenging topics such as estrangement, difficult conversations, holidays, and personal growth. Robin and Nicole provide life updates, reflecting on the transitions they've navigated, from new jobs to supporting their families. With honest, real conversations and a touch of humor, this episode invites you to be part of their virtual village, offering support and resources for moms navigating the messy middle of life.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two: Embracing the Messy Middle

01:00 Catching Up: Life Updates and New Beginnings

01:41 A Journey of Faith and Employment

11:32 Navigating Estrangement and Finding Hope

14:17 Soul-Based Businesses and Personal Growth

19:25 Balancing Business and Motherhood

19:44 Introducing Robin's Wellness and Leadership Initiatives

20:44 Navigating Community and Personal Growth

22:06 The Importance of Human Connection

25:07 Challenges of Capitalism and Patriarchy

27:15 Season Two Preview and Upcoming Topics

29:25 Motherhood Updates and Personal Reflections

35:45 Closing Remarks and Future Support

Thanks for joining us in the Messy Middle!

Ready for more real talk and soulful support? Head to motherhoodandthemessy.com for resources, freebies, and our latest episodes.

Explore the Resource Vault - packed with free tools and more, to support you in every season of motherhood: Click Here

Let’s connect on Instagram:
@robin.wellness | @heygirl_itsnicole | @motherhoodandthemessymiddle

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review-it helps other moms find our virtual village.

This podcast is for moms navigating the real, raw, and redeeming parts of motherhood-and we’re so glad you’re here.

Transcript

0:00

Welcome to Motherhood and the Messy Middle where grade school meets grown kids, hot flashes, meets holy fire, and no topic is too messy for this village. I'm Robin. And I'm Nicole. We're two moms who slid into each other's dms and built a deep friendship without ever meeting in person. We've created a virtual village and we're inviting you in. This is season two, and we're continuing our mission of normalizing the messy middle through real connecting conversations between friends who are living it right alongside you. We'll be experimenting this season with themed miniseries on topics like estrangement, difficult conversations, holidays and personal growth, always with honesty, hope, and maybe even a little laughter because we know that motherhood and midlife, it can stretch you spiritually, emotionally, hormonally, sometimes all before breakfast. So whether you're raising littles, navigating midlife, or just tired of pretending that you're fine, this space is for you. So let's dive in.

Robin: 1:00

Hi Nicole.

Nicole: 1:02

Hey,

Robin: 1:02

Robin. I just popped that record button on you because here's the deal. It's season two and we are literally in. A new season of life, of this podcast, of business, of so many things. And I just wanted to press record because we have a lot to catch up on. Yep. And our audience, we're bringing'em alongside this real conversation, catching up. So how goes it my friend?

Nicole: 1:29

It's great. The last episode. Everyone's been hearing our episodes weekly, but we haven't recorded in a hot minute. We had batched recorded our episodes, so it's been a while since we recorded. So the la the last episode we released was, uh, we talked about how I had lost my job. So one huge life update is that I now have a job, beyond Yay, beyond your job. You gotta tell him.

Robin: 1:53

It's so exciting. I can, I'm bouncing out of my skin over here because it's just so. Incredible. Yeah, the miracles and being able to be on this journey with you. But I'm gonna Okay, go, go. You, you.

Nicole: 2:07

Okay. So my husband and I worked at the same organization and so he is, a trained chef. I dunno, is that how you say it? He went to culinary school, he did all things, but he wasn't working in the field. We found out about this organization. That, brings hot meals to people who are, who have experienced a disaster. So he started volunteering with them and got connected. When the floods in Texas happened in July, he was able to go down there and serve. And because we didn't have full-time jobs, he was able to stay for an extended amount of time. So I was able to go visit him and I really got to know the people down there and it was. It was a really, really amazing experience just'cause you could feel the Holy Spirit. And it was like so powerful. And I came home and a couple weeks later they emailed and they were like, Hey, they emailed Mark and they're like, Hey, can we get Nicole's resume? And it was such a, like, so many times we walk through these things that are like shocking and we know God has a plan because God always has a plan, but we don't always get to see God's whole plan. So when we got, when we both got laid off, we kept feeling like there was a plan, but obviously what do we know? And so to see that, like now my husband is employed full-time at this organization and me going to visit and I was sitting next to the founders and the CEOs at dinner. They do like a huge family dinner and I was talking to someone across the table about everything that Mark did at our other organizations, trying to really share like he's, he'd be. He could help in all, all sorts of other ways, not even just cooking. And I ended up inadvertently, I think, selling myself because we did the same job. So then for them to ask for my resume and then ultimately I'm now full-time on staff, is very humbling because when we got laid off, I was like, how am I ever gonna find a job that has these same. These same things that are work for our family. We were prepared for our kids to have to take,'cause we work remotely and we had the flexibility to go pick up our kids from school and we were home with them when they got home. And I just was like, how are we ever gonna find that? We're not gonna find that. That's, it's too good to be true. But no, God was like, bet let me, let me show you what I can do. And so he's shown up It's phenomenal all the ways. Just the way it offers flexibility and can I talk about money? Like it just the, the, I had to. I'm fumbling with my words and my last, well, it's messy,

