What I’m Learning About Finding My Village

takes a village

I want to boldly confess something important that I’m learning as I grow: that what is more important than how I feel is being an active part of a community. I will continue to extend invitations to fill our guest room and table with those in our growing village. Although I may still have to fight the deeply ingrained cultural mindset that says if I’m uncomfortable then I won’t do it, I will do so because of the long-term benefits, for both my family unit and those who are a part of our lives. Read More

My Self-Care Secret Weapon: A Gym Membership

self-care gym

I had to decide that taking a step towards my own wellness was worth the time, money, and effort. That it’s not selfish to prioritize myself, at times; that it’s a necessity. The culture of mommy-martyrdom needs to be put to death. Purposefully denying ourselves things that are good for us isn’t noble; it’s unwise. It doesn’t make us better mothers. It makes us unhealthy. Read More

What a Decade of Our Marriage Looks Like

Marriage (image)

There’s soooo much trying in marriage, isn’t there? Trying times, trying to keep it together, trying to be together while trying to be separate, trying to be the best, trying just not to suck, trying to communicate, trying to be patient, trying to remember, trying to remember why we want to remember. Read More

Why We Plan Vacations Without Our Kids

vacationing alone

When you’re giving all of yourself to raising your children, day in and day out, I believe it is both deserved and necessary to carve out extended time away so that you can focus on one another. We moms like to discuss the importance of self-care; Marriage-care should be right up there on the priority list, as well. Read More

5 Strategies That Prevent Most Misbehavior

5 Strategies That Prevent Most Misbehavior (image)

You can’t always prevent your child acting out, whether he’s a toddler or a teen. But here are the five best strategies for preventing misbehavior, and for helping kids shift course, for all age kids. Read More

Life in the Comments Section: Why Facebook Discussions Are Important

Facebook discussions

The internet exposes us almost immediately to swaths of people who aren’t in our immediate circle of influence. There is a greater chance of diversity; racial, gender, economic, political, religious, and otherwise. I truly believe that it could be, that it is, a way that our world can further come together in understanding and mediation, if we let it. Read More