For more than a year and a half, we've been fundraising and preparing for Julia and Nate to go to Rome - to sing on New Years Day - for the Pope. This week, they are there with Brian, my father, my brother, my mother-in-law, and my father-in-law. It is absolutely...
For the first time in our marriage, we will be at home for Christmas. As I write this, mom, dad, and my brother are in El Paso, Texas making the trip here. We have always spent the holidays at someone else's home. This year, it's been even more precious to make our...
What do you do with your Christmas cards? Here is our Christmas Card Tradition Last week, I posted this on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! A few of you asked for more specifics, so here is the full story. I used to open the...
Because I want them to remember what everything looked like... not perfect, often rearranged by little hands, hodgepodge of happy!
I participated in an Ambassador Activation on behalf of Influence Central for WaterWipes. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. Each week, I speak with moms about how they are doing. It may...
A few weeks ago, The Simple Farm hosted a potluck dinner for those who had planted or given a tree at their farm. I wrote about the day that Riley walked through the garden with Lylah and chose Grandma Wendy's tree earlier this year. This night was magical. I followed...
Years ago, I wrote a post that had the following sentence: "I will never be the amazing cupcake baking, list making, stay at home mom." Six years ago, there was no way I could see God's plan for today. Six years ago, I was thankful for a job outside the home that paid...
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Groupon. All opinions are my own. Last week, I had the opportunity to learn more about Groupon. Did you know that there are coupons on their site? How did I not know this?! I knew about the deals they email out. Our family's...
Riley has been asking to learn to tie his shoes. The other day he asked, "Mom, are you tired of teaching me how to tie?". It was a complete gut check. I don't think I've said anything to him, but it is quite possible that he's picked up on my feelings when he's asked...
So, remember those fun, cute monthly photo shoots I've been doing with Mary Alice? Well, now she can sit and crawl. It's all over. I think I feel a sticker. Oh look! A sticker. Hey lady, if I sit on the blanket, can I get a sticker, too? Or maybe a treat?...
Mom and dad came to visit last week. It was so good for my soul. They are the most generous people you have ever met. They are generous with their time and their love and their finances and their talents. They give with absolutely no questions asked and no...
Disclosure:Â As an HP Smart Mom Panel member, I received free products in order to host the HP #StickaPic Party. The opinions expressed here are my own. On All Saints Eve, we held our third annual get together. We made our traditional two batches of chili, loads of...
My dearest Riley, You have now lived with us for over two years. In your life, you have now lived with us longer than anywhere else. I hope you feel like it is home. In the past year, we've walked a rocky path together. Grandma Wendy went to heaven. We met your first...
Disclosure: I received samples of Honest Tea to review. It is my honor to share news with you from a company that I support! Riley looks up to his big sister and big brother as if they hung the moon. Last weekend, Julia asked Riley to have lunch with her, and you...
You have this love of history that is absolutely incredible. You remember tanks and planes and battles and dates. It is just like your father. You've always had this love of Ireland. Now that you have an Irish uncle, there is no stopping you. You listen to the music,...
One week ago, I wrote the following on Facebook: Julia asked us to pray together as a family every night - not just at dinner, not just at bedtime. At first, I felt annoyed. I felt like she was implying that I needed to be holier. (She wasn't. She just truly wanted to...
Disclosure: I was given a pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies to celebrate the release of their new color! It is my honor to share news with you from a store that I enjoy and support! I've been a fan of Classroom Friendly Supplies for a long time! Brian...
Disclosure: I am a Family Christian blogger. I received a gift certificate to purchase gifts to facilitate my review. It is my honor to share news with you from a store that I enjoy and support! My beautiful Julia. This past summer, we had the best time watching old...