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Beauty from Ashes
This morning was rough. I screamed at my toddler. I screamed so loudly that my head hurt afterward. I screamed so loudly that I was afraid that my neighbors, the very same neighbors that a few weeks ago sent me a text stating that Kevin and I were “THE BEST parents”, would hear it and be alarmed. I’m not proud of it. I’m downright ashamed of it. Running on Fumes Here was the scenario: I was running on six hours of sleep and was having an unproductive morning. I wanted to run to the grocery store. I already was frustrated with how long it was taking to get everything in order.…
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Faith in a Good Father
A little over a year ago, a few short days before Lucy was due, I received a phone call I will never forget. “I just lost my job,” my husband said into the phone. I felt my face and heart fall simultaneously. We knew the day was coming. Things were unsettled at his job, and though he had been there for ten years, he had been warned that things weren’t looking good. Still, when word came that they were eliminating his position, it still swept our feet out from under us does an unexpected, violent wave. Days before a baby’s arrival, that old companion Worry began to unpack his bags.…
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Self-Care: Another Form of Sabbath we’ve been Neglecting
There is nothing quite like the stillness of morning. When my babies were little, I did the wise thing and slept as long as they did, often trying to delay the arrival of morning by snuggling them close in bed and nursing them back to sleep as many times as they’d allow. But these days, I set an alarm for at least an hour before those little eyes will open. I’ve crept downstairs in the darkness, lit candles around my living room, stretched out on a yoga mat, and eased into the day. I’ve poured myself a hot cup of coffee, sweetening it with honey, and relished its sweet, earthy…
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Making Memories
The grasses were all around, towering above me like trees. They waved gently in the breeze, greeting me as their friend. The autumnal sun had rendered them golden, had made every part of the scene glow with warmth. While I cannot picture him, I know my dad was there. We were fishing together in some small, peaceful body of water, and I felt small in the best way. Then, the quietness was interrupted with a crescendo of noise, and I looked up to see a flock of geese bursting into my vision, flapping their wings against the blushing sky. It was a moment of wonder, and I can still picture…
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The 1st Birthday Party – 10 Tips for Hosting a Memorable Event without Breaking the Bank (or Losing your Mind)
When I turned one, my birthday party consisted of family coming over to enjoy some snacks and a homemade chocolate cake my mom lovingly decorated with Big Bird. There were some gifts, maybe a few balloons. It was not a big deal, just a time to celebrate with loved ones. But in this day and age, especially under the influence of social media, there’s an expectation of hosting an elaborate, themed birthday party for your little one. Spend five minutes on Pinterest, and you will become either inspired or discouraged by the intensity with which people plan for baby’s first birthday. A beautiful party is all well and good, but…
