We’re Home It’s strange how simple those words are, considering how much weight they carry. Ten years ago, this moment felt impossibly far away. I remember staring at the timeline, barely keeping my head above water, knowing I didn’t have the bandwidth to think about the next month, let alone the next decade. Back then, survival mode was the only mode. The Early Years of Our Cleft Journey The first few years were rough. Not gonna lie. Learning how to use the Haberman bottle, figuring out Ava’s eating rhythms, chasing an energetic toddler, navigating postpartum depression, adjusting to civilian life after the army, moving back to Texas, and walking through two reconstructive surgeries. It was a lot to carry all at once. And some days, it felt like I was carrying it alone. 😅 And yet. Somehow. Here we are. A full decade later. Time didn’t stop, even when I felt frozen. Life kept going. Slowly, things got better. Easier in some ways. Ava’s cleft journey faded into the background as her lip and palate healed beautifully, her food issues improved, and her ears never gave us any trouble. That still feels like a small miracle. I’m endlessly grateful for a healthy, strong, beautiful girl, and for how the Lord restored and strengthened my bond with her through all of it. The Night Before Surgery This most recent surgery felt like a full-circle moment. The night before surgery came faster than I expected. Our arrival time was moved up at the last minute, which meant an even earlier morning. Not my favorite. But less waiting, and less time for her to be hungry, so I’ll take it. Before bed, we watched Super Mario Bros , her favorite, and she snuggled up next to me. I could tell she was a little nervous but also soaking up the one-on-one time. Some days I get so caught up in how fast she’s growing that I forget how much I still love those quiet snuggles. Then came a brief panic when we couldn’t find Maizy Daisy, her one favorite stuffy. I was already spiraling until she found it tucked away in the closet. No idea how it got there, but crisis averted. 😅 Everything was packed. The truck mostly loaded. Just a few things left for the morning. And once the house was quiet, I found myself fighting the urge to go hold her just one more time. Motherhood does that to you. This wasn’t a terrifying, life-or-death surgery. Not something like a heart transplant. And still, it was hard. Emotions don’t always make sense, especially when you’re a mama. I turned the monitor on for the first time in nearly five years, told myself to eat, hydrate, and sleep. 5:15 was coming whether I was ready or not. Spoiler. My stomach had other plans. 🙄 Surgery Day and a Different Kind of Waiting Matt and I woke up before our alarm and got a head start. I grabbed a protein bar and some milk while getting ready. Ava was up by 5:25, calm and steady, and we were in the truck by 5:45. We hit traffic and still made it with fifteen minutes to spare. Small win. Pre-op was easier than I remembered. Probably because she isn’t a baby anymore. No pumps. No bottles. No juggling a crying newborn. Just a confident big girl. Maizy Daisy got to go back with her too, which helped more than I can explain. After almost two hours, it was time. The surgical team came in for final checks, then took her back. She looked like an absolute rockstar surrounded by her entourage, and my heart just about burst. Matt and I headed to the waiting room. Miss Ashley from Child Life came back with the iPad and told us Ava did amazing with the IV and was asleep within minutes. Once we knew she was under, we grabbed cafeteria food, wandered the gift shop, and somehow an entire hour disappeared. We even found a little stuffy to bring home for her. Marriage, Healing, and Lockstep Faith And somewhere in all that waiting, something else stood out to me. The first two times we walked through surgeries like this, it felt like Matt and I were coexisting in the same space but living in separate worlds. Each fighting our own battles, processing fear in our own ways, just trying to survive. This time was completely different. We were in sync. Fully. Not because we needed to fill the silence, but because we were in lockstep the entire time. We’ve done so much healing and growing, both individually and as husband and wife. Jesus gets all the credit for that. Truly. The difference was night and day, and I can’t begin to explain how healing that was for my own heart. It never ceases to amaze and humble me to see how much Jesus has restored in our little family. There just aren’t words. 🥹🥰 Recovery, Home, and Small Wins The surgery status board decided to test my patience, showing when surgery started but never updating after that. After three hours, I finally went to surgery reception and learned she was finishing up and heading to PACU. Relief doesn’t even touch it. When we finally got to see her, she was groggy and loopy, but still goofy and kind to everyone. Mary, our PACU nurse, was incredible. We were moved towers for our overnight stay, which wasn’t ideal, but Mary and Miss Tammy made it so much better. Good nurses truly make all the difference. We were discharged a few hours early the next day and were home before noon. Huge win. The first four days post-op, Ava slept in our room. We were up every three hours with pain meds, because I refuse to fall behind on pain. Once the swelling went down. Which honestly wasn’t as bad as I expected. We decided it was time to get back to normal life. She moved back into her room with her little sister, big brother moved back into his room, and everyone started sleeping better. Last night marked a big milestone. She had Motrin at 11pm when Matt and I went to bed and didn’t need anything again until 9:30 the next morning. Huge win. One of the funniest memories from this stretch has been reminding Ava to slow down while walking. There’s a Mickey Mouse short where Goofy’s grandma shuffles along saying, “here comes grandma, here comes grandma.” That line has become our family mantra anytime she starts moving too fast. 🤪 Nine Days Post-Op and Grateful Beyond Words Today marks nine days post-op, and she’s recovering beautifully. Very little hip soreness. Very manageable pain at her surgical site. The liquid diet has honestly been the hardest part, especially since she’s never been much of a soup person. We have a follow-up with her surgeon early next week, and we’re hoping to be cleared for soft foods, which would make things much easier. All in all, I’m beyond happy with how she’s doing. And I’m deeply grateful. For her healing. For the breakthroughs. And for the growth the Lord has worked in me, in my marriage, and in our family through this process. Ten years ago, I couldn’t imagine this moment. But here we are. We’re home. 💛