Robin: 4:26

middle, and like, here's the deal. There are things that are very hard to have conversations about, right? Like, it used to be the phrase like, sex, drugs, and rock and roll and, yeah. Or no, that's maybe not it. It's like, nevermind. I don't, I'm, I'm flipping my, my phrases here, but, um. Yeah, you can talk about it. This is where we have uncomfortable conversations. You don't have to share specific numbers, but like the reality of women and, you know mm-hmm. Our self-worth and all of those things. Mm-hmm. It's real. So yes, share that. And I am like making lists over here of things that I've been wanting to interject and just celebrate. So keep going, keep

Nicole: 5:00

going. I have

Robin: 5:01

things that I wanna share

Nicole: 5:02

about you

Robin: 5:02

too.

Nicole: 5:03

So last year or the year before, I had asked my, my boss at the time,. For a pay increase. And it took about a year to even have the full conversation and I was met with a lot of resistance and it really made me feel like, no one knows what I do there. I really, really questioned my worth as what am I doing here? And does anyone, val, no one values me? And so then to be met with the Lord showing up in this capacity and this substantial increase that I am. Making and then able to provide for my household Not only that, but I get really self-conscious of my words, which is why sometimes I don't say a lot on this podcast. I, it's been an evolution of me starting out being super quiet and having to evolve and be like, no, say more. You can talk more. I'm so self-conscious of talking too much and then now to see how much the Lord is using my words. From writing with anything that, anything that I create with my own entrepreneurial business is through my words. And now, what got me this job is writing and my words and the way that I communicate, and it's just really full circle to see that the Lord's using my biggest insecurity in the greatest way. Just to feel so seen and validated in this organization so far is. I, it's, it's so humbling and exciting.

Robin: 6:18

So

Nicole: 6:18

yes,

Robin: 6:19

I'm just, you should be so proud of yourself. I am so proud of you. And a couple things that I want to say. First of all, you used the word bet, which I like, almost spit out my coffee as I was drinking it.'cause I'm like, could she be a teen boy mom anymore than saying bet in there. So for those of us who are listening who might not know what that word means, why don't you go ahead and explain that one?

Nicole: 6:48

I don't even know how to explain it. It's just like a checkmate, okay, like here we go. Like,

Robin: 6:57

oh, it's just all wonderful. It's like

Nicole: 6:59

every, every time my kids eat something good, what is, what is it that we say now I'm blanking. I dunno. Well, we have a

Robin: 7:04

lot of sleigh queen over here, so. Oh, okay. But I do have, you know, a theater, a very theatrical Oh,

Nicole: 7:10

they say Busin? They still say Busin. Oh, I don't, I've never

Robin: 7:13

even heard that one.

Nicole: 7:14

Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah. So like at dinner last night, they ate dinner. Like this is Busin.

Robin: 7:17

Yeah. Well that's amazing. I wanna highlight a couple things though about your journey with, um. Getting, uh, getting laid off and then employed as well. One is that, you know, as you just mentioned about your words and your, your faith, you know, bringing you into all of this, um, it's really beautiful as your friend to see the partnership that you and Mark have and that as he was called to this service work, you both as Christians who are truly living. What Jesus teaches.

Nicole: 7:50

Mm-hmm.

Robin: 7:50

And not only that, you've both been, both of the organizations that you were working for are Christian organizations. Mm-hmm. And to see the stark contrast between the previous one that was not really living the values mm-hmm. And the way that it was, they were treating their employees, including not providing, um, unemployment, which was a huge learning piece for both you and I. Right. Wow. You know? Yeah. And then now to be involved with Mercy Chefs and like from the inside out, every single piece, I literally get goosebumps.

