Boy, the insanity of May really crept up on me. I should know better by now. But, with two first communions, an eighth grade graduation, junior-senior prom, two birthdays and the birth of our niece in the last three weeks, I've *just barely* kept my head above water. Anna-Laura turned 13 on Wednesday, but since we celebrate birthdays your whole month, this letter is still right on time, yes? Here goes. Dear Anna-Laura, You're a teenager. In my mind, you're still the little 18-month-old who is throwing a fit because I'm putting on your tennis shoes and not your sandals. Time for me to fast forward a few years. There was a day, not long ago, that wondered if we would ever reach the sweet spot. You know, the one where I felt like we could have a conversation without you rolling your eyes or slamming a door. I think we both grew up. You matured, I chilled out and we're starting to navigate this tween, now teen, thing together instead of working against the tide. It's been beautiful. You still roll your eyes, get sassy and heavy sigh, but there is no more door slamming. I … [Read More...]
Milestone after Milestone: Luke’s First Communion
I'm not sure my heart was ever, truly, prepared for the beauty of Luke's first communion day. Now that I've had a few weeks to process it all, I'll do my best to capture it in words. You can bet there will be lots of photos, too. Today, I'll share the joy of the sacrament and later this week, you'll get all the party details. A few days before the big weekend, Luke and I trotted up to the … [Read More...]
Sweet G is FOUR!
If I'm being honest, it feels like we've had Gianna a lot longer than four years. She is the sunshine in our house. I remember her birth with the sweetest and tenderest of memories. She healed us, in so, so many ways. Today, I'll share the annual birthday letter. Let's get to it. Oh, and if you're one for birth videos (the sweet kind!) then I hope you'll love this one as much as I do (video at … [Read More...]
Invitations to Love, Seriously
I received Minted products in exchange for my review. My opinion? It's 100% mine! Raise your hand if you're ready for May crazy. Anybody? They do say May is the new December. And that is 100% truth. 'Tis the season for graduations, holidays, sacraments and everything in between. The extrovert in me rejoices, but the mom in me is still looking for a nap. Last week at our house, we hosted a … [Read More...]
Sacramental Gift Ideas for Baptism, First Communion & Confirmation
Disclosure: A few of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click through and place an order. It's an email I get at least once a week - people in search of the "just right" gift for the "just right" kid for a multitude of sacraments. Since we've celebrated six baptisms, five (almost!) first communions and one confirmation, … [Read More...]
How I Landed in the Catholic Church: A Conversion Story
It's no secret I love Jesus. I've never wanted that love of Christ to make people run for the hills. I always strive to meet people where they are, and sometimes they just aren't even in the pew. And that's okay. I grew up Protestant and I am deeply grateful to my parents for such a rich, varied and loving environment. We may have changed churches, a lot, but I can honestly say there isn't a … [Read More...]
Look Who’s 17! Happy Birthday Will.
March 27 is a good, good day. It's the day two of the most important men in my life celebrate life. My dad is 71 today and my oldest is 17. At 6 and 60 and 28 and 82 they share a reversed birthday. How fun is that? Seventeen years ago seems like such a short-long time ago. Does that even make sense? It's birthday letter today, so let's get to it. ----- Dear Will, Seventeen years ago I … [Read More...]
Lent…and the Thing We’re All Missing
There aren't many benefits to getting the flu, but I did find one. Time. Time on the couch, snuggled beneath two blankets, with a hot cup of tea and Grand Hotel on Netflix. Time to think. Time to rest. I don't get much uninterrupted time these days with six kids, 3-16. But this week, God gave me some extra hours to ponder and pray. And, if I'm being 100% honest, to scroll through … [Read More...]
