Seventeen from '17

Yesterday another great year drew to a close.  It left as quickly as it came.  Being in my mid-thirties with a husband, two young children, a career, a heap of homemaking to get done, and a dog…well, let’s suffice it to say that it’s the perfect environment for oodles of learning.  And 2017 did not disappoint.   It was a challenging year – even arduous at times.  But when facing a new 365 days – and all the laundry those days will inevitably make – I think I’ve got time to sit and write seventeen valuable lessons from my time in 2017, because, let’s face it, it all comes out in the wash. 

Boymom

Boymom.  (I’m also a girlmom…but this post's about Sawyer).

Undone

Disclaimer: There are pictures but stay with me...get past that and read 'til the end!

Ever feel like your heart is undone?  Like your life is akin to your favorite, well-worn shirt?  Threadbare maybe?  But still your favorite because of its comfort and familiarity?

The list of hard things this side of heaven can be kind of long. 

Ferocious Suffering & Gracious Sacrifice

Five.  That’s the number he would be today.  As I showered this morning, I pretended in my mind, even for a second, that he was still here.  And if he was, what excitement would fill our home today.  I would be rushing to go pick up the cake.  Straighten the house.  Wrap the final present. 

Being a Dad Takes Bravery

We’ve never actually had the conversation but I know this is true as a wife to a man who is many things, not the least of which is brave.

Being a Dad Takes Guts

Let’s just put a few things out there right at the get-go… 1) I have no idea what being a father is like.  2) Male-readership here is probably negligible at best – a fact I’ve admitted here before. 3) Dads, in my opinion, are one of the most powerful forces in the lives of their children.

Truth from the Trenches: God's Goodness {Alternately Titled: First Epilepsy Anniversary}

We Must Think Truth

I once wrote a post and called it About Me, even though No. 17 would have been a better title.  In it, I explained the power of words.  It’s true, isn’t it?  That words have power…  Because they do, ya’ know.  You believe it too, if you’re part of this, the “being redeemed.”   That yes, Christ has power, the cross has power, Christ on the cross has power.  And yet, the Word also says, that the message of the cross…that is, the gospel, has power. 

Showing Up, Especially Today, On A Day Without Women

Here’s to strong women! 

Like most ladies, I have two jobs.  One outside the home where I work part time with and for children in foster care.  My other position, though, goes hand-in-hand with my role as wife, momma, and homemaker.

A Day In Photos (Yesterday: 7am to 7pm)

Having a house full of cold-ridden, sniffling, sneezing kids isn’t so bad once you totally give up, let them control their wardrobe (or lack thereof), and play whatever cartoon you can stomach on repeat.  (For us, that is NOT Caillou.  Sawyer may or may not, (but probably does), believe Caillou is not on because “Caillou lives on the east coast and is napping/busy eating/or already in bed,” because, obviously, east coast kids are in bed before we are...duh.)

There's No Way Out But Through: When you're longing for the end to be in sight...

One year ago today…

A Little Neurosis (but it's worth it if you read to the end...)

There’s a delicate balance between a person who is absolutely normal and one who is absolutely wacko – and I know that balance well.  I’m not sure the internet or, more likely, the few people who read this blog, are quite ready for this information.  Truthfully, I’m not sure I’m ready to put this out there.  But here goes…