In a few weeks, my oldest will turn 16. Her request was very simple. She wanted the ballet and a nice dinner. We celebrated today, so that we could see Swan Lake. We ate too much and sang as loudly as we could in the car. We discussed the really important things, like...
Family
The Commemorative Air Force Museum and a Sentimental Journey
As I was finishing this post, Brian put on Sentimental Journey in the background. It's a great soundtrack for the post, so feel free to click here and listen while you read... Dad came to visit for my birthday! Growing up, if there was a battlefield, historical site,...
Easter Photo Shoot 2016 {Just Pictures}
Pope Saint John Paul II {St. Bernard’s of Clairvaux}
Whenever I rush, things fall apart. You would think I would know this by know. Meltdowns because of my impatience. Forgotten phones. Running late. I didn't think we would be going to the celebration that evening, but mom surprised us with tickets to the dinner. I was...
Leaps and Bounds and Tiny Steps
I've learned a lot since I was a new mother. My approach to struggle and shame now is to talk to yourself like you'd talk to someone you love and reach out to tell your story. ~ Brene Brown There are days that motherhood just soars. The dishes and laundry and drop...
Riley and the Fireman
A few weeks ago, this cute little redhead almost called my bluff. We were driving home from school - my four kids plus our two carpool friends. Riley kept unbuckling. I kept pulling over. The big kids go to school about twenty minutes south of us, and we drive...
Maid Marian (or parenting a good kid)
Parenting a good kid. Writing about Julia's kindness is so very easy. There is no shortage of her love for God and others. Yes, I know I'm so blessed. Yes, I know this is not the teenage cliche. Sometimes, I wonder if this is challenging me in a different way. When it...
Riley is Five
My sweet Riley. I just can't imagine life without you. You are so full of energy and silliness! You love your brother and sisters with your entire being. It is a beautiful thing to watch. I think Mary Alice's guardian angel whispers "thank you" in your ear every...
Be the adult…
A few weeks ago, I was sitting at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and the speaker caught my attention. She said, "Be the adult you want your children to be." I have thought about those words every day since that talk. When I watch one of my children behave in a way I...
Pueri Cantores, St. Bernard of Clairvaux – Rome | Julia’s Story
I asked Julia to write her story of their trip to Rome. I can remember my dad asking me to do this after we went on trips. I'm so glad he did, because now I look back and read of our travels, written before my memories faded, and can instantly remember the feelings of...