A Slightly Better Wife

Rain, Remembrance, and Peace

It rained all day yesterday. My husband took the day off work to take me to a doctor’s appointment, the one I've been dreading, for my breast exam. I told him I could have gone on my own, but he knew better. He knew I needed him with me. My mom watched the kids, and I was so thankful, since the ...

All Are Welcome

Last weekend we hosted a birthday party celebrating another year of Mr. Awesome’s life. We closed off the bedrooms, opened every other door in our 1,500 sq. ft. home, swept the garage, moved a few things, and welcomed in over 90 friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. A few guests we ...

Siblings Day 2015

This morning my dad sent me an email with an old picture attached. He said, “You can use this for Siblings Day.” Siblings Day? I’ll admit, I had to look it up. Turns out, April 10th is the official day, and I hadn’t planned for it at all. No cards, no gifts, just this sweet picture and a whole lot ...

Grandma Dorothy’s Special K Bars

I shared on Facebook that Special K Bars are *the* most loved treat on my husband's side, at extended family gatherings. We've been together almost 11 years, and for the first time ever... I was asked to bring them to one of their big shindigs! Say what!? I was worried they’d be rock hard, ...

Homeschooling at the Grocery Store

Hello, friends!Today I want to share some quick tips for turning your grocery store trip into a homeschool opportunity. The store can be a place for more than just errands — it’s full of hands-on lessons for every age. Toddlers & Preschoolers Colors: “What color is this apple?” “Can you ...

DIY: Convert a Standard Kid’s Bike Into a Balance Bike

Not to brag, but I love teaching kids how to ride their bikes, and thankfully, most of them love learning too! One of the quickest ways to help them ride without training wheels is to first focus on balance. 👉 Tip #1: Bike Size MattersIn order to learn balance, kids need to be able to put their ...

Choosing Patience in the Parking Lot

There we were, a family of five, hustling through the parking lot so I could squeeze in a quick stop at the shoe store and still get all my errands done. Our little circus looked something like this: A dad strutting confidently with his fresh haircut. A preteen with her eyes glued to a ...

Life Hack: Opening a Diary Lock Without the Key

Just a friendly #parenthack, #lifehack or whatev, in case you find yourself in the same predicament I was in this morning. The rounded end of a bobby pin will pop these little locks open, easy peasy. How To: Stick the rounded end of the bobby pin into the lock. Give it a little turn or jiggle. It ...

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

This Ranch Dressing Mix is so easy to make, and it’s a great way to skip the expensive little packets at the store. Most of the spices are ones you probably already have on hand! Even if you don’t have them all, I encourage you to grab what you need and give it a try — it’s quick, simple, and ...

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Armed with a bunch of spices, some measuring spoons, a big mixing bowl, and my mother-in-law’s recipe, I set out to make one of our long-time family favorites: Taco Seasoning Mix! Each year we order enough beef to fill our deep freeze. When my husband and I first got married, the only thing I knew ...

I Love You to Death, Marry Me, and Have Fun

A couple weeks ago, I was digging through my keepsake box for a specific picture of an old friend. I couldn’t find it, and for a moment, I felt a little defeated. But then I found something else from that same time period — a playful, just-for-fun “marriage proposal” from a co-worker at the pizza ...

The Barrel Drive-In: More Than Just Another Restaurant

Our youngest had her own little soda with her chicken kid's meal at the Barrel Drive in yesterday. Hey, no judgment please, we are making memories here! She hasn't really tasted much soda before, but REALLY enjoyed this treat. Check out the video: I mean really though, who wouldn't love homemade ...

Stop Saying NO Out of Fear

As a young mom, I was asked to take on a volunteer position. At first, I didn’t accept it. I felt inexperienced and unsure of myself, but I also didn’t want fear to keep me from something God might be calling me to. The woman who asked me said something that still guides me today: “Don’t say no ...

How to Make Your Own Shell Ice Cream Topping

Did you know you can make your own hard ice cream topping? Let’s get a little old fashion and give this a try, okay? Now we don’t really have this often (ice cream, YES. This topping though, no), I’d say maybe once or twice a year. It is nice to be able to make it yourself for two ...

My Friend, Amy.

Amy Elizabeth Hild. September 9th, 1987 - February 25th, 2015 Amy Elizabeth Hild I’ve known Amy’s full name for well over 10 years, and I’ve never forgotten it. She used to doodle it in her math notebook all.the.time. She’d put fancy designs around her name and play around with ...

Memories For My Baby Girl: Daddy Twirls You Around the Kitchen

My memory may fail me at some point. I know this, because it has before. This little blog is not only my place to encourage others, but to chronicle my thoughts and store my memories, in case I ever forget these sweet moments. I have no idea how long my posts will stay on the internet. It's my ...

Why I’m Pulling Back the Shades and NOT Seeing 50 Shades of Grey

Ladies, we need to talk. Grab a cup of coffee, this may take a while. I know many of you are really looking forward to seeing the 50 shades of Grey movie this weekend. But can I just ask, WHY? What about it is appealing to you? Now before you envision me sitting up high on my soap box writing this ...

How To Make Homemade Almond Milk -Recipe

Today I’m going to share with you a super simple DIY Homemade Almond Milk Recipe. All you really need for this is Almonds and Water. If you want to sweeten it up a bit and add a little more flavor you can add a Pitted Date, a pinch of salt, and a small splash of vanilla. Let's get started! Soak 1 ...

Baked French Toast

Once in a while I realize we have an abundance of bread in the house. With three kids and a husband who eat sandwiches each week this this doesn’t happen often, but when it does, I know just how to use it up! Baked French Toast! Top 2 reasons why I bake my French toast vs. making it the ...

Tidying Rooms, Tidying Hearts

I spent part of the evening cleaning my oldest daughter’s room. It wasn’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but it certainly wasn’t what anyone would call organized. She struggled to let go of little plastic dolls, Happy Meal toys, random papers she had drawn on, and keychains with no real significance ...