Hello and nice to meet you! My name is Joy Hocker. I am a Texan turned New Mexican, wife, mommy, worship leader, runner, and writer. I’m loving life with my family in Albuquerque!
ALBUQUERQUE
I have been in Albuquerque for over 10 years. My family moved to Albuquerque from the Dallas area when I was in high school. While I was reluctant about leaving my home, one thing stuck out at me on our visit before we moved – the mountains. A summer rainstorm hit the day we were traveling back to Texas to pack up my childhood home. Afterwards, a beautiful double rainbow perfectly framed the mountains. God was calling me to a new home. I still turn to those mountains as challenges arise in my life. They always bring me to a place of peace. Albuquerque is home, not only for those mountains, but it’s beautiful community. My husband and I are thankful we get to raise our daughter in this city and look forward to exploring it more with her as she grows!
MOMS
My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Lily, into the world in 2016. This set off an adventure full of challenges in our life that have only drawn us closer as a family. One of these changes was my transition into becoming a stay-at-home, now work-from-home mommy. I operate a photography business and do virtual assistant work. Now that I am basically past the sleepless nights of a newborn and infant (fingers crossed!), I can appreciate life just as it is: a blessing with a side of chaos every now and then! Until I held my daughter in my arms, I questioned what my calling was. And then it all seemed to click. I was made to be a mommy and I love every minute of it! My family loves getting outdoors together and I especially love reading to my daughter and making music with her!
BLOG
As an introvert, I often find it difficult to speak my thoughts and feelings. Writing them is another story. From a young age, I wrote constantly. In high school I pursued creative writing and journalism. I wrote professionally pre-baby, crafting newsletters and blog posts for the company I worked for. Bud I didn’t find time to open up my creative side for years. Life slowed down when I became a mom. I found the need for connection and a creative outlet. So I began posting about breastfeeding, mommy life, and my postpartum fitness journey on my Instagram. And that gave birth to a blog, Pray Run Repeat. My ultimate goal is that my writing is uplifting and inspiring to women of all walks of life. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to Albuquerque Moms Blog!
