Blog
Fry’s ClickList – Order Online, Pick up at store
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Fry's ClickList. I love sharing news with you about companies that I love and support. Fry's is my go to grocery store. They know my kids by name and are always helpful! Last week, I had the opportunity to try Fry's ClickList. We...
Beauty in the Ordinary
I'm taking a new photography class by Ginger Unzueta. In the very first lesson, she challenged us to take pictures of our everyday. Oh, it had been so long since I grabbed the camera inside, in those ordinary moments. I usually remember to take it outside with me, but...
Reflections on Corpus Christi
I was so sure that it would be the last time I ever visited Corpus Christi, Texas when I went in April for my Grandmother Thompson's funeral. I took Mary Alice and Riley with me, to show them one of the cities I love in this great world. We flew into Houston. Riley...
The easiest July 4th dessert ever!
Disclosure: This post has been compensated by As You Wish Pottery and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This post may contain affiliate links. The dessert is seriously the easiest dessert ever, and it was a huge hit with all the kids - win-win! It is light,...
Orchards Inn Sedona – a unique southwest getaway
Disclosure: Our family was invited to stay at the beautiful and family-friendly hotel, Orchards Inn, in Uptown Sedona. I am so thankful for opportunities to explore and make memories with my family! Last weekend, we drove up to Sedona for a fun family getaway. It's...
DIY Percussion Shakers – celebrating Peter and the Wolf, Alice Cooper, and Hollywood
Disclosure: I received a fun kit full of goodies from a promotional program with MomSelect to host a Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood sponsored play date. The opinions expressed here are my own. My parents had a big, blue suburban when I was growing up. We took a lot...
Graduation Mass
This year, graduation Mass wasn't just us going to sing or support friends or to see everyone. This year, graduation felt closer than ever. Nate will graduate 8th grade next year and Julia will finish her junior year. In two years, I will be the mom at the front of...
New Babies and how to love on their family {Hallmark and Johnson’s Good-Night Kisses Baby Gift Set Giveaway}
Disclosure: I received the to Hallmark and Johnson’s Good-Night Kisses Baby Gift Set to give away. It is my honor to share news with you from a company that I enjoy and support! #LoveHallmark Our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) table has been blessed with three new...
Branding and Marketing a Blog Successfully
Since September of 2008, I've been writing in my little corner of blog-land. Ever so often, I meet someone who would love to write a blog, but they don't know where to start. I do not mind sharing what I've learned on this amazing adventure! I subscribe to the theory...
Saying goodbye (and graduation gift ideas)
Saying goodbye can be heartbreaking. I hope sharing these beautiful graduation gift ideas will help you look back and remember the good times. My sweet Julia is now old enough to have friends leaving for college. As I sat at the graduation Mass and ceremony, I was...
The Florette – Arizona’s first mobile floral botique
On Mother's Day, I partnered with As You Wish to do a post featuring their custom artists. The teacups were so very beautiful and I wanted the atmosphere to be just right. I was dreaming of a perfect floral centerpiece that would accent the teacups and saucers and I...
Julia and Mary Alice (sisters)
“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and...
Noticing Goodness – Part Four (Practice makes perfect)
Thank you so much for joining me on this series. I hope it inspired you to look around and see the beauty that is already there! Are you ready for some practice? Really?! Okay! You are gonna write. You are going to look at those beautiful people you live with and...
Noticing Goodness – Part Three (How to Notice Goodness)
Start with His character. He IS goodÂness. All goodness comes from Him. It’s not just a character trait  like "you and I are good people". His is the very source of all goodness. As you seek Him, and your confidence grows in that, you start to rest in His goodness....
Noticing Goodness – Part Two
The next Tuesday, through a friend a church, we learned of a local family needing to find a family to adopt their grandchild, very soon. In 2000, when our first was born, we had three names chosen  Julia, Nathaniel, or Riley. This sweet boys given name is Riley. He...
Noticing Goodness – Part One
This is how my family looked in 2012. (Photo credit: Blue Lily Photography) Julia was born in 2000. Nate was born in 2003. After Nate, Brian and I struggled with miscarriages. My dear friends Heather and Hannah encouraged me to write down their names as part of my...
Noticing Goodness – The Series
Hello dear ones. Earlier this year, I spoke at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group and shared a message about Noticing Goodness. I've felt something tugging at my heart to share it here on this space, too. So many things pull at our attention every day. I'm sure...
New TAZO® Chai Latte K-Cup® pods and Summer Mornings
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Starbucks as part of an Influencer Activation. I received compensation and complimentary products to facilitate my review. School is out for summer, which is so very wonderful! The kids are home and pajamas are on until at least...
Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona with Kids
Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona with kids- the ultimate list when you want to get out and have a fun time! We've now been in Scottsdale, Arizona for eight years. A few years ago I wrote a post about ten things you can do in Scottsdale, Arizona with kids. I was...
Summer – Week One
School is out! It is summertime! A break from the alarm clock and laundry for a little while! Each summer, I sketch out our weeks. It makes things a little easier on everyone. It gives us a goal and helps give a little structure to those slower days. I was looking...