This morning, the kids ran outside to soak up the cool front and sunshine. From the doorway, I heard: “Hey, it’s Finter!” (that magical mix of fall and winter 😄) “Thank You, God!” “Ahhhh, it feels so good!” And I just stood there smiling. In that moment, I realized - our kids aren’t thankful by accident. They’ve been watching. They’ve seen Matt and me whisper quiet prayers of gratitude when an order comes in, when traffic clears, or when an answer finally clicks. They’ve seen us pause mid-chaos to take a deep breath and say, “Thank You, Lord.” It hit me that the lessons that really stick aren’t the ones we sit down and teach - they’re the ones we live. Gratitude doesn’t have to be loud or fancy. It’s built in those small, sacred moments - the under-our-breath praises that our kids absorb more than we ever realize. This morning reminded me that little eyes are always watching, and little hearts are always learning. So, I’m choosing to keep modeling thankfulness - not just in the big wins, but in the everyday blessings: cool mornings, answered prayers, and the steady goodness of God in between. Maybe that’s what “Finter” really is - the in-between place where gratitude takes root. 🍂❄️ “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles Authentic, Nontoxic, All Heart. In a world full of buzzwords and filters, transparency is everything. At Crunchy Mama Candles , we don’t just talk clean - we prove  it. Our Promise No mystery blends No hidden ingredients No “trade secret” nonsense We believe families deserve to know exactly what they’re bringing into their homes. 🌿 The Crunchy Mama Truth We’re not a faceless factory. We’re a family-owned, Texas-rooted small business that reads ingredient sheets like love letters and pours each candle with care. You can always ask what’s in your candle - we’ll show you. (Yep, even the SDS sheet.) Transparency isn’t trendy here - it’s who we are. Discover clean candles made with honesty here .

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles “Clean burning” - it’s a pretty phrase. But what does it actually mean? What It’s Not It’s not just soy wax. It’s not just cotton wicks. It’s not a marketing slogan. What It Really  Means A candle burns clean when it’s properly formulated and tested. That means: ✅ The wick size  matches the jar and wax. ✅ The fragrance load  is balanced. ✅ The wax blend  melts evenly. ✅ There’s no soot or smoke  after hours of burn. That’s science - not luck. 🌿 The Crunchy Mama Truth Every candle we pour is hand-tested before it ever hits the shelf. We adjust wicks, wax, and fragrance until it burns clean, safe, and consistent. Because clean burning shouldn’t be a catchphrase - it should be the result of craftsmanship. Explore our best-selling clean-burning candles here .

