Mary Beth Unthank
Knoxville born and bred, my love for this area is deep and true! I'm a working-turned-stay-at-home mom to 4 kiddos from kindergarten to middle school. My husband and I live in Knoxville where we both lead nonprofit organizations and are trying to become Love in our community. I love watching my kids learn something new, cooking for other people (but not for myself), and telling myself I'm a #fitmom when I go to the gym like once a week. I'm a bottle-feeding, disposable diapering, public-schooling (other than that one kid I'm homeschooling this year) mom with the stereotypical chill attitude of moms with large(r) broods. I love meeting new people, but I talk way too much and laugh when I'm uncomfortable. If you don't mind long stories and bad jokes, we are sure to be friends! Follow my family adventures on my blog Unthank You Very Much
Here, Let Me Do It
My first baby, my first adventure, and I know I’ll need support. Beaming with pride and yet trembling with fear at the enormous task ahead, I take this astounding gift and responsibility to the...
That’s Not Mom Brain, Sis; You Have ADHD
“You never keep your promises, Mom.”
I was floored when my son hit me with this bomb. Of course I keep my promises! Okay, I don’t MAKE promises very often because I don’t want to...
Internet Friends Are Still Friends
Once upon a time, I was an extrovert.
I used to love meeting new people, being surrounded by voices and stories and laughter. I loved conversations with strangers on my college campus, helping new clients...
My Husband Doesn’t Help
My husband doesn’t help me.
He doesn’t babysit the kids so I can visit with friends, attend appointments, or go grocery shopping alone.
He doesn’t clean, cook, do the dishes, or fold laundry because I ask...
A Lifetime of Best Friends
Female friendships are important. We listen to one another, celebrate together, gossip and complain together. We hate the same co-workers, love the same celebrities, become impassioned over the same injustices. We babysit each others’...
To My Teenage Daughter
This week marks a milestone in my mothering. I will officially enter a phase that I have both longed for and dreaded, sometimes for the same reasons. You see, my husband and I have...
Group Fitness Changed My Life
It’s no secret that I’m an "unconventional" gym rat. I’m not as consistent as I once was, and I’m still carrying most of the “baby” weight from my five-year-old, but one thing I will...
I Never Learned to Cook
“You kids should know, your mom did not learn to cook from me!” said my mother, sitting at my kitchen table.
My parents were visiting from out of town, and while they often enjoy treating...
I May Not Be Skinny, But The Gym Is My Self-Care
I’m not skinny.
I never have been, really. I was a healthy kid, curvy teen, and now I’m an “ultra plush” mom of four. My pants always wear holes in the thighs, the back of...
Hitting the Gym: My First Time Post-Pandemic
Once, many moons ago, I was a fit person. I woke up every morning at 5:30 and hit up Gold’s Gym before my family awoke. After coming home to breakfast with my husband and...
Homeschooling Students’ Advice for Newcomers
The time has come, warrior mamas! After 436 years... 59 months... wait, what year even is it anymore? Still 2020? STILL?! Oh sweet lord, okay, after WAY TOO MANY DAYS of being home with our...
Hold On To What Unites Us
I come from a large family. My dad is one of nine siblings, and almost all of them still live within an hour of their childhood home. Even though I’m one who lives farther...