Nicole: 8:20

Mm-hmm.

Robin: 8:21

Seeing the work, even, you know, having them highlighted on Good Morning America. Right. And that your husband got, was involved and was just lit up about the soul based work that you've been doing supporting women moms. From, you know, teen connection to the power of prayer, to now formulating it even more around, um, estrangement and disconnection from your adult kids. He asked you when you went to travel to be with him for your anniversary to bring your workbook. That is Yeah. Uh, you know, in, in the fly, like you have all these downloadable resources. Mm-hmm. But you've printed that workbook and so that was a really huge component of. Showcasing what you do, and so they saw your talents and mm-hmm. Though it's a position that is defined, like you're getting to shape it even more so because of your gifts and so, mm-hmm. I just think it's really beautiful and for me, it also reminds me that. You know, one of the issues I'm having in the world right now is that people use different term terminology to define themselves or even position themselves, especially around Christianity. Mm-hmm. And the demonstration of these two organizations, these nonprofits that you are working with, that both, you know, are, are Christian, but like it shows up in different ways. It's just so evident that we need to be getting to the root, right? Mm-hmm. And like the real connection of people who are. From the inside out, truly serving and doing mm-hmm. The work and living it. Mm-hmm. And, um, it, so it's like a breath of fresh air for me as your friend. Mm-hmm. Seeing that,'cause it was awfully disheartening hearing you going through what you were, um, in the previous organization. So,

Nicole: 10:07

yeah.

Robin: 10:07

Yay. So that's work stuff. Yep. And, um, you also have, let's con just continue with the highlight on you because part of the seasonal, um, shift is you are still, um, the phrase that I'm, I've, I'm beginning to use, I, I was saying that we were, you know, soul based business besties. Mm-hmm. But really we're solopreneurs. You know, we, we run our. Our soul-based businesses as individuals. And so I've merged all those words together and we are now, as you always do so beautifully. I, well, I'm gonna create a new language at some point that's like, okay, when someone came, like, when Ginormus became part of the English like dictionary Marian Webster dictionary, I was like, yes. Okay, so we can do this, we can merge these words together because it helps. Um, but we are soul led.'cause we're solo, but we're soul led. It's really God, you know, bringing us, um, into the work. And both of our works are, are nuanced a little differently, but about, um, you know, really helping to support women moms and, and you have had exponential growth and what you are providing for, for women in your community. Can you just speak on that for a little bit?

Nicole: 11:23

Yeah, you know, a different avenue, but God's just done a lot in a really short period of time in the last It's only been what, three months? It's just been, yeah, he's so, he's doing a lot. Um, so my, we, when my original estrangement episodes, we talked about me starting the online community for women and there was just a couple of us in there. And so we've grown, I think this week we hit. We got, we hit over 50 women in the community, which is phenomenal and amazing. And it's, um, we did our, we're doing a book study together. We're having our first Zoom meetup on this weekend on Sunday. And so that's been, that's been amazing. And um, there's been over a thousand women who have downloaded, my free devotional that's out there for people and just for us. And where can they find that? You can find it on my website, nicole coates.com or on my inst in my Instagram bio. So that's been amazing and I, and my prayer is just that, uh, my prayer through any of the work that I do is that women find hope. I think we, there's lots of places to talk about estrangement, especially on the internet. And I think, but I think mine is focused where we can find our hope, because I don't have, I don't have, I'm not gonna be able to help you fix it. I don't, I don't have, I'm not a psychologist, I don't have that, um, degree behind, you know, the everything behind my name that, that educational experience. But I've had an encounter with Jesus that I hope can help other women find hope and. In how we navigate this waiting period when we're waiting for these re relationships to repair, or maybe they won't. And so then how do you continue on with life? Um, and so my resources are really focused around finding hope and really you don't necessarily have to be walking through estrangement to use them. It's just that's where it feels like the Lord is calling me to, because that's what I'm walking through. And it's really easy to talk about what you're walking through. Mm-hmm. It's been really profound and, um, it's an honor to walk with these women and they carry a lot of grief and hope simultaneously, which is why our community is called Between hope and Heartbreak, because that's what kind of where we live sometimes. And honestly, again, not even just related to estrangement. So many of us are living in that in between and holding both

