Eighteen. Can we all just sit with that number for a quick second? I (a mom who still doesn't feel that old) have an adult child. And it sure happened a helluva lot faster than I thought it would. I mean, time sure seemed to slow down that one time when Will was two-years-old and kicking and screaming in Sally Beauty Supply because I wouldn't let him buy that flat iron. "He sure is unhappy," the sales clerk said. #facepalm And it definitely slowed down when I put my foot down and told him we weren't buying 15 blocks of cheese, so Will pouted and sat in time out in the dairy aisle at H-E-B. "He won't be like that forever," one shopper shared as she patted my shoulder and walked on … [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 hypersensitive to what we feed our bodies (inside and out). Occupational hazard. I think if you want anything to be sustainable, you have to take baby steps to get there. A whole host of radical changes just means you'll be eating chocolate in a dark corner on day two because you fell off the … [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 down, that it's what God wanted, so I did it anyway. <<deep breaths>> I have had an AMAZING team at Ave Maria Press, my publisher. Y'all, I know other authors gush about their publishers, but Ave is legit, legit. You'll hear more about that whole back story soon. In the meantime, … [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 bright spot you are in our home. You are the funniest person in the house. I love how you grab a sparkling water from the fridge, pop the top and wait for me to look up and make sure you aren't drinking one of my Dr Peppers. That never gets old, does it? It's totally awesome how you work ahead on … [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 frame-worthy. So, when we decided to head to the east coast this summer for photos, I figured why not give them a try stateside? These Washington, D.C. photos speak for themselves. Our photographer, Elisenda, was just a delight. I had hopes of taking the photos at the Capitol, but with security (and the … [Read more...]
