What is it about your life that causes you to stop and take notice? Is it a pretty envelope in an otherwise stack of boring mail? Is it a cleared-off bathroom counter? Perhaps it’s the mess on the counter that you notice? The chaotic pile of shoes at the front door… Could it be your… [Read More]
How to “keep moving forward”
We sat on the couch, me and Zack together for an after-lunch cup of coffee. He could read the storm settling in my mind; he probably started charting it hours before it actually arrived. Perhaps that’s why he invited me to a coffee date? Either way, I accepted his invitation and sat down. It’s difficult… [Read More]
Rhythm of Grace
Seven years ago, I began waking up at wee hours to care for my firstborn nursing child, who quickly grew into a toddling child. Soon enough, I woke early to care for another nursing child. And over time, though rather quickly, I birthed and nursed two more little ones. Suddenly my mornings were quite noisy,… [Read More]
Life around here + FAQ
Good morning, last Tuesday of April. This morning I feel fascinated over my experience with motherhood, how it came upon me slowly during those first few weeks of gestation, then later, intensely as birth occurred. And now, seven years in, we’ve settled into a family rhythm that continues to fascinate me. Life around here is,… [Read More]
Gift wrap made from Real Simple magazine pages…
As we prepared for Marigold’s 4th birthday celebration, it seemed fitting to gather some back issues of my favorite magazine, Real Simple, to use as gift wrap. Marigold is quite interested in what interests her mama, which currently means sitting in my “pretty chair” (as she calls it), helping me in the kitchen, and looking… [Read More]
8 new books to share with you…
I’m eager to share with you a few of the books I’ve read the last few months, along with what I’m currently reading. When I open a book and process the written words of truth, goodness & beauty, I am edified. My mind expands and my heart settles into a state of peace. As a… [Read More]
Living with joy and refreshment
Once upon a time there was a man who wanted to bring his wife a little joy and refreshment. He knew they were due for some time alone together, out of the house. As this man and woman were getting ready for their Saturday morning date, their children were playing underfoot. Little bottoms were bouncing… [Read More]
What it was like to write “offline” for three months!
She releases a strong puff of air, freeing the collection of dust on her computer. It flies upward, then dissipates. Well, hellooo! It’s been a few months since we’ve gathered here together. This writing space has been a part of my life for over a decade now, and so naturally I miss it while I’m… [Read More]
Thirteen thoughts in November.
Feeling so proud of all the writing I’ve accomplished this month. Here are my recent blog posts, in case you missed them: the colors of motherhood, learn how to watercolor with your children (includes a 25% off discount code), and a Gussy Sews holiday pop-up shop update. Bookmarking this beautiful movie! We watched it over the… [Read More]
it’s a Gussy Sews holiday pop-up shop!
They’re here! Inside my Gussy Sews shop are eight brand new pouches. They are perfectly ruffled, perfect in color, and perfect in size. This time around I’m offering two different sizes to help you stay organized as you go about your day. And, if you’re someone who changes bags often (like me), having a pouch… [Read More]
MAKE IT: learn to watercolor with your children!
Perhaps you’re like me and you really enjoy creating with your children, especially when it can be displayed year after year? In years past we’ve made decorations for our Christmas tree, but this year we are taking it up a notch. We are learning to watercolor! I am so very excited. Emily Lex of Jones… [Read More]
The colors of motherhood.
Last week after naps, I gathered my tribe of small people to zip coats and buckle seat belts. While out running errands we shopped for nail polish and birthday party things (my sweet Natalie has turned FIVE). I’ve never bought five bottles of nail polish before, but I suppose that’s what happens when you have two… [Read More]
What is your rhythm for self-care?
There’s a floral tray on my bedside table that holds my frequently reached-for items: a bobby pin to pin my hair back, peppermint chapstick, my eye glasses, a pen, my beloved perfume oil. They are simple tools, pretty tools, but I didn’t intentionally put together this collection of favorites. Rather, the rhythms of my life did…. [Read More]
Year 2: the beginning of our homeschool journey…
We’ve begun our second year of homeschooling, and it’s quite surprised me how well and how fast it’s skipping by. I absolutely love teaching my children, however this wasn’t something I considered for our family when I became a mom in 2013. As time as passed, as I’ve come to know my children and grow… [Read More]
What are you reading this summer?
Just yesterday the kids and I planted flowers in a variety of places around our home. We are outside a lot during the spring, summer and fall months, and I’m especially looking forward to the beauty flowers add to our daily life. In fact, I don’t mind the weeds growing in the cracks near the… [Read More]