When I imagined becoming a mom, I pictured sleepy baby snuggles, first words, and sweet milestones. I didn’t picture the first month of my child’s life being spent at a children’s hospital after open-heart surgery. I didn’t expect therapy appointments to fill our calendar, or for terms like “neurophysiologist,” “psychiatrist,” and “conduct ...
What to Do When Sensory Emotions Explode
Sharing a past post in the prayers that it will be helpful to many. It was the perfect scenario—or so I thought. We had just left church, and Grams was sitting in the backseat cuddling with Bubs (age seven). We picked up pizza and chatted about the fun day we had thus far with family. Once home, everyone gathered at the dinner table—except ...
When My Actions Speak Louder Than My Words
A few years ago, I walked through James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore. The study was both rich and convicting, shedding light on sins in my life that I had either ignored or hidden. While studying the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Beth referenced Matthew 5:19:“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and ...
Yummy, Delicious, Homemade Granola Bars
This popular post has been updated! You may notice the little one in the pictures is now a teenager! About 3:00 in the afternoon, the little voices in our home begin to ask, “What is for snack?” You too? Just like with meals, I want to give my children snacks that are both wholesome and tasty snacks. One of our go-to options is granola ...
What Are They Absorbing?
A couple of weekends ago, I had a rare moment of quiet before church began. But it didn’t last long. A 4th grade boy—who I know by face but have never really talked with—walked up and asked if he could show me a drawing he was working on. Without waiting for my answer, he flipped the paper upside down and dove into the backstory of his caricature ...
The Sacred Season of Motherhood
There are seasons in motherhood that feel long and heavy—and others that feel like they’re gone in a blink. I came across these words from a childhood friend, and they struck such a deep chord in me, I knew I had to share them. Maybe you're in the thick of it right now—wiping noses, reheating your coffee for the third time, and carrying what feels ...
How to Train a Child to Sleep In
After reading 7 Gentle Tips to Help with Early Risers, Shelley asked: “How do you actually train a child to stay in their room until you come get them? My 3-year-old comes into our bed every morning between 4 and 5 a.m. and goes back to sleep. I know he needs more sleep, but I also need my morning quiet time. Help!” If this sounds familiar, ...
7 Gentle Tips to Help with Early Risers
My life changed the day I decided to wake up before my young children to spend time with God in prayer and reading His Word. But getting there wasn't easy. I had every excuse in the book:"My kids wake up so early. I could never get up before them.""As soon as I wake, my kids get up.""I am exhausted. I need every possible moment to sleep." I ...
Tired of Bedtime Battles? Here’s What Worked for Us
When I think back to those early years of parenting, the word that comes to mind is exhaustion. All. Day. Long. I was simply trying to keep our four kids alive. Well, I did more than that, but it often felt like a major victory just to make it through the day! And while there were plenty of mistakes made (so many!), I’m thankful that we prioritized ...
Why the Bible Still Amazes Me {Giveaway}
A few years ago, I found myself in a little in-between season—one Bible study had ended and the next wouldn’t begin for another two weeks. While rummaging through my nightstand looking for a pen (why is it always so hard to find one when you need it?), I spotted four small, pocket-sized books I had tucked away for "someday." The one on top ...