Blog
Writing. Real. Encouragement.Scenes From Being Five
It's been over a month since we talked, and I missed you! But I'm not gonna lie - what I've been up to has been much sweeter than typing or writing or talking. We've been snuggling and celebrating and adjusting and chasing and not sleeping. Here's a peek as we end...
On Dropping Perfect and Chasing Holy
The seeking of perfection can suck the joy from our souls if we allow it space in our hearts. The first Christmas was less than perfect, yet it was glorious. It was the greatest mix of holy and human. There was straw, shepherds, and a star. There were hard hearts, new...
It’s a Girl!!
She's here. Born three weeks early on November 10th, weighing 7lbs 15 oz (just like her big sister). Clara Grace. Our precious daughter. After 15 hours of labor (I can't wait to share her birth story with you!) she came quietly but fiercely into our arms. Her big...
36-week Bumpdate!
So... we're having a baby this month. Probably. I mean, nothing's guaranteed, but essentially... We're having a baby this month. It's amazing how different things are for a third baby as opposed to the first one, at least for me. No longer is it a dreamy bubble of new...
Day 31 :: Happy Holidays!
We did it. We're ready for November, for December. We're ready to give deep thanks, to prepare for the coming Christ child, to celebrate His birth, to ring in the New Year with joy. Armed with tools like: music recipes (Cran-Apple Casserole, Peppermint Popcorn Crunch,...
Day 30 :: Create a Gift Spreadsheet
I'm a total spreadsheet geek. Since learning the beauty and ease of Google Docs + Drive, I use them for everything and I invite my husband to them too. Why should our Christmas be any different?! Here's how I lay my spreadsheet out: I create a table form with the...
Day 29 :: Apple Cranberry Casserole
I made this dish for the first time three years ago. It's been a harvest season staple ever since! Something about the sweet apples + the tangy cranberries = perfection. It's extra delicious in the morning with a cup of coffee, or after dinner with a dollop of whipped...
Day 28 :: Use Subscription Services
At 35 weeks pregnant, I'm all about not leaving the house. Or the couch. But my family insists on things like toilet paper, dinner, diapers... I mean. Sheesh. So I've enlisted help via automated services. And it occurs to me that these will also be super useful during...
Day 27 :: Plan A Polar Express Trip
My little boy LOVES the Polar Express. We watch the movie and read the book year round, he sings the songs, and pretends to be ON the Polar Express whenever he's in a moving vehicle. For Christmas/his birthday this year, I am dying to take him on a 'real' Polar...
On Embracing What the Trees Know
The trees know winter is coming, and they’re preparing for it from the inside out. I’m not quite sure how to process this knowledge that the trees have, but it feels important, kind of enormous. The trees flourish even (mostly?) in their dying. God has built Truth and...
Day 25 :: Peppermint Popcorn Crunch
Salty + sweet = perfection, in my book. Add Christmas sprinkles and mint M&M's... it's a done deal, folks. This is one of my favorite treats to make. It literally takes minutes, and makes a sweet gift for a friend or teacher, co-worker or neighbor. Or you can...
Day 24 :: Cookie Swaps
Big crazy cookie swaps aren't for everyone; the big crazy ones aren't for me either. But if they're low-key and simple, they can actually be great time savers and a lot of fun! Have a cookie swap with friends! Bake two-dozen cookies. Gather around your table and set...