After our second sweetheart was born I became very aware of the fact that creating meals is next to impossible when you're getting used to having a new baby. I was so very thankful for the meal train that friends put together for us, and it was such a saving grace on many occasions!   One of my favorite meals to take to friends with new babies is freezer meatballs, a jar of sauce, and a package of whole wheat spaghetti. You toss the meatballs and sauce into a slow cooker, cook for 4-6 ... continue reading...

Well, guys, it's official: I've turned into THAT MOM. The one that takes her kid to the doctor at the first sign of a sniffle, the one who Googles symptoms (although I know I shouldn't), the one who texts her entire social network to see if anyone else's kid has shown the same symptoms recently. It's silly, I know, and I kind of hate it - but the reality is that having a sick kid with two kids is exponentially harder than just having one sweet one with the sniffles.   Good news ... continue reading...

March is one of my favorite months. My sons and father were born then. And it also signals the end of the brown, cold winter. Spring is finally just around the corner, bringing a vibrancy that inspires and excites. It becomes easier to eat beautiful food, and it becomes easier to get outside and enjoy watching the world change from brown to green. One of my favorite brunch dishes has always been eggs Benedict. I remember my dad talking about it like it was the most delicious thing in the ... continue reading...

My dearest Austin,   I said this to your brother four years ago, and it still stands true today: I can't believe you're a full year old! I remember so clearly the day that I found out we were pregnant with you. The moment I saw the word "pregnant" on the pee stick, the way my heart was pounding as I walked into the living room to show Daddy and Wes. The overwhelming excitement and fear and ALL the emotions - but especially the joy. We wanted you, we tried for you, and God gave you to ... continue reading...

I am D Y I N G over this amazing weather you guys. I've said it a million times, I hate to be the girl who talks about weather all the time, but it's SERIOUSLY amazing. Not to mention we are all sleeping better because of all the play time we've been getting. I'm not stoked about the crazy heat of the summer, but the getting outside part is pretty much amazing. Love me some fresh air!   Today's list is a little short because truth be told I tried to stay off the internet a little more ... continue reading...

YOU GUYS - food is finally starting to get some color!!! Not that it doesn't have color in the winter months, but you can truly eat the rainbow in the spring and summer and I'm just so excited. We actually got all of our plants for our garden this year yesterday and we'll be planting them today!   The past two summers have been interesting as far as gardening goes - they've certainly sparked a passion for growing things, but because of either being pregnant or having a newborn it's ... continue reading...

[via]   Hello friends! Sorry for the radio silence around here this week - you guessed it, the sickness was rampant again and it's taking me a while to bounce back. I'm working on being OK with a messy home and not getting everything done except the big things. Certainly easier said than done, but I suppose the trying is what counts, right? :)   I almost don't even want to share my hopes for the weekend because it's surely going to go 180º in the other direction. So I'll just ... continue reading...

Can I be honest? I can't handle today. My baby, my firstborn, my precious boy - he's four. Four years old. And I realize that he will have other older, bigger-number birthdays, but I feel like this is the first one taking him out of those crazy newborn-baby-toddler years. He's turning into a little man with a distinct personality, genuine likes and dislikes, and tons of strength in a lot of areas.   I am so proud of him, and yet my heart is breaking a little bit. I suppose this is how ... continue reading...

I'm not even going to go into the whole sickness thing again. You should know my home will be Lysol-ed and bleached and aired out to dry when we have a few consecutive days to do so. The end.   So what are you guys doing this weekend?! I'm so very excited about ours - we are going to the wedding of one of my dearest friends in the entire world. This woman is incredible, a loyal and encouraging and true friend. To know that she's met a man she loves deeply makes my heart the happiest ... continue reading...