Thursday morning, and it hits me. The tears unexpected, I turn the corner into our neighborhood, thankful I’ve made it well beyond the place where I left my kids before the emotion rolls over me in waves, making me gasp. Sometimes it happens that way. I’m going on about my day, and then I see […]

Tuesday night, Zoe stood on the stage at school, nervous even though she’d said she wouldn’t be; all decked out in black velvet, deep green organza, and the sparkly tights.  They were itchy—the tights—but she wore them anyway, and that’s how I knew what this spelling bee meant to her. That, and the fact that […]

The first time I served soup after Adam’s teacher helped us expand his diet, Adam went in the kitchen, got a paper towel, and then tried to dry up all the extra liquid in his bowl.  I still make him eat soups, but I always know he’s going to be less than excited about it. […]

go to the dentist Last Thursday, I wrote it nonchalantly on the schedule, just below morning chores and breakfast. The girls already knew.  Riley pays attention to the calendar, had prayed about it the night before.  Remembering the last visit—when the dentist pulled me aside right next to Zoe and told me two of her permanent […]

These cheesecake bars cut no corners when it comes to indulgence: rich raspberry-white chocolate swirl cheesecake–so creamy and decadent—blanketing a buttery, shortbread crust.  I read the recipe twice—real butter, cream cheese, sour cream, white chocolate.  But these sweet treats won’t break your calorie budget with their completely-worth-it 172 calories each (15g carbs, if you’re interested). […]

Do not believe that I have mastered contentment. I pursue it…ruthlessly.  But just as I feel it graze my fingertips, it disappears, the butterfly I cannot catch, dancing just nearby. Do you struggle, like me?  Blessed beyond what you can believe and yet still somehow allowing the ridiculous sigh from your lips?  I count gifts, […]

One of my favorite things to do is find and serve healthy, satisfying, family-friendly recipes.  I really enjoy cooking, and as my family “yums” over bites, I love knowing that what they’re eating will nourish their bodies well.  At just 281 calories per serving, this meal definitely fits in with our goal for healthy living. […]

Last week, Kevin and I went backpacking on the Appalachian Trail.  I loved it.  And I hated it.  And now, days later, I still want to go back. Identity intrigues me, the way we allow the details of life to shape our perception of possibility; the way I have limited my own view of who […]

I have this thing about white lights in Winter. For a few lingering weeks, after the Christmas decorations have been packed away for another year, white lights will still flicker and blink warm here, winking at me, reminding me that the magic is always, not just for a season.  Here and there, a bit of […]

2 days before Christmas, and Kevin and I walk early—a treat, Mom and Dad here, the kids snuggling with them in the dark.  The breeze feels amazing, blowing in our faces, a reminder of the Spirit walking with us.  Tears drip down my cheeks, renewing my eyes, even though I’m not crying.  And I can’t […]