When we planned a trip to Yosemite, we weren’t really thinking about Thoreau or his famous quote about going to the woods to live intentionally. We were thinking about seeing our friends, the Cavalleris. We were excited to show our kids another part of the country, a part with forests instead of swamps and mountains instead of...Continue Reading
For Easter break, our family travelled to California to hike at Yosemite and see old friends. I want to tell you all about Yosemite and its breathtaking views, but that’s another post. First I have to write about how hard it is to return from a family trip. It’s been two weeks, and our family...Continue Reading
On Ash Wednesday I made the spontaneous decision to write a blog post every day for 40 days during Lent. At the time this seemed like a brilliant idea. After a busy season of writing Bible study curriculum, blogging every day seemed like just the creative antidote I needed. Also, I was out of the habit...Continue Reading
While moving furniture around this month, I discovered a bookcase full of old photo albums. Some were those cheap books where you slide the picture in between the plastic. Others were massive, labor-intensive Creative Memories albums, complete with coordinating scrapbook paper and perfect stick-on letters. I hadn’t looked at these photo albums for such a long...Continue Reading
Every year it’s the same story. The weather warms up and the kids and the insects take over the backyard. The insects want to feast on the tender green leaves. They want to burrow into our landscaping, eat bark, and drink the fresh rain water. They want to have a nice insect life. However The Insect Club...Continue Reading
The weather is warmer here, and the sunshine seems to have robbed our kids of their hearing ability. Yesterday I asked Catie to put her shoes away about 17 times. I’m not normally a yeller, but I’m starting to see the gratification. MAYBE YOU CAN HEAR THIS?! I’m sure the kids’ teachers are also struggling with the...Continue Reading
Of our four kids, only one was potty-trained by three. Only one learned to write his name in one sitting. Only one can make it through a day of Preschool with no tears, no separation anxiety, and no meltdowns about his shirt tag itching. Nate is an easy child, a pleaser who has the tenacity, IQ, and...Continue Reading
If you have three days in Galveston, you are in for such a treat. Here’s what to do, see, and eat while visiting Galveston. Come along and experience the very best our little island has to offer…. Day One–A Day at the Beach If you want a quiet beach, head west. Take 61st Street to the Seawall Blvd...Continue Reading
Here I am again. After last week’s juice fast, I’ve rediscovered how much my body needs clean food. The other stuff, the processed junk I often eat and tell myself is healthy-ish, isn’t working. I didn’t realize how tired, how spacey and irritable I felt until I cut all that out of my diet. Now I’m...Continue Reading
1. Go to church for yourself. You need the quiet space, the Sabbath, the communion. You need to know everything will be okay if you turn off your phone, your Instagram, and your to-do list. Better actually. Listen closely to the ancient Word, the new songs, and the liturgy you’ve heard seven thousand times. You need...Continue Reading
