1381: Once Upon an Amateur Mom: Why Motherhood Is the Most Important Job in the World with Bestselling Author Renee Thomas Hawkley

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Parenting often feels like you’re just trying to keep your head above water—laundry piles, tantrums, crumbs everywhere, and constant noise. There are days when it all blurs together and you’re just counting down to bedtime. But somehow, in the middle of that chaos, there are these little moments—unexpected hugs, goofy laughs, a quiet “I love you”—that hit you out of nowhere. It doesn’t make the exhaustion disappear, but it reminds you why you keep going, even on the hardest days.

Renee Thomas Hockley is a former teacher, military spouse, and mother of eight who turned everyday parenting chaos into humor and heart. Today, she shares stories from her book Once Upon an Amateur Mom, capturing the relatable, messy moments of motherhood. She talks about finding laughter in the hard days and using writing as a way to connect with other moms. From military moves to spaghetti mishaps, Renee’s work celebrates the beauty in the madness. Her stories offer comfort, reminding parents they’re not alone. Stay tuned!