The Halls Are Decked, The Joy is Here

While I’ve been writing these fa-la-la-la-la-laing posts about Advent and Christmas, I’d like to say a special word to all my readers who are feeling less than holly and jolly this time of year. It’s simple, really. You’re loved and prayed for this season. If any of my Austin area readers find the holidays particularly…

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HDYDI: Wrap a Present Like a Pro

Love to wrap presents for Christmas, birthdays or other celebrations? This easy pictorial step-by-step guide will make you look like a pro!

One of the coolest perks of growing up in a family of jewelers? Learning how to wrap a package like a pro. A few <ahem> decades ago, my grandparents owned a small jewelry store in Pecos, Texas. My uncle now has his own in El Paso. My grandmother taught me how to wrap a present,…

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Just Fa-la-la-la-laing Around Here

My friend, Jenny, was gracious enough to share “how we Advent” here at Team Whitaker over at Catholic News Agency. It’s definitely been an evolution. This week, I’ll be sharing some photos of what Advent and Christmas look like. That means I actually need to vacuum and pick up the 8,000 toys, 4,500 art projects…

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I’ve Got Some Explaining To Do

My apologies for going all radio silent on you this past week. I can 100% blame it on two things: life and a stomach bug. Those are always fun, aren’t they? I went down last Saturday night and was sick all through the weekend. I don’t really feel like I came out of it until…

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Before & After: A Teen’s Sports-Themed Bedroom

Redecorating your teenage boy's room? This sports themed room has ideas for bedding, wall hangings, functional desk space and a reading nook.

Teenage boys. Raise your hand, and a can of deodorant, if you have one. Recently, after we did a room shuffle with all the kids, the teenage boy landed his own room after 12 years of sharing a bedroom. He was pretty stoked. I’m not gonna lie. This room began as the nursery, was transformed…

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