Today, we’re celebrating motherhood with Jenny, the talented blogger behind Evolution of Style. Jenny shares her journey of turning her house into a warm and inviting home for her family of five. Between her full-time job, running marathons, and tackling inspiring DIY projects, she’s a true example of juggling it all with grace. I’m thrilled to feature her in this special Mother’s Day series. Let’s dive in!
How many children do you have, and how old are they?
I’m a proud mom of three wonderful kids: two boys, aged 13 and 11, and my youngest, a 6-year-old daughter.
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood has profoundly reshaped me in ways I never imagined. Elizabeth Stone’s words truly resonate with me: “Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Becoming a mother has reprogrammed my emotions entirely, introducing me to a depth of love I never knew existed.
There’s a vulnerability that comes with loving your children so deeply. It’s like part of your soul is out in the world, experiencing life’s joys and challenges in their own unique way.
What have you found hardest about being a mom?
Letting go is one of the hardest aspects of motherhood. I’m experiencing this now with my oldest son. Watching him seek independence—spending more time with friends or wanting his own space is both normal and bittersweet.
Time feels like it’s speeding up. The thought that he’ll leave home in just six years is difficult to grasp. He’s grown taller than me, his feet outsize my husband’s, his voice has deepened, and he’s even started shaving. Yet, in my heart, I still see him as the little boy who once needed me for everything.
This process of letting go is a reminder of how motherhood means constantly evolving balancing the urge to protect them with the need to let them grow.
What do you love most about being a mom?
There’s so much joy in watching my kids discover the world and develop their unique personalities. From the enormous, unapologetic hugs my 11-year-old still gives me in public, to heartfelt conversations with my 13-year-old as he navigates growing up, to all the girly activities I share with my daughter—it’s a gift to experience life through their eyes.
I also cherish passing down my childhood traditions and memories, knowing they’ll hopefully create their own versions of those moments with their future families. Seeing them succeed in their passions and thrive in their own way brings unparalleled joy.
What came as the biggest surprise to you in motherhood?
Motherhood is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with bittersweet moments that often catch me off guard. I never expected to cry on my kids’ first birthdays or feel a pang of anxiety when they started at a new school.
Moments like these remind me how deeply connected I am to their experiences. The Mama Bear instinct is real—I want to shield them from every hurt or disappointment, even though I know it’s part of their growth.
Tell us about a mom you admire.
Like so many others, I admire my own mom. She embodies what it means to be a mother: thoughtful, patient, kind, and endlessly supportive. She always prioritized family and continues to be a pillar of love and strength.
Her selflessness and dedication are qualities I aspire to emulate, though I’ll admit, I don’t always succeed. If there were a dictionary definition of “Mom,” her picture would be right there.
What is your greatest wish for your children?
My deepest hope is that I prepare my kids to navigate life independently—spiritually, emotionally, and practically. I want them to thrive when they leave the nest, not stumble.
A recent incident highlighted this for me: when our dishwasher broke down, my oldest was genuinely perplexed about how we’d wash dishes. It was a humorous yet humbling reminder that there’s still much to teach them about self-sufficiency!
What is one of your favorite childhood memories of your mom?
Growing up, my mom created “special family dinners.” She would cook a fancy meal, set the dining room table, and play Neil Diamond music in the background. To this day, hearing Neil Diamond brings back those cherished moments of togetherness.
What is your absolute favorite thing about your mom?
Her unwavering presence. Whether I need advice on cooking, help with a parenting dilemma, or a last-minute babysitter, she’s always there. She’s my rock, and I’m so grateful for her support.
What is the most important parenting lesson you learned from your mom?
One of the greatest lessons she imparted was to prioritize your marriage. She emphasized that a strong partnership is the foundation of good parenting. Taking time for your spouse ensures a united and happy home for your kids.
Do you have any gift recommendations for Mother’s Day?
Mothers give so much of themselves every day. A thoughtful gift would be the gift of time—an opportunity for mom to focus on herself. Whether it’s a spa day, a quiet afternoon with a good book, or simply uninterrupted time to relax, it’s a luxury that every mom deserves.
What morsel of advice would you share with a mom-to-be?
Treasure every moment, even the sleep-deprived ones. While the newborn phase can feel exhausting, it’s fleeting. Those quiet, tender moments in the middle of the night are memories you’ll cherish forever, even if they feel blurry in the moment.
Jenny’s insights are so relatable, especially as I watch my own children grow. How is it possible that they’re already teenagers? Her story about Neil Diamond music also struck a chord—it’s incredible how music can tie us to special memories.
For those unfamiliar with Jenny’s blog, Evolution of Style is a treasure trove of DIY inspiration. Jenny and her husband have tackled countless home projects, from stunning board-and-batten walls in their hallway and Daughter’s Room to creating a dreamy “Mom Cave” that I can’t stop admiring.
Jenny, thank you for sharing your motherhood journey with us. Wishing you a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day with your beautiful family!
To explore more of Jenny’s creative projects, visit Evolution of Style. You’re sure to come away inspired!
