Last year, my only resolution was to reclaim a sliver of my pre-motherhood literary life and read more... or, at all. And I actually did! I gave myself permission to stick to page-turners -- books begging to be picked up even for just 20 minutes during nap time and compelling enough to keep me up … Continue reading Top 2017 Reads
At bedtime the other night, Vivi solemnly prayed, "Dear God, thank you for Christmas and that you sent an angel to warn Mary about baby Jesus before he just esploded out of her tummy!" It's often hard to keep a straight face during bedtime prayers. Honestly, though, it is pretty great that God gave Mary … Continue reading Christmas Meditation
Since we've finished all the big projects in this house, I've been able to reclaim some more time for small ones. Carving out a couple hours here and there to be creative has brought me more joy this season than I anticipated! Here are two of my favorites, touches of blue for our Christmas tree … Continue reading Two Blue Christmas Projects
I was tasked with pies (apple and pecan!) for our big Thanksgiving gathering, which reminded me I keep planning to post this you-can-make-pie-crust-too pep talk. You really can! It's all in the timing. I decided to attempt making pie crust on my own as a teenager, armed with The Joy of Cooking and not much … Continue reading Pie Crust 101
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! We're in full holiday-prep mode over here, with pie dough chilling, multiple cranberry sauces simmering, and decorating projects underway. Vivienne just came home from school with a paper turkey adorned with words of thanks, among them: comfy bed and "Hugh Bear." The simplicity of her gratitude is always a good dose of … Continue reading Vivi Update
I'm resurfacing after a few tough weeks! Teething (sleepless) toddler, first colds of the season, work travel, and some more serious medical issues for Vivienne... it's all been a little too much. Lately, whatever the particular day requires of me has used up all available energy, not leaving much for elaborate cooking or creative projects. … Continue reading Easier Pumpkin Pot Pies
Hugh is 16 months now. He's a blur of movement, a chattering, singing, hollering fellow, and it feels like he's got one foot in babyhood and one in full blown kid-dom. Here's a handful of little things that really seem to capture the moment: Lately, we're hearing a lot of Hugh's suddenly clear-as-a-bell, almost incredulous, … Continue reading Hugh
Last Friday, we packed up the kids and drove to Vermont for a weekend of hiking and spiritual retreat at a grand old house called Thendara. The group we joined there -- a motley crew of anglican/episcopal/catholic friends of all ages -- has been gathering for years to hike, reflect, worship, and enjoy big pancake … Continue reading Weekend in Vermont
A smattering of things I've been thinking on, noticing, reading, and appreciating lately... Back to School Vivienne continues to love her new school and has SO many friends beginning that journey this year, too, with varying degrees of fear and excitement. More than any other year, I've loved hearing back-to-school accounts for all our little … Continue reading Lately
Wednesday was the the big day: kindergarten. Vivienne was equal parts nerves and excitement as we talked (and talked and talked) about this big new step. What if no one likes me? What if I forget and can't write my name? What if my feet walk the wrong way and I get lost? As with most … Continue reading Interview with a Kindergartener
The Key to the House 