Robin: 13:46

Yeah, I mean, especially with, um, just the weight of the world has been feeling heavier and heavier with, you know, mass school shootings, um, the political violence that continues to escalate. Um, and, you know, I, I want to get into the seasonal shifts that are happening for us as mothers, but, um, I would like to just continue the thread of what you are updating around the, um, our, our. Our work. Style. Um, because hope and heartbreak and you focusing on women with, um, the, the laser focus on estrangement, but in general, you know, moms, we all feel that and that's what I've been called to with my work mm-hmm. As well because, you know, there were all these different derivations of when I. Left public education. Um, it was'cause I was forced into it. I had my own mental and physical, just crippling. That happened in 2017 and it came alongside motherhood. Mm-hmm. That was part of my healing of my complex PTSD. I had witnessed my mother's murder when I was in kindergarten. My entire adult life was dealing with the impending parole of her murderer and then. Many other factors, right? But that's the biggest piece of the highlight. And as I was putting all of those pieces back together in my life that was alongside struggling with my weight my entire life, which directly impacts my ability to show up and shine in the world. And what I have seen through all of this is that there is no one size fits all. And I just value so much that your work is honoring that same light and language. And it's even what has led us to be connected. And grow this incredible relationship and platform and virtual village because we come at it from different lenses, but it's the same aspect around. We truly each have our individual paths, and yes, we are connected and need each other to be inspirational, supportive, to have guidance, mentorship, but especially as moms and navigating this middle time of life, this is our time to step into our true power, being connected with our higher power, whatever we choose to call it. And. Become our own inner coach and, and really cultivate hope. Right? Um, so, you know, my work has really come together. I just think back to like the first time when we were pressing record, I had just resigned. Um, I was doing a marketing coordination position for a nonprofit, right? I work closely with a Franciscan, uh, interfaith spiritual. Community and retreat center where I've hosted over a dozen retreats now and I'm doing a lot of online offerings with, um, spiritual deepening book studies. And I, I wanted this summer, this last summer to be about resting and rooting and really recalibrating and'cause I like alliteration apparently. So everything has to be with an R for, you know, Robin Richards. Um, to, to figure out, you know, what is this that I've been called to do. And I've been doing it for, for over a decade around holistic weight loss and wellness. But really what is the path? Like how am I going to deliver these things and how does it all fit in this umbrella of what I, the work and Right. We, you know, part of that calling was, was this podcast and, um. The first time we pressed record, like I had my hair done and makeup on, and now here we are, you know, choosing to, we're like, I just can't, and I'm like, I'm too messy.

Nicole: 17:29

It's so, I feel like it's so much better. I feel like I, I mean like, I know we're not releasing the videos anymore necessarily, but like I just feel like I don't have to. I, because I What? I real, I'm sorry. Really? You still look amazing. I am over here with like frilly frills and I don't, no, I just put a hat on and glasses on. But like every time I record it, I'm like, man, my face, like, it just, I have that, what is it? The resting. Resting B face.

Robin: 17:51

Yeah. Be.

Nicole: 17:52

And so then I felt like I was like super, like eh. And then smiling. It just felt awkward. And it's so much better without the video, I feel like, okay, anyways, go ahead, keep going.

Robin: 18:00

But even that has shifted, right? Right. Like we're just getting a, like we had, we're figuring it out essentially more space to be able to show up how we needed to prepare a little bit more. Sure. And now it's just like. We figured, okay, we're called, things are clicking in and here we go. And for me, that was really formulating the balance your body methodology, writing the ebook, getting the, um, customer journey really a, a aligned so that the soul meets science systems that support holistic weight loss and wellness are in there. So, you know. Mm-hmm. People can come and get the, the ebook, um, at robins wellness.com, and you can choose to enter into the Balance your Body four day reset and do it whenever you want, or, you know, monthly. I'm offering, I'm offering a live reset. And then there's some other, um, pieces that, um, are even more connecting and intimate around, uh, one-on-one personal wellness planning and coaching. And then also mm-hmm. Some online, monthly, uh, meetups that I'm doing as well. But with all of that, it's just been so powerful to see the unfolding. Like I wasn't expecting to do any of those pieces this summer and I entered into the school year with them already built, and now it's just putting some more of the fine tuning in place. Um, especially. In order to run your own business alongside motherhood and everything else. You know, I'm really big into systems. Mm-hmm. And creating the structure, you're really good at

Nicole: 19:37

them.

