We received a box from the Disney Parks Team just in time to show our #DisneySide at Riley's 4th birthday party! We are thrilled that they sent a box full of items for him to have a Disney Cars party! He was so excited. Riley has been asking for a watch for a few...
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Somebody’s prayin…
There was a song that was very popular when I was in high school: Somebody's prayin, I can feel it Somebody's prayin' for me Mighty hands are guiding me To protect what I can't see Lord I believe, Lord I believe That somebody's prayin', for me. - Ricky Skaggs I can...
What’s in a name?
We've picked a name for baby girl! I've told you about my two prayer warriors a million times - my mother and my maternal grandmother. They are a treasure to me. They are both Marys. For seven generations before me, the oldest child has been a girl and she was always...
Under a bushel (hiding a miracle)
I've made an executive decision. I've decided that I've allowed my feelings to be a bushel - the bushel that I am hiding a miracle under. This pregnancy, I've been sadder and lonelier than I've been in a very long time. I've hidden from community. I've cried for no...
Give those worries away…
Some women feel amazing when they are pregnant. They glow and love every minute. I'm not one of those women. In the beginning, I'm sick. Then, I'm overwhelmed and sure that I won't be any good at adding another little one to the mix. Then, I feel guilty for not...
Raising a Modern Day Knight
Disclosure: I am a Family Christian blogger. It is my honor to share news with you from a store that I enjoy and support! Our sweet Nathaniel started attending a private, Catholic school this year. Now, he and Julia are at the same school (hooray for the same...
Speak Hope {Free Printable}
Last week, I emailed the sweet friends at Hope Spoken to let them know that I wouldn't be going. It is just too close to my due date. My heart was set on going. I was going to be a small group leader this year and I already had dreams and plans of wonderful...
Simple and Slow
Thank you for your emails and texts over the past few weeks. We are slowing coming out of the cave of grief and finding joy at every turn. Last Friday, Riley and I went over to The Simple Farm. They have reopened for a few hours on Friday morning, and I was so glad to...
Another beautiful chapter
Why do the chapters written in pain seem to always be the most beautiful? On Friday, Brian and I waited for the call - the call to run out the door to meet our sweet Riley's birth mom. We met at a Starbucks, outside on the patio. As I sat down, I felt the weight of...
Adoption – The story isn’t over
I never did write that adoption "wrap up" post that I promised. I was going to tie it all together for you in a nice little bow, hit publish, and close that chapter of our story. Our plans never do go quite as expected, do they? Today, I will be meeting the sweet girl...
Grandma Wendy, we’ll see you in heaven
Brian woke me up around 4:15am and told me that Riley's Grandma Wendy had passed away. I was pretty sure I was in the middle of a bad dream. Brian said it beautifully on his Facebook Page: Very sad news to share. One of the most important people in our life, Grandma...
{Local Event} LEGO KidsFest Phoenix and Giveaway! **Closed**
Winner announced! Jenni T. ********** Disclosure: Our family was provided tickets to LEGO KidsFest in exchange for promotion of the event and to provide our own LEGO KidsFest review. All opinions are my own. Is your home filled with LEGO® creations around every...
Word of the Year – 2015
Disclosure: I am honored to announce that I am an As You Wish Pottery Ambassador! I look forward to sharing my pottery adventures with you over the next months! Have you heard the song Background by LeCrae? Having an eleven year old son means that I listen to a fair...
Welcome home…
I know many of you are settling back in to routine after the holidays. It can be hectic and crazy, but good just to be home. My mind is still racing after the holidays. Today, I found two voice-mails from my grandfather that I had saved on my phone. I listened to them...
The Top Three Photography Classes
Just after we get back from Christmas, I get one email over and over. Those of you who got new DSLR cameras want to know what the best photography classes are! (And yay! So excited for you!) 1. SnapShops with Under the Sycamore Ashley's classes are online, perfect for...
Meet each other with a smile…
Right outside of mom and dad's front door is a beautiful tree, loaded with red berries. When it rains, the berries shine like diamonds and greet everyone that walks by. I've been watching the resolutions and wishes and hopes for the New Year scroll by on Facebook and...
Parenting Teens and Preteens – Unique Challenges and Blessings
Today, I'm over at Mom it Forward talking about Parenting Teens and Preteens. I'd love for you to come on by!
Christmas 2014 – no fancy pictures
As we finished packing for Texas, Brian reminded me to pack my camera. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, so I opted just for phone pictures this year. If I wasn't allowed to lift and I can't ask Riley to drag around my carry on 🙂 the phone camera would have to do....
He got his wings…
A few days ago, I was going to ask you to pray for my grandfather. He was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and things were happening pretty quickly. First they gave us six months, then five weeks. We are flying to Texas tomorrow, so I was sure I'd hold his hand and say...
Get in the picture – a gentle reminder for moms this holiday
Get in the picture this holiday season! Please will you hand the camera to your spouse or to your oldest or to your favorite aunt? Usually, we see holiday moments through the lens of our camera or the screen of our iPhone while we try to capture everything. We stay on...
Days are long, but it is good.
Oh this sweet girl. My firstborn. My Julia. Months ago, a groupon came across for a trip to the Nutcracker. I grabbed two tickets and marked it on the calendar. It was the perfect Saturday afternoon. She got to pick where we ate lunch - the Olive Garden. She poured...

