Dearest Riley, One year ago today, I learned your story. That very moment I raced home to daddy and told him about you. Without hesitation, he looked at me and we agreed to do whatever we could for you. But it wasn't us who did the rescuing. Do you know how much I...
My firstborn. She is lovely. Kindness, gentleness, and diligence are the qualities you notice right away. Spend a little time near her and you will watch her love cover everyone around her like a blanket of sweet honey. Her magic is that you don't even notice how...
As I drove to California this weekend, I had so much on my mind. I knew I would be out of my league with Tyler and Wendy. I knew that I have so much to learn. {I also had a small panic attack when the rain and fog started. It was thick as pea soup. Goodness, gracious...
This weekend I'm taking a photography class. Tyler and Wendy from Blue Lily are sharing their amazing world with us. Yes, they are just as amazing in person. And wow - my entire world is already upside down - I am learning so much. I will be studying my notes for...
So many years ago, we lived in the tiniest apartment. Nate slept in the dining room, in his crib. All was well, money was just very tight. I can remember telling a friend at work that I wanted to do something so nice for Brian for Valentines Day, but I just didn't...
Tonight, after dinner, Nate and I had the rare chance to just sit at the table alone and talk. It was so nice just to hear his thoughts. He would like to be a game developer, a priest, or ... (I just cannot remember the third one - Â because I was so intrigued by the...
I'm listening to Julia talk about hilarious skits at youth group tonight. She and Nate are laughing hysterically in the kitchen and it is 8:30 at night. I should be fussing at them to get in bed, but I am grinning ear to ear. Oh, I have the best memories of my youth...
Disclosure: Â I was given this information to share with you by Whole Foods Market. The opinions expressed here are my own. I am so thankful for companies that work with me to provide quality products for my readers and my family. I am disclosing this in accordance...
Disclosure:  I was provided a copy of Cafe Zupas Blogger's Annual Cookbook to review. An additional copy and a gift-card have been provided for one blog reader. The opinions expressed here are my own. I am so thankful for companies that work with me to provide quality...
Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensRX #CollectiveBias {Image Source} Today is Super Bowl Sunday and the...
{Print: Â The Olive Tree} Nate had a Rugby game Saturday. Julia played with a new friend all day. Riley and I took a nap together. Brian cleaned the garage. I am blessed. So very blessed. It is nice to have a little rest after the holidays. Do you agree? I have been on...
Linda, thank you for the opportunity to photograph this wonderful event! I was honored to meet the volunteers from Panhellenic! They are an amazing group of people! I could tell that they poured their hearts into serving others!
Disclosure: Â I was invited to spend a morning at the #FrysFanZone and given this information to share with you by Fry's. The opinions expressed here are my own. I am so thankful for companies that work with me to provide quality products for my readers and my family....
Apparently, when I was dropped off for my first day of Kindergarten, I waved to my father while holding my mother's hand and yelled, "I am going to have millions and millions of friends!". Apparently one wonderful brother wasn't enough for me and I was ready to expand...
Sunday nights are usually very low key around here. I like it. We have a sit down dinner and talk over the next week. Brian and I try to be honest about what we are worried about with the kids. They pray the most beautiful prayers for us and it let's them know how...
Today, Riley and I spent a lot of time at The Simple Farm this morning. After being there, and impulsively buying strawberry plants, I decided to go to Home Depot. I decided that plants were needed. Green, healing, happy plants. Riley's adoption is taking so much...
41 years. It has been 41 years since Roe vs. Wade. I could tell you how amazed I am at the lack of coverage of the march on Washington DC today. I could tell you how sad I am that  we still disagree on this. I could tell you how I worry and pray for those that face...
This year, I wanted to design something around my one little word. Do you pick a word? I like it. I use it as a time to reflect over the past year and really think about the next year and where God would like me to go. I look at what He is doing with my life and in my...
Today, Julia and Nate were home from school and Brian had the day off. We threw together a makeshift picnic and headed to Bartlett Lake. Seventy-five degrees, no parking fees today in honor of National Parks day, and pringles. That just might be my perfect day. Brian...
Disclosure: Â I was given tickets for my family to visit Sea Life Arizona. The opinions expressed here are my own. I am so thankful for companies that work with me to provide quality products for my readers and my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the...