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles Natural isn't automatically safer. We love essential oils - truly. But let’s get real: natural doesn’t automatically mean safe. The Essential Oil Trap Essential oils are powerful plant extracts. But in candles, that power can cause problems: Some release toxins  when burned at high temps. Others lose their scent  or burn unevenly. Certain oils (like clove, cinnamon, citrus) can trigger sensitivities . They’re wonderful for diffusers and skincare but not always candle-safe. The Smart Balance Candle making is chemistry, not guesswork. The safest approach is using tested fragrance blends  formulated to handle heat safely - often combining clean synthetics and essential oils. That’s how we create candles that smell amazing and  burn cleanly. The Crunchy Mama Truth At Crunchy Mama Candles , we sometimes use essential oils - but only when they’re stable and verified safe for candles. Our goal isn’t “all natural at any cost." It’s “clean, safe, and honest - always.” Learn more about our ingredient standards here .

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles "Pure fragrance oils" aren't a thing. You’ve seen it: “Made with pure fragrance oils .” Sounds professional, right? Except… that’s not a real thing. 😅 What Fragrance Oils Actually Are Fragrance oils are blends  - carefully crafted recipes combining natural and synthetic components. They include: Natural aromatic isolates  (like vanillin from vanilla beans) Synthetic aroma molecules  (safe, consistent, lab-created) Carriers or stabilizers  (for scent balance and safe burn) It’s not “impure” - it’s chemistry. Why “Pure Fragrance Oils” Is Misleading “Pure” implies single-source or natural - false. Fragrance oils are formulated products , not raw extracts. Safety and purity aren’t the same thing - clean formulation  is what matters. The Crunchy Mama Truth We only use IFRA-compliant, phthalate-free, paraben-free  fragrance oils sourced from trusted suppliers. We vet every single one using its SDS and IFRA certificates. If it doesn’t pass our safety standards, it doesn’t go in a candle. We’ll take integrity over buzzwords any day. Shop clean, safe, phthalate-free candles here .

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles Nontoxic doesn’t mean what you think. Let’s talk about one of the most overused words in the “clean living” world - nontoxic. You’ve seen it on everything: skincare, cleaning products, and especially candles. It sounds  safe. It feels  comforting. But here’s the reality most people don’t know - “nontoxic” isn’t regulated by anyone. That means anyone can put it on a label, whether it’s true or not. What “Nontoxic” Doesn’t  Mean It doesn’t mean the candle is phthalate-free or paraben-free. It doesn’t mean the ingredients are natural or safe when burned. And it definitely doesn’t mean the candle has been safety tested. In other words: “nontoxic” has become the glitter of marketing - it’s everywhere, and it sticks whether it belongs or not. What “Nontoxic” Should  Mean At Crunchy Mama Candles , when we say nontoxic , here’s what we actually mean: Phthalate-free  – no hormone disruptors. Paraben-free  – no cheap preservatives. Carcinogen-free and mutagen-free  – verified through each fragrance’s SDS sheet. We don’t rely on claims - we read the data. And if a customer ever wants to see the Safety Data Sheet? We’ll happily share it. Transparency is our standard. Why It Matters When you light a candle, you’re not just adding scent - you’re adding something to the air you breathe. Your home deserves ingredients that comfort, not compromise. At Crunchy Mama Candles , nontoxic  isn’t a trend - it’s our baseline. ✨ Browse our clean, nontoxic candle collections here .

Buzzword Breakdown Series | Crunchy Mama Candles You’ve seen the words everywhere. Nontoxic. Clean burning. Pure fragrance oils. They sound comforting - but what do they actually mean? Here’s the honest truth: in the candle world, most of those words aren’t regulated or defined by anyone. They’re catchy marketing phrases that make products sound  safer than they might be. And as a small-batch maker and mama who actually reads Safety Data Sheets over my morning coffee (not glamorous, but real 😅), I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and misleading this can be for families trying to shop clean. So I decided to start a conversation. 🌿 Welcome to the Buzzword Breakdown Series Each post in this series takes one common candle buzzword and explains - in plain language - what it really means, how it’s used (and abused), and what we believe at Crunchy Mama Candles . We’re not here to call anyone out. We’re here to educate , empower, and bring clarity back to the clean candle conversation. Why It Matters When you light a candle in your home, you’re not just adding scent - you’re adding something to your air. We believe you deserve to know what’s actually in your candle, what those ingredient labels mean, and how to tell the difference between “marketing clean”  and “actually clean.” Because clean  isn’t a trend. It’s a standard. What You’ll Learn in the Series Over the next few weeks, we’ll unpack five of the most common candle claims - and share what they really mean for your home: “Nontoxic” - What It Means, What It Doesn’t “Pure Fragrance Oils” - The Myth Explained “Essential Oils Only” - When Natural Isn’t Safer “Clean Burning” - Marketing Hype or Real Science? “Transparency” - The Heart of Our Brand Each post breaks down the buzzword, gives you the facts, and shares how we hold Crunchy Mama Candles to a higher, truly clean standard. Let’s Light the Way - Together If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by labels, frustrated by “greenwashing,” or just want to understand what nontoxic  really means - this series is for you. We’ll start with the term everyone throws around (but few understand): Part 1: Nontoxic — What It Means, What It Doesn’t →

