*This post contains affiliate links* When your friend writes a book and you're pretty darn proud of her, you want other people to know just how good it is. First, I want you to know a bit about Haley because I think it helps you understand her book a little better. She's the mama of four and she and her husband live in Waco, right up the road from me here in Austin. She has impeccable taste in tattoos and hair color. One of her professors in college wrote this book and she and her friend, Christy, have a really fabulous podcast. She's also a convert to Catholicism which I dearly love. Haley is a hip, fun millennial who is incredibly personable and real. I think all of that comes through in her newest book, "The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture." Her book shares how her family got off the hamster wheel and instead, jumped off into the land of intention. They were purposeful, patient and faithful as they began to build a new life for their family. Maybe living in tight quarters and using a compost toilet may not be your gig, but their … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: Sweet, Sweet North Carolina
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
Luke is officially NINE (and he has one request!)
Every year, I think this day will be easier. Every year, I think the strides Luke has made won't surprise me. Every year, I think I will fully comprehend how much he has changed us. And every year I am wrong. Luke, nine sure came fast. It was an honor to write this year's birthday letter. There is one small thing you've asked for your birthday and I hope everyone reading this can oblige. … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: (Not) Hotlanta
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
East Coast Adventure: Easy Living in NOLA
Over the next few days, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of our epic road trip to the east coast. It was 13 days filled with joy, sibling fights, a bazillion rest stops, one major meltdown on the side of I-10, great memories and lots of hugs with awesome people. Oh, and we saw a ton of cool stuff, too. You can read all about it by city: New Orleans, LA; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Washington, D.C. … [Read More...]
Be Our Guest! A Beauty & the Beast Birthday Feast
As the kids get older, the focus is starting to shift from games and favors, to food. Always the food. Clare waited ever so patiently for her mama to get her act together. Her actual birthday was in June and we celebrated in August. After lots of talking and scouring Pinterest, she finally decided on a Beauty and the Beast theme. I squealed, just a tiny bit. We had a small crew of five … [Read More...]
Dear First-Time Mama of a High School Senior
I know, I know. You looked at yourself in the mirror this morning and asked, "How, how do I have a senior in high school?" Then you either a) started hyperventilating, b) teared up, c) swelled with pride or d) all of the above. I'm sure moms who have gone before us are already smiling, reaching out their arms to embrace our conflicted hearts. But, I suspect while this letting go thing may … [Read More...]
A “Meat Fest” Birthday for the Teenager
The older my boys get, the more I realize just how much their lives revolve around sports, food and sleep. Repeat. They're also asking me to dial it back a bit in the birthday celebrating department. Eeek. But, I get it. I also realize that dialing it back for me is not the same as it is for other people. Hazard of the love language of birthday party host. When Will turned 17 earlier … [Read More...]
