Emily and Nathan have figured out quite the morning routine. While I make oatmeal and smoothies, Emily grabs a bowl and two kinds of “daddy’s cereal” to create a “cereal mix”. Nathan knows precisely Emily’s food procedure and quickly scrambles to the table and pulls himself up on the chair. He waits patiently for a…
Motherhood
From Minimalism to Lifegiving and A Fall Dinner Celebration
Growing up I always had this conviction that I didn’t want a lot of stuff. We moved a lot and I viewed my things as a burden to pack and unpack, yet each item was filled with sentiment. After my freshman year in college I decided it was time to lighten my load, so I…
Rebranding Nap Time to Rest and Read Hour
Nap time had turned into quiet exploration time for Emily…of my make-up, bathroom supplies, my closet. The first time I discovered the giant make-up mess I just walked away. The second time I took a picture. The third time it took me hours to realize that she had mascara on because she’s now adept at…
The First Four Hours
I hoped to wake up at 5:30 this morning to re-establish some good habits before the rest of the family wakes up. 5:38. That still leaves me plenty of time. I silently walk around the bed, aiming for the bedroom across the hall to read scriptures and journal. I make it to the doorway when I…
Room Sharing
I just put the kids to sleep in the same room for the first time…. I’m looking at pictures of them to remind myself how wonderful they are just in case this ends badly. Emily getting married with her veil in place. When I asked if I could take her picture she held up her…