Crunchy Mama Candles 4 Year Anniversary Giveaway Four years ago, I poured my very first candle at my kitchen counter with nothing more than curiosity, a prayer, and a dream to create something good for my home. Fast-forward to today - Crunchy Mama Candles has grown into a full family business, and I’m still in awe of what God’s done with that tiny spark. 🕯️ To celebrate 4 years in business , we’re hosting a Winner’s Choice Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a cozy bundle that includes a 7 oz Candle, Wax Melt, Room Spray, and Car Freshie - all in your favorite scents.  It’s our little way of saying thank you  for supporting handmade, nontoxic, small-batch candles poured right here in Texas. You’re already entered if you’re part of our email family (thank you!). If not, it’s quick and easy - just scroll down below our hero image on the homepage to sign up. Giveaway ends October 18 , and I’ll announce the winner next week in our newsletter and stories. From my family to yours - thank you for helping keep this dream burning bright for the past four years. Here’s to more cozy homes, happy hearts, and candles that tell a story. 🤎

Embracing the Art of Slowing Down If I could tell my younger mama self one thing about slowing down, I’d start by taking her face in my hands— that tired, eager, always-a-little-overwhelmed younger me. I’d say: Breathe. That list you’re carrying? The one that never ends? You’re not going to get it all done today, and you were never meant to. The Pressure of Productivity I know you feel like every moment needs to be maximized. You can’t waste time. The laundry, the meal prep, the emails, the lesson plans, and the endless “Mama, can you…?” all have to be handled now. But here’s the truth I wish you knew sooner: Slowing down isn’t failure. It’s faith. Faith in the Process Faith that God’s not tallying up your productivity like a spreadsheet. Faith that the holy moments are often the quiet ones no one else sees. Faith that your worth isn’t measured by the size of the dent you make in the to-do list, but by the size of the God who holds you. Redefining Success I’d tell her that it’s okay if the Bible study looks different this season. It’s okay if the coffee gets cold while you answer a little voice asking a big question. It’s okay if the “pause” lasts longer than you planned. Because the days you think you’re “behind” may just be the days heaven sees you most faithful. Finding Joy in the Chaos So, younger me—slow down. Put the phone down. Look up. And know that the best seeds you’ll ever plant might be sown in the middle of the mess, with your hair in a messy bun and your heart wide open. The Importance of Self-Care Taking time for yourself is not selfish. It’s essential. When you prioritize self-care, you recharge your spirit. You become more present for your family and friends. Remember, it’s okay to take a break. Moments of Reflection In the hustle and bustle of life, take moments to reflect. Ask yourself what truly matters. Is it finishing that to-do list, or is it spending quality time with loved ones? Cultivating Patience Slowing down teaches you patience. It helps you appreciate the little things. The laughter of your children, the warmth of the sun, and the beauty of a quiet moment. Building Stronger Connections When you slow down, you build stronger connections with those around you. You listen more, engage more, and love more deeply. The Gift of Presence Being present is a gift. It allows you to experience life fully. Don’t let the busyness of life rob you of these precious moments. Conclusion: A Call to Action So, take a deep breath. Embrace the chaos. And remember, it’s okay to slow down. Life is not a race. It’s a journey filled with beautiful moments waiting to be cherished. In the end, it’s about finding balance. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to pause. Trust that everything will fall into place. Let this be a reminder to you, as it is to me: Slowing down is not just a choice; it’s a way of life.

