This pass-through hallway initially started as nothing. But, as the kids started going to school and backpacks started accumulating all over the house, we knew we needed a better solution. We added a hook system which worked beautifully for nearly a decade. But, leave it to reels on Instagram, the tail end of a pandemic and a desire to give this space some real purpose and we had ourselves a fun little weekend project. I really liked the idea of ...

Several years ago, I made the shift away from asking graduates what they were majoring in to, "Where will life lead you after graduation?" The paths are as varied as the young adults taking them. The world is big and bright and in need of their leadership, skills and enthusiasm. To celebrate that next leap, I hope you find these gift ideas helpful for ANY graduate taking the world by storm. Two important gifts that I think are excellent for ...

The baby is eight, y'all. Eight. Scott asked me this morning if I was going to dust off the blog and write her a letter. I hemmed and hawed all day long and finally decided to do it. If birth stories are your thing, you might love this one. But, if you're a fan of videos that make you wonder if your allergies are acting up, then this is for you. Enough of that. Let's get to the letter. Dear ...

We blinked and it's November. Anybody else feel like that?! As hard as the last couple of years have been, I still see so much good in the world. For the last four years I have loved putting together a small gift guide for y'all (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020). It's my hope that these little ideas spark big love in your gift giving this season. I'm sharing mine a little earlier knowing that many folks are closing shops earlier ...

Clare is another year into the teenager gig and we're all still alive. Ha! But seriously, with each passing day she looks more and more like her older sister. It's fun to see that budding relationship. Let's get to that birthday letter. It's a busy week around here! Dear Clare Bear, I just can't quit that nickname. Hope that it doesn't make you cringe. This past year, one thing has really stuck out to me: your heart. When your older ...

If you've been around here for a little bit, you know that I write letters to my kids on their birthdays and share them here. A few years ago, a priest friend of the family encouraged me to do the same, for myself. So, at the suggestion of Fr. Tom, here's this year's birthday letter! Happy birthday to me!! I am such a birthday super fan, so enjoying every last minute of today won't be hard for me. Pretty sure ...