If I close my eyes tightly, I can see the Tap 'n Toe building at the corner of Custer and Park. I can remember holding my breath hoping that my arabesques were perfect. I can remember trying on toe shoes for the first time. I can remember laying in bed, staring at the...
Make mornings special with this easy breakfast bowl. Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Kroger and DiMe Media. However, all opinions expressed are my own. My husband, Brian, loves a great breakfast. It is one of the easiest ways for me to show...
From Riley's birthday in late February through Nate's birthday in early May, it is birthday season in this house. In a twelve week period, all seven of us celebrate one more rotation around the sun. Late last night, Julia and I snuck out to the backyard and painted a...
Ever so often, my dad sits down and shares a story from his childhood. With his permission, he allows me to post them here. Enjoy! Frogs & Grandpa Womeldorf & The Measure of a Man by John Kenton Thompson Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of...
Oh my dearest Julia. Sometime around November I realized that your childhood is now a gift, tied with a blue satin bow, and released from my heart to yours. I had been wrestling with all of the 'lasts'. The last first day of school. The last Christmas morning. The...
Dearest Cindy, it will be no surprise to you that I write out my thoughts to try to process this grief that is making me dizzy. We met just four short years ago. I've looked up the timeline twice now because I was sure I've known you for so much longer than that. You...
This conversation is sponsored by Tommy John, the maker of the softest men's undershirts I've ever felt. It is my honor to share news with you from a company that I enjoy and support! My dearest Brian, How could I have known that my very own Robin Hood would have made...
Hey mom. I'm ready. Let's do this. Oh, isn't this cute? I'll just take a teeny bite. On second thought, hand it over! Sebastian, your first birthday was so fun. Tia came over and brought your first cake. It was a confetti bundtini. You were so precious as you...
This post was sponsored by Philips Avent as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Â Â Â With each of my biological children, I've chosen to breastfeed. I have been blessed that this was an easy option...
A few weeks ago, I attended a dinner hosted by Fry's Food Stores, prepared by the St. Mary's Food Bank Community Kitchen. I will forever be changed because of that night. I walked in and buffet dishes were set up with an incredible variety of food. There was Carne...
Oh sweet little one. Your birthday is coming up so quickly. Five more days and you will have been here a year. It's as if you have always been here. You make everyone smile and laugh. Your giggle in the backseat as Riley and Mary Alice will forever be one of my...
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible pleasure of meeting online friends in the real world. I've talked before about my friend, Nancy. Well, she is an amazing photography teacher. Amazing. Her students are all over the world. After you've taken her classes and...
Thank you all so much for your sweet comments and texts and emails yesterday. Today was much better. Just knowing that we are able to get over the speed bump more quickly than we have in the past is so hopeful. My dear friend (and adoptive mama) Nancy, reminded me of...
You and I snuck out together to Toys R Us. You wandered the store twice, not knowing exactly what you wanted for your birthday. We almost settled on scented crayons, but you decided to keep looking. You found a really cool yo-yo and we decided to get it. We giggled as...
After Julia leaves for college (did I really just type that?), Mary Alice will be surrounded by brothers. I'm guessing our family will take on a different tone. From piano serenades after dinner, to a little more rough and tumble. The good news, is Mary Alice will be...
From the Parent Trap: Charles: "My dear, what are you doing?" Susan: "Making a memory." Charles: "Making a memory?" Susan: "All my life, when I'm quite grown-up I will always remember my grandfather and how he smelled of tobacco and peppermint." We chased the sunset...
Dearest Sebastian, this post is four months late. Will you forgive me? Time has run away. I thought about skipping forward to your first birthday post, but I want to write down my memories of your sweet first years, even if I am tardy. Eight months has always been a...
Lent is a time to reflect and deepen faith. Many Christians celebrate Lent in preparation for Easter by abstaining from meat. Here are some thoughts about the season and a few recipe ideas for your Lenten meals. Lent lasts a period of 40 days (Ash Wednesday to Easter...
I’ve been given the opportunity to give away tickets to the new EARLY MAN Movie! I’m thrilled to be able to give something back to all of you who read, comment, and support this blog! #EarlyMan On Saturday, February 10, 10 AM, there will be an advanced screening of...
Perfect for feeding a crowd, these BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders come together quickly so you can get back to the game! The big game is coming! If you need to put something together quickly, these are so perfect. My guys love it when I surprise them with this, which...
It's the story as old as time. He's growing up so quickly. I haven't slept, but I blinked. (I'm seriously gonna make a t-shirt out of this!) He is pulling up now and cruising. I keep trying to tell him he has plenty of time to slow down and learn, but he keeps smiling...