Robin: 19:38

Well, and that's where you and I haven't talked, um, a lot about the other. These other pieces of my business. So Robin's Wellness, what I truly see it as is a place to not only live holistically well mm-hmm, mm-hmm. But also lead leadership. Mm-hmm. And learn, uh, because the truth is, is that I'm an educational leader. That's what I devoted my professional life, the fruit. First 13 years too, as well as the nutrition coaching and the reiki energy healing. And to me, it, there isn't a separation. And one of the most exciting things that, uh, my husband and I are experimenting with is, um. Developing, uh, a leadership component of Robin's Wild Nest called Comprehensive Leaders. And it's actually actually a partnership between the two of us. Um, so we'll see how that, you know, continues to emerge. Um, it's exciting and I am just feeling all of these nudges from God and moving forward with them. And a huge part of that for me is that my daughter has now entered into fifth grade. Our elementary school has just been this beautiful, beautiful place of safety and stability, uh, community connections. I'm really involved with our community and I'm nervous about the transition to middle school and just really being present with what is now, as well as preparing for the future transition and. The future in general, I, I can't not be who I am, which is a person that sees and feels deeply. Mm-hmm. And there have been points in my life where that has, uh, challenged my ability to be healthy and, and strong and see the light even in the darkness, but I can continue to work on those things. Mm-hmm. And know that if we each just did one small little thing to shine our light and share that with another. Human. Mm-hmm. And then they did that. That's really, that's really what would bring the biggest benefit to this world. Um, and it is through big things as well, right? And participating in the ways that are aligned to help, support and serve. But it's also in all of those little. Little pieces. So

Nicole: 22:06

it's, so much goes back to connection and I feel like that's, you know, our, because

Robin: 22:10

we're living in a disconnected world. Yeah. Right.

Nicole: 22:12

Exactly. We're living and, and, it's so much because we've gotten so comfortable with technology and I feel like that's maybe a little bit of an oxymoron because we're coming to you through technology and we've never met in person.

Robin: 22:21

Right. And we've

Nicole: 22:22

never met in person. But it is this, it is this. We've gotten comfortable living behind a screen and, um. And we've taken away the in-person connection and that is so valuable and it has allowed us to minimize the importance of seeing someone as human. And so when I am connecting with you in person or sharing that little bit of light, that's creating, it's, it's a, it's contagious. Mm-hmm. And it helps someone feel. And it reminds them that like we're, we're, we're all human and we can show kindness and love. And I and I, yeah. So I a hundred percent agree with you, and I think, and I hope that that's what you and I are doing. We're here virtually and we, but we are sharing about how we're choosing to intentionally connect. We're using technology to be intentional, to create connection. Not that it's, we're, we're not, and we're not stopping at. Just technology. We're expanding past that and meeting people in their need and in. Our day to day, because that's so important to each of us. Mm-hmm.

Robin: 23:34

And it's the authenticity as well. And I think as we continue to step into automation and artificial mm-hmm. Intelligence, which is such a great gift. I mean, look at the speed in which we can connect, you know, across the world and that we can create and all of those things, but. At the end of the day, our ancestral roots need us, especially as women, to come together in circle. Mm-hmm. Which is not necessarily being physically in a perfect, you know, shape. It's about a circle is a container. Mm-hmm. Where there is no better or worse. Mm-hmm. And you are holding hands. Mm-hmm. And highlighting each and every one per each and every person while. Being held yourself, and that's the true feminine power of what villages. Had with women holding it and being together with our children, with multi-generations, with storytelling, with true connection. And we can do that in the virtual space and it feels different. Mm-hmm. And we. I believe that we are going to see a shift in what it truly means to be an intentional, conscious creator. Mm-hmm. In virtual communities and spaces, and that the time of the corporate. Pardon my French, but it's true bullshit. It's just bullshit. Mm-hmm. Pushing profits over people. Right. And unfortunately that's capitalism and that's what our country has been founded on. Mm-hmm. And the, the push for attention that our primitive brains attract more to fear. And division. Right. And selfishness around this is mine. And if you have that, then I don't have enough. Right. That's capitalism and that is the patriarchy. It's not one person, it's not one religion, it's not one color, it's not one class. It's something that we all are living in. Mm-hmm. And that we all get to decide when we're aware of it, how we make these little shifts. To help bring a better future. Doesn't mean demolishing everything. That was, it means learning and leaning into Right what we know works. And for you and I, Nicole, that's love. Right? That's love.

