A little over year ago right before we moved across the country, I had this crazy freak out realization that we literally knew not one.single.person. In a semi panic moment I had the wild idea to look and see if there was anyone from The Influence Network that lived in the Charleston area. I truly believe it was the kindness of God that gave me the idea to reach out, because sending an email to a complete stranger saying, “Hey! I don’t know a soul. Let’s be friends!” is totally atypical of myself. Long story short, I sent one email to one girl and she and her sweet family are now some of our closest friends. Isn’t that so crazy cool? I can honestly say that I don’t think we would have made it through this past year without their friendship and encouragement. They’re the real deal!

It’s with such joy and excitement that I get to introduce you to this amazing girl who has been a total answer to prayer and such a genuine friend to me over the past year. Meet my dear real life friend, Keri Snyder.

Where are you located? Charleston, SC

How many kids do you have and what are their ages? 3 (ages 8, 5, 3)

Sweet or Salty? Hmmm sweet but I love popcorn too! Hence my popcorn/wine nightly tradition

Are you a night owl or early bird? Early Bird

What is your fondest memory as a child? Camping in the upper peninsula of Michigan every summer

What is your favorite way to spend at-home family night? Watching a movie together while camping out in the living room.

What family tradition or routine is important to you? Every evening we all sit on the couch together, the kids have night snacks and we watch a show before bed together. No matter how crazy the day has been, everything is calm then.

What has surprised and stretched you the most about being a parent? It is really hard and yet so amazing and rewarding. Being a parent has showed me my sinful nature more than ever and opened my eyes to my own selfishness. It is the role where you truly learn to serve and love unconditionally.

If you could give one piece of encouragement to a fellow mama in the trenches what would it be? The hard seasons can seem as if they are never ending and full of only negative things. But they do pass, and when you look back you will miss things. So look for the good in every day. Choose joy, even when it is hard. Count the fruit and write it down, because there is beauty in every day. We just have to look for it.

What is one thing you have you learned this year that has helped you in your current season of motherhood? Take it a day at a time. It is easy to look far ahead and wonder how things will work out, but when we just focus on today, things are more manageable.

What is your favorite way to fill your mama tank? Go outside and read or just relax in the sun!

Where can we follow along with you?
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter

Be sure to go follow along with Keri! She is such a wise friend and I absolutely adore her heart to encourage mamas to thrive in their season. She just released A Mom’s Guide to Thriving During the Summer which is such an amazing resource to help you have an amazing and intentional summer with your family! You can also download Keri’s words of encouragement that have been turned into a beautiful art print at the bottom of this post.

Pin it for later!