Frazzled mom trying to work I used to be neck-deep in network marketing. First Mary Kay, then ItWorks (spoiler alert: it doesn’t), and then Plexus. I thought Plexus would be my forever-home business. I went all in. I did the cold messages, the copy/paste scripts, the endless trainings. I spent thousands of dollars on “independent” coaching programs (which, funny enough, ended up being helpful later in life - just not for MLM). I spent hundreds every month on products and used them faithfully. To be fair, some of them helped, especially as I was healing from postpartum depression. But the flashy “quick weight loss” stories that always hooked me? They never panned out for me. And after years of trying, I never made it past the first rank or two. I never saw a consistent paycheck. But here’s the deeper loss: I lost sight of people. The unspoken (and sometimes very spoken) message in MLM culture is this: every single person you meet needs your product.  No exceptions. Every conversation becomes a pitch. Every relationship becomes a potential sale. And when you start living like that, it dehumanizes people. It reduces friends to business opportunities and souls to dollar signs. I burned bridges without meaning to - not because I wanted to hurt people, but because I believed the lie that people couldn’t live without what I had, and that my job was to push and follow up until they gave in. But Jesus never did that. He didn’t manipulate. He didn’t gaslight. He didn’t push until people broke down. He saw people. He loved people. He spoke truth with compassion and freedom. And that’s the kind of person I want to be known as. Yes, I make and sell candles now. But I don’t want people to cringe and duck away when I walk into the room. I don’t want to be remembered as the person who always had an angle. I want people to feel seen . I want them to feel loved . I want them to know they matter - whether they ever buy a single candle from me or not. Because at the end of the day, people matter more than profit. Always. Disclaimer: This is solely my experience. I am in no way throwing shade at anyone still working in MLM. I simply feel the need to shed light on a mentality that I believe is rampant in the MLM world - one that I personally had to unlearn.

Me and my BFF, coffee. Growing up, there was something magical about smelling my dad’s coffee brewing. That blacker-than-midnight Folger’s will forever be etched in my heart, reminding me of the father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He’d laugh when we asked for a sip, telling us we had to be “up by his armpit” before he’d let us drink that black elixir. Fast forward to when that little girl became a mama of two, and that magical elixir became a lifeline. I loved my babies fiercely, but I was drowning in this thing we call motherhood. Postpartum depression had stolen the joy right out from under me, and some mornings that hot cup of joe was the only thing I had to look forward to. It didn’t take long before coffee became part of my identity, my sanity, my anthem. And even when I slowly climbed out of the darkness of postpartum depression, that dependence clung to me like a cloak. But hey, everyone else was the same way, right? So what’s the big deal?! Years rolled on, and we welcomed another sweet blessing into our family. Life got louder, messier, and more beautiful… and somewhere in the chaos, my bloodstream turned into a steady drip of caffeine. Honestly, I was basically 80% coffee (just joking… kinda 🫣😂). Until one day, conviction hit me like a ton of bricks. Friend, I had an unholy attachment to my daily cup. An unholy attachment is anything we cling to for comfort, identity, or strength more than we cling to Jesus. It can be something good, but when it takes His place in our hearts, it becomes an idol in disguise. I had an unholy attachment. It wasn’t just a drink, it had become my mantra: Mama needs her coffee to function. It had become my identity: This mom runs on coffee and chaos. It had become my idol: If I don’t have my coffee, I can’t function. And so, for almost three years, I was convicted to give it up. Not a drop. It wasn’t always easy to resist, but as time went on, I began to see what God was doing. I had woven coffee into the very fabric of my motherhood. Instead of leaning more into Jesus- the One who promises to never leave me or forsake me- I leaned into coffee, the one who promised everything but gave me nothing lasting. That’s the thing about idols: they disguise themselves as helpers… until you realize they’ve been holding you hostage. Today, I enjoy my daily cup of coffee ( and am perfecting the perfect homemade, hormone-healthy creamer! ), but it’s no longer my lifeline. My lifeline is Jesus. My “mama fuel” is His presence. And my identity? Loved daughter of the King. Mama, I’m not sharing this because I think coffee is bad. I’m sharing it because I know how easily our hearts can hand over the steering wheel to something other than Jesus. I had to learn the hard way that what we run to first reveals who (or what) we trust most. What we run to first reveals who we trust most. So here’s my gentle nudge: take some time this week to get still before Him. Ask, “Lord, is there anything I’ve been leaning on more than You? Anything I’ve let define me, comfort me, or fuel me in Your place?” And then be brave enough to hear His answer, and humble enough to obey. Because when you let Him take His rightful place again, you’ll find that everything else- even that steaming cup of coffee- becomes an overflow instead of a lifeline.