Christmas is around the corner and we’ve had a few cold spells, just this week we had a little ice storm. So, as I bundled up this morning I couldn’t help…
Home & Serving
Santa: To be or Not to Be?
Santa has become something of a conversation piece in our home these days with Christmas right around the corner. Since Bryan and I started having kids, we have been conflicted…
The Gift of Reading
Like many traditions, this one began without intentionality. I love books. I love reading and learning. And so as I began having children, one of my favorite things to do…
Mother Bear Attends Holiday Gathering
It takes a special person to invite a family with an autistic child to her house, especially when the function will take place indoors. And it’s been a while since…
Avoiding Debt this Christmas
Spending at Christmas can get out of control quickly. I’ve never kept track of everything I spend, but I’m sure I’d faint if I tallied it all up. Gifts for…
What Mary Taught Me
My family and I had a beautiful moment yesterday: our fourth child’s sonogram! It was truly worshipful to see all those fearfully and wonderfully formed little parts. The baby’s head…
Elf on the Shelf and God’s Grace
The other day my sister gave us a book entitled The Elf on the Shelf. It’s a cute story that comes with a stuffed elf who lives with your family…
Christmas Giving
Last year we decided to minimize the commercialism of Christmas and emphasize the birthday of Jesus Christ. We purchased a cow to feed a family in Africa instead of giving gifts to…
What Really Happened to Our Family this Thanksgiving
There is a proverb that says, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” This year my plans did not happen as I’d envisioned. Only two of our…
Lipstick for Santa
Last Thanksgiving, we’d gone to visit family and were staying with my energetic sister who had planned for us to take our four young children to see Santa. I was…