For many years during the month of November, we encouraged our young children to identify something every single day that they were thankful for. Â We wrote these sweet sentiments down and hung each one on our “Thankful Tree” in…
I still remember the sting I felt six years ago. I was mindlessly scrolling Facebook one Saturday afternoon when I came to a picture of familiar faces. Several of my friends from church had carpooled two hours away to…
We are only a week into summer and I texted my husband at 8am this morning saying that I am ready to officially resign from my position as cruise ship director. I am so done trying to keep my…
I gave up Facebook for Lent. The denomination we attend doesn’t formally participate in Lent but I thought it was a good opportunity to exercise some self control…one of the Fruits of the Spirit that I tend to struggle with…
Back in February I shared that I was going to be offering a free monthly printable for creating mini Blessing Bags. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a blessing bag, this is just a simple way to be a blessing to…
We have lived in our house just over six years and shortly after we moved in, we put up a vinyl wall decal of one of my favorite verses at the time:  Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans for…
Parenting is the definition of on-the-job training. Babies don’t come with manuals…and even though the countless parenting books on my nightstand and bookshelf try to prove otherwise, not one single source has all the answers. This fact may also come…
I have noticed a trend in the last ten years when it comes to female protagonists in books, movies, and TV shows. These women (and girls) are portrayed as strong, outspoken, and fiercely independent. Depending on others is portrayed…
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I couldn’t agree more. In fact, I am sorta obsessed with taking pictures of my kids. I want to capture their indescribable beauty and every detail of their precious…
I walk through the house, turning off the lights, as the dishwasher hums in the background. I gather all the misplaced belongings and climb the stairs, careful not to step on the one the creaks. The house is quiet…
Early in our marriage, my husband frequently claimed that one of the reasons he married me was because he knew I would be a wonderful mother. I would just laugh and lovingly punch him in the shoulder…but deep down inside (even though I would…
Tomorrow is a new year. Which means that everyone is busy making goals and resolving to do things differently the next year. As if that magical minute hand ticks from 11:59 to midnight and everyone is suddenly gifted with a renewed sense…
To my precious Calla Grace, I am writing to you today, on my 31st birthday, as you are sleeping soundly in your bed. You are not even a year-old yet and I already worry for your future. Your…
Sometimes I get frustrated that the Bible gives us such little explicit instruction on the task of raising children. Honestly, there are few things that matter more than raising up the next generation to love the Lord. I have…
It’s summer. Which means that clothing is out and skin is in. Nearly everywhere I look (online, on TV, and even out my bedroom window), I see people with tanned skin and fit bodies. People who are running, exercising,…
This time of year, the web is abuzz with ways to make and keep New Year’s resolutions. Fitness inspiration, goal-setting worksheets, and cleaning schedules are all created in an effort to help us find practical ways to stick with…
It’s amazing how a little break from the mundane day-to-day tasks of child rearing can help one’s perspective on parenting. For the first time in several years, Prince Charming and I took a (non-business related) trip just the two of…
Little Brother is three…and we all know that being three comes with its highs and lows. Highs being that he is becoming more independent, says the cutest things, and we get to see his personality emerge a little more…
