Ash Wednesday is um, Wednesday. As much as I'd like to give up winter for Lent (dang you Texas spring, where you at?!), I think God wants me to dig a little deeper. I've written a lot about Lent here on the blog over the last decade. I've chatted about how to make it meaningful for your kids, why we keep missing the point and why I want the world to know what it means (a la sassy Kathryn). At the end of the day, it comes down to one simple question: Are you willing to let yourself be transformed, or are you going to keep the death grip of control on your life? I know what you're thinking, that's easier said than done, Kathryn. And you know what? You're right. Lent isn't about all talk, it's about sacrifice. It isn't showing off to your friends on social media about your piety, it's about self-reflection. It isn't using Sundays as an excuse to partake in the things we 'gave up' in the name of Jesus or about how cute our mantels look or how well our houses are "undecorated" for this barren liturgical season. It's about Jesus and just how much we're willing to sacrifice … [Read More...]
Cleaner, Safer, Better
If you've been following me over on Instagram, you know that our family recently embarked on a major diet change. For two of our family members, it was medically necessary. The learning curve to cut out gluten has been steep (oh pizza, I miss you), but it's something we've been contemplating for more than a year. Well, that and a few other changes. As the mom of six, I've always been … [Read More...]
The Book! (and a title to boot)
I realized, after looking through all my 2018 posts, that I never "officially" shared on the blog that I'm writing a book. #badblogger So, yes, it's actually happening. I could not be more thrilled or more terrified. At first it sounded so cool to share the deepest recesses of my heart and then I panicked. What if people hate it? What if *I* hate it? What if, what if, what if. I knew, deep … [Read More...]
Happy 15th aka “Almost Street Legal”
John Paul is 15 which means the insurance rates just went up, again. That's okay, he's cute so we'll let it pass. It's time for the first birthday letter of the year. Let's get to it, shall we? Dear John Paul (the Great), You're halfway through with your freshman year and already I'm thinking, 'where did the time go?' I wish it was possible for me to adequately convey what a … [Read More...]
2019 Word of the Year
Resolutions and words of the year are my spirit animals. But, truthfully, they don't mean much unless you actually take the time to implement them. Every year, about mid-January, we hear about folks falling off the wagon, so to speak, with all those good intentions. But you know, we never hear about those that get back on it, even though they fail. January gets a lot of press for being the … [Read More...]
Let’s Get Something Straight About Christmas Trees
Every December 26 I see it. And, I'm pretty sure you do, too. Friends and neighbors put their Christmas trees out for recycling. How dare they, right? Don't they know that the Christmas season lasts twelve full days? Don't they know they should leave their trees up until at least Epiphany? Oh gracious, y'all. Let me just state this up front: the decor of your house does not dictate the … [Read More...]
2018 Gift Guide
Last year, I did my first-ever gift guide and y'all loved it so much (and so did I) that I decided to do it again! On Thanksgiving Day, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed I was so tempted to fall prey to all the sales! and the deals! and the really, really good things on the interwebs! Because, truly, there are so many wonderful creators out there making some fabulous things for our homes, … [Read More...]
The Easiest Family Photos on Vacation. Ever.
**This post contains affiliate links.** I love to take photos, just ask my kids. When we're on vacation, I'm usually behind the camera which means I have tons of pictures of my kids and Scott but very few of us all together. Two years ago, I discovered Flytographer just before our 20th wedding anniversary trip to Europe. We got the most spectacular pictures of us. I mean, like … [Read More...]