Nicole: 26:09

Right. And it, I think that like with the work that you're doing where you're, and you're creating those, you talked about containers, you're creating those containers with like your resets and how you said when your work with um. The Christine Center. Okay. I didn't know if we were saying the name. Yeah. The Christine Center. Yep. With the retreats, the Franciscan interfaith. Yep. Right. With the retreats that you offer, there are these, these resources of like how you can, you can have that connection and that village, um, and like with my community, like, yes, it's virtual, but we're trying to create a space that even that meets you in that virtual connection, but take it more than just. You know, a download or a prerecorded thing. We're trying to be really intentional. Not that those, they're not less value to those things, but you and I, in, in our, how we relate so much is that we're trying to bring that connection and that that authenticity and the genuine like love behind loving another human being and wanting to meet them where they're at and provide them with what they might need. It's what connects you and I so much

Robin: 27:12

and what's called us for this new season. So let me just preview for everyone what it's gonna be like this season. Um, so we've decided that the first 20 episodes are the first season. We are so proud of, uh, each and every one of those. We did 20 episodes. Yay. I know. Yay. And now we're entering season two, and in this season you're gonna have, um, the opportunity to listen once a week. And we are going to be bundling episodes together into a thematic series. So the first series we're gonna enter into is to support. Women who are navigating estrangement. Mm-hmm. So you can look forward to that. Then we are entering into a really dynamic and challenging holiday season. So we're gonna have some sprinklings of holiday episodes where we, with intention and love, are going to pull together some resources to support you as you're navigating these holidays and these fun and often challenging topics. And then we, um. Speaking of challenging topics, we're gonna do a series on having some courageous conversations on some difficult topics that are swirling in our world and on our hearts, and. The hope is that we're gonna end the, um, year of 2026 and enter into, or excuse me, end 2025 and enter into 2026 with a special series that's all about, um, the chakras, the energy centers, and, um, really support you in balancing your subtle energy body and understanding that it's not something to be scared of, that it actually enhances wherever you are in your understanding of. Mind, body, spirit, and your expression of that. So that's what's coming forward in the future. Now I wanna be mindful of time because the other part that we've gotten great feedback around is that our episodes are really consumable and mm-hmm. That means that we're not doing, you know, full hour long episodes. We're creating. Crafting them so that they are, you know, us talking in a time period that would be like, you know, getting on a quick phone call. Yeah. That really is ever quick. Right? Yeah. So with that, Nicole, let's wrap up this episode. But before we do that, let's just give, um, each try to take one or two minutes and give an update around motherhood and the big shift that we've seen. Now that we are in the fall of 2025.

Nicole: 29:38

Shift in our household is my 16-year-old finally got his driver's license. Whoa. He, he had to take the, the written test a couple of times, but I think it's because he didn't actually study. I think he thought he'd be able to just go in and do it. And I made him go in and get physically pick up the book after failing it the second time. And then the third time we magically passed. So shocking. Teenager thought he already knew everything. That's shocking. Not really at all. Um, but motherhood. But

Robin: 30:03

I tried. I tried, I tried.

Nicole: 30:07

Oh, but motherhood's in full swing, we've got now one high schooler and two middle schoolers, and, my youngest is adjusting to middle school. Lovely. I might edit this part out, but our youngest was officially diagnosed on the spectrum, which we anticipated, and it was not shocking. Super excited that we can get him some more resources that he needs. So we now have two kids on the spectrum that are thriving and we are here to support and help give them whatever they need. And we're going, we're in full soccer swing. My middle schooler, my older middle schooler,'cause now I have two in middle school. Uh, so as a reminder, I have 16, 13, and 12. And then my 22 year old's daughter, um, but we're in full soccer swing. He plays club soccer, so they're in Denver for a tournament right now. And it's going good. We're navigating dating. Two of my boys have girlfriends. Oh my gosh. So that's, you know, we're navigating that. All the fun things. My oldest is in theater. He is in full swing of one of their plays, getting ready for their next performance and yeah, life is good. Exciting. Yeah. What about you?

