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, our families and our lives. The key that I have to remind myself every year is simple: Is it something useful and purposeful and will it bring joy to my life? If it causes me stress trying to figure out how to pay for it or if it's an impulse buy that I will later regret (hangs head in shame), then perhaps I need to really pray about whether bringing said gift into my home is the right choice or not. Only you know what should be under your Christmas tree and at the top of your giving list. I share all these ideas in that spirit, because many of them have been lovely gifts for people I love or they have greatly increased my sanity. Seek peace this season and shop with intention. It … [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...]
My Friend Haley Wrote a Book & It’s More Than Good Enough
*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 … [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...]
