As our oldest two kids head back to school this week, I wanted to share our family's reasons for sending our kids to public school. This will be our kids' 3rd and 5th years, respectively, in public school because they attended two years of public preschool before beginning kindergarten. We have never regretted our decision to send them to public school! I know some families face community or family expectations about where and how to educate their children and sometimes have to make a … [Read more...]
On Parenting with Grace and Second Chances
Last week, I was sitting on the floor with my daughter, helping her sort hundreds of tiny rubber bands by color after I accidentally knocked over her Rainbow Loom band storage box that had been left open and sitting precariously on our dining room bench. As we worked, she talked. (I love that about working side by side with my kids, how they talk and open up, especially when I'm helping them with something.) And she told me something I will cling to as a mother for a long time. "Mom," she … [Read more...]
7 Things That are Saving My Life Right Now…
I stumbled across this post at Modern Mrs. Darcy a month or so ago. I love the idea of keeping a list of things that are saving our lives and giving us life, especially in the midst of heartache, brokenness, grief or painful seasons. So as I emerge from April and walk through the season of grief of the anniversary of my dad's death, I thought I would take a minute to reflect on the things that are saving my life right now. Some of these were intentional steps I took in anticipation of going … [Read more...]
When you realize you are a part of the problem… on assumptions, injustice, and the seeds of change
I'm not completely sure when the shift began. The opening of my mind and heart to the truths of another's experience has been a long process. I'm sure the seeds we're planted when I began reading books that presented a different view of the Gospel than the one I had grown up understanding. I know my heart became softer when I stopped watching the news channel that rhymes with "box" and stopped listening to talk radio. A softer heart meant fertile soil for those seeds to sprout. I know it … [Read more...]
On Grief and Grace (or Why I Hate April)
Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise - Victor Hugo Life has been full and busy around here for the past few weeks, and my mind occupied with projects and deadlines and activities for the kids. Finally, at the end of last week I felt like I could come up for air. Except when I took a deep breath, it wasn't a breath of fresh air. It was heavy and filled with dread. April and Easter are right around the corner, and I hate April. This is strange, I know, because most people … [Read more...]
Pour Into A Thirsty World: World Water Day 2015
Every morning, I stumble into the kitchen in the faint light of the early morning, grab my tea kettle and turn on the faucet. The water flows down smoothly and easily and fills the kettle, which I set on the stove to boil, eagerly awaiting my morning coffee. I didn't have to go anywhere or work in any way to have clean fresh flowing water this morning. In my home, in my life, water is always there. It's always been there and it will always be there. I never have to think about it or worry … [Read more...]
From Death to New Life: On Observing Lent for the First Time
I was raised in a Wesleyan church and for me Lent was something the Catholic kids at school did when they'd give up chocolate or pop and wouldn't eat meat on Friday. I didn't really know what Lent was, but I thought it was more about following some outdated religious symbolism then a spiritual practice that would actually deepen my relationship with Jesus. My dad passed away on April 21, 2012. Just two weeks after our family had all been together to celebrate Easter. And as anyone who has … [Read more...]
5 Books to Read in 2015!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. One of my personal goals for the New Year is to continue reading as much as I can and listening to audiobooks whenever I can. I have loved reading since I was a young girl, but haven't made as much time for it in the past few years as I would have liked. During my blogging break, I read and listened to some fabulous books that had a huge impact on my life and expanded my mind and heart. I love that about books! Such a simple, but profound, way to … [Read more...]
To be called Mommy
Mom. Mom. Mom. Mama! Mama!! MOOOOMMMMYYYY!!! We were driving back from our family vacation in Northern Michigan, and while the older two kiddos were watching a movie the youngest babe wasn't interested and instead wanted my undivided attention for about two hours straight. Jer and I were trying to have a meaningful conversation, which was pretty much impossible because we kept being interrupted every 5 seconds by her yelling, "Mama, Mama, MAMA!!!!" I'd say, "Yes, Blair?" and she'd rattle … [Read more...]
Five Minute Friday: Nothing
We spent last weekend in Northern Michigan, one of our favorite places in the world, and enjoyed beautiful weather (although the water was freezing)! It was great family time and I just had to share this pic, because well, they're stinkin' cute! I have been wanting to join in with Lisa Jo and Five Minute Fridays for a long time, but for some reason or another, just never jumped in. This week has been crazy around here, but I want to stay committed to posting twice a week. So when I woke … [Read more...]