Robin: 31:11

Well, I was really, when we were Marco polling recently and you were like, Robin. The one who was really making me drive all over the place. He drives himself now. It's like, and it's created space for you, like, yeah,

Nicole: 31:24

we were talking about the schedules and it's like, oh, well, like I don't, my schedule feels much freer because he just gets himself.'cause he has a job and he has theater and he has school, but he, he bought my mom's. 1995 minivan. He just drives that around. Does he have a name for the vehicle

Robin: 31:41

yet? I

Nicole: 31:41

think he, I don't know. I think he should

Robin: 31:43

though. Yeah. Yeah. Well you'll have to update us on that. Yeah, well counter to that. I am not, uh, with a driver. You're driving. I still You're driving everywhere. Driving. I have. One daughter, fifth grade, um, she's just thriving in fifth grade. The first day of school she came out literally skipping and spinning and aw, when she enters school each day, she hugs every single one of her teachers, which includes me'cause I was her kindergarten online homeschool teacher during COVID. So we're really seeing, um, just this beautiful, you know, evolution of her during this time. Um, and. Uh, we started school last week right after Labor Day here in, in Minnesota, and now this week has been like two thirds of her activities and next week is full swing. Insane. So I'm feeling a bit of whiplash. Mm-hmm. Um, I also traveled this last week, uh, for work with the, with the Christine Center. And so, um, I'm. Just rem remembering and reminding myself, and I hope to remind each and every one of you that our seasons shift and that even though the calendar turns a page or the schedule, you know, is right there, it takes some time to settle into it and. Figure out what that, that rhythm and routine is. But you know, the thing that's given me more space, this is such a wild thing, is that my daughter, she eats school lunches every day now. And, um, nutrition is really important for me and for us, and we've, that was a navigating. That journey because, um, I don't want to say anything that's detrimental to school food supports because there are people that, that is their only source mm-hmm. Of getting, um, some balanced nutrition and it's a very privileged place to even be able to offer something outside of that.

Nicole: 33:35

Mm-hmm.

Robin: 33:36

But with my daughter and her needs, we avoid the school breakfast because it's a very high sugar content and it helps her to have a balanced blood sugar for her attention, for her anxiety. Mm-hmm. For all of those. Mm-hmm. It's why I, I do what I do with holistic weight loss and wellness women. That's a good point. I never really thought about that. I really thought about that. Yeah. I was just having a conversation with a girlfriend son is newly diagnosed with A DHD and the first thing I asked her is, what are you doing in breakfast? Because loading them with protein in the morning can really help with, um. Helping their body to settle and then their brain to engage throughout the day. We just

Nicole: 34:09

naturally do that because we have, I don't, I just, it was just boys. So with boys, they, they just consume so much freaking food, and so we just have always naturally done that. But I didn't really ever think about. It in that way.

Robin: 34:23

Yeah, yeah. But it's freed up space for me and she's like preparing food herself. So in the morning that's just been amazing. Of course. Just absolutely amazing. And since last school year, we also have these kittens that are really like giant cats now and she has responsibilities around, um, them as well. And it's just been a lot of really, really great things. And in. The background is, you know, and then it seeps into my heart continuously is just a lot of heavy stuff in the world and what's my part and how do I, I help support that. So that'll be part of our ha hard conversations and, and more, right?'cause we sprinkle in just who we are, but. Wow. I'm really excited for, um, what's gonna unfold this season. And then for the next series where we're gonna go into estrangement mm-hmm. And supporting women moms. Not only if you are in that really heavy season of estrangement, but it is just any season where. There's grief,

Nicole: 35:29

right? Any season of grief. Mm-hmm. Um, and waiting on God and yeah, your resources and your tools that you're using, and when you're in the wait and, yeah.

Robin: 35:39

All right, so with that, we will see you next time.

Nicole: 35:43

Bye guys.

Robin: 35:44

Bye.

35:45

Hey, before you go, this podcast is made possible by our soul led solopreneur businesses, nicole coates.com, where Nicole's helping moms navigate the pain of distance or estrangement and Robin's wellness Nest, where soul meets science meets systems to live, lead, and learn. Well support us there because it supports the conversations that we're having here. And if you love this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review because that also helps our village grow. Now we also have the vault for you. You download the vault, which is our growing library of resources, reflection tools, and extras in the show notes, as well as at motherhood in the messy middle.com. Until next time, remember, you're never alone in the messy middle.