Who ever said raising preteens was tough, obviously never channeled that drive for independence all the way into the kitchen. I love a girl who looks up recipes, makes them and serves them to the whole family. Don't worry, it's not all sweets, before this she served us: cucumbers, green and orange ...
5 Quick Tips to Simplify Your Road Trips With Kids
1. Always keep a bag in the van (because moms don't drive cars) with a spare set of clothes for each kid. It doesn't need to be stylish, a cheap Garanimals t-shirt and shorts will do. *If you have a kid in diapers, keep about five of those in the van also, along with a package of wipes. This is ...
Thanks Mom
Warning, Real Life Post: I just hit an awful reality. After walking past this humongous nasty dust bunny a couple times (after I already cleaned the floors), I realized no one else is going to pick it up. I'm the mom now. Ugh, so not fun. This may be a little late, but THANKS MOM, for always ...
One of the Most Overlooked Essentials in the Parenting Tool Bag
Parents of littles, if you don’t own an otoscope yet, I highly suggest you order one now. Like RIGHT NOW, before it is 11pm on a Friday and you need to check your 2 year old’s nose to : A) Figure out which nostril the popcorn kernel is in, if she did in fact put one up there. B) Be sure she didn’t ...
Sweet Graycie’s Baptism Anniversary
Happy 2nd Baptism Anniversary to this little cutie! 2 years ago we dedicated you to the Lord in front of our great big church family. We had no idea that just three days later we'd almost lose you. This day reminds me to love you while I can, because even though I say you're mine, you're not. You ...
Mom Needs Shoes
So there we were, a family of 5, hauling butt through a parking lot so I could make an impromptu stop at the shoe store, and still get everything done on my errands list. In our Circus Operation we had: A dad head up, looking forward, strutting his stuff with a new haircut. A preteen holding ...
Through The Dish Water
“Everybody wants to save the Earth; nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes.” —P.J. O’Rourke Tonight after my brother's birthday dinner, I dried a few dishes while my mom washed them. Mostly I just stood there admiring her hands as they scrubbed the plates. Her hands are so familiar to me, but ...
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 ...
The Ball Player’s Passion
I hope I never forget the way he carries his hooded sweatshirts around on his head, when he doesn't want to wear them. Today he teared up because although we have a ramp on our front stairs, we don't have one for the basement stairs. This means his best friend who is in a wheel chair right now ...
The Cars Are Taking Over! #boymomprobs
The Tooth Fairy left 5 new Hot Wheels cars here this week. This rekindled The Ball Player's love of toy cars. So he brought them ALL upstairs to play with today. I don't know if this collage of pictures better illustrates how boys play vs. how girls play, or first born vs.middle child. Either way, ...
Enjoy the Journey, Heaven Awaits
For Christmas we gave the baby a stroller for her own babies. It took her less than a week to figure out she fits in her new dolly stroller. Oh boy. The last doll stroller we had (about 10yrs ago) was held together with massive amounts of duct tape by the end of its life (well, its ...
Mother Daugther- Girl Talk
My oldest daughter is officially a middle schooler. Don't ask me how this happened, I probably blinked or something. I have so enjoyed raising her and getting to know her. I think that last part is almost more important than the first right now (almost!). One way I actively get to know my ...
Head Down, He Walked Away. he.was.mad.
As I was sitting on my back step, planner and pencil in hand, I listened to the group of neighborhood children playing baseball in an adjacent yard. The breeze blew past and shooed the flies off of my sun tanned feet. I looked down at my chipped bright pink nail polish {hmm, I should touch these ...
FYI: This Is The Summer We Begged For All Winter
FYI: Our {semi-local} Target was setting up their "Back to School" area when I was there yesterday. August is coming quick! Don't let your summer slip away. Be intentional about having fun! We've been to the beach (with friends) twice this week, even though I'm pms-ing, even though ...
Moments From the Minivan: Tumbling Camp
Back story: My 6 yr old is in a stage where he is afraid of so many things. I've never met a kid so cautious. Once we took him to T-ball, at his request. He panicked, threw himself down on the ball field {in front of God and everyone}, screamed and cried that he wanted a *new* family and he hated ...
Slowing Down, Seeing More
It started early last week. I told God I felt like I was drowning in my tasks and I couldn't take anymore. Life wasn't enjoyable in that moment. My calendar was full and my to-do list was far too long. I told him things needed to slow down. I was in pain, too busy, and needed a break. Then I ...
In The Kitchen: Living Salad Bowl
Having a living salad bowl on my deck is just about my favorite thing right now. It makes lunch time so easy! It's also a great way to add simple veggies to dinner. My biggest high comes from seeing my picky eater snacking on it while he plays outside. In each pot I planted: Green leaf ...
A Letter to my Children… & You
Written for my children, for when they are older and will understand it more. But maybe you {my dear readers} could use this right now, too? I know I would benefit from these words being spoken to me daily. My Dear Children, I pray you are clinging tightly to Jesus. Be ready. Be ready for ...
On Mother’s Day
Hey, can we talk? I know it's Mother's Day. How are you feeling about that? Be honest. I hope no matter what your answer comes out like, I pray you are content. I know that may not be the case though. Being a mom looks different to each of us. Some of us came by it young, others later in life. ...
Intentional Parenting
Let’s talk about being intentional in our parenting. Although many great things do happen spontaneously, I believe that even greater things can happen when we are joyfully being intentional. What are you doing to intentionally spend time with your kiddos? I’ll go first. Well for starters, we are ...