We have had a fun full week of Valentine crafts, chocolate strawberries, and looking at the real life of a man named Valentine. There are a variety of stories about the real St. Valentine but Father Frank O’Gara from Dublin, Ireland shares this account from history. “He was a Roman Priest at a time when … Continue reading St. Valentine ❤️

Blake has had a new phrase for our family as squabbles arise this past month. “Let’s Be a Family That Spreads Sunshine” Blake has said this as a little reminder that we get to choose whether or not our words criticize, tear down, or bless one another. This has also been a great phrase for … Continue reading Spreading Sunshine

This is our third year to participate in the Read Aloud Challenge from Read Aloud Revival. Can I just say that it has been one big gift to MYSELF?? - I printed the challenge. - Next, I had the kids make their challenge sheets personal with their name and embellishments before taping them to the … Continue reading Read Aloud Challenge (Book Ideas for the whole family included!📚)

This is a week that includes one of my favorite things of the whole year: A time to pray and reflect on all that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do. I have grown to a place of great comfort as I take the extended time to pray through the year. To … Continue reading A Time to Reflect and A Happy New Year!!

It was a lovely early December morning with piles of Wilks’s blueberry pancakes on a giant white platter. I had a BIG announcement and cleared my throat to get everyone’s attention: CHILDREN, This is the year that we are going to begin a new tradition. I have slips of paper right here and you will … Continue reading The Grinch that TRIED to Steal Christmas

From our family to yours! Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

You are a miracle, Henry!! What a year to come into our family. 2020 has been one roller coaster of a year. The world has been turned upside down yet our family was a consistent place to find love and care. We haven struggled to know how to best help sometimes but LOVE PREVAILED. You … Continue reading Gotcha Day

Are you a “regular” at a local restaurant, nursery, grocery store, or coffee shop? In our small town, I am a regular at our local coffee shop. I FEEL known there. I AM known there. I recently saw a barista that used to work at our coffee shop. Amber was dressed as a shepherd in … Continue reading Where Everybody Knows Your Name….

I am about 3 weeks late on finishing this post but wanted to make it happen...... I was tucking Theodore into bed the evening before his birthday and this is our conversation: “Tell me what you love about our family?” Me “Well, I love my bed.” Theodore “And our farm. “ “And freedom. “ “I … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Theodore!

The day began with our arms loaded down with boogie boards, buckets, shovels, a multi colored umbrella, towels hanging around the kids necks, bottles of water, snacks, and sunscreen. It was a crystal clear day. The long walk to the beach down the board walk was magical. The trees hung overhead as squirrels scampered across … Continue reading “Excuse Me, Ma’am”