You guys, it is FINISHED. Over. Done. At last. At loooooong last. No, I’m not talking about the area road construction (ha!), the nasty election season (grooooan…), or even some cosmic Jesus-y thing. I’m talking dissertation. Not mine, since I’m not in the mood for a PhD (now or possibly ever). My hardworking, faithful, diligent … More 10 Signs You’re a PhD Spouse
Last week my mom and my husband both asked what I wanted for my birthday. Most years, I would have had an answer at the ready. New shoes. A book. A pedicure. A night out. This time, the question made me pause. What did I want? In the last six months our family has celebrated … More My Birthday Wish
We have a video of my then two-year old niece sitting in a university auditorium watching a choir and orchestra rehearse. She was bouncing around, climbing over and under the seats and just generally being a toddler. Then the musicians started practicing the Hallelujah Chorus. Suddenly she fell utterly silent and still. “What is that song?” she whispered, … More A Brand New Song * 10 Minute Devotional
Do you have a newborn? Dying for some sleep? Good news! Here are 10 foolproof methods for getting your baby to sleep through the night. 1. Put your baby down to sleep at the perfect moment Watch your baby like a hawk. Did she wrinkle her nose like she might be sleepy? Put her down immediately. Are … More 10 Ways to Get Your Baby to Sleep
As a 90s youth group kid, I spent a lot of years singing songs that haven’t aged particularly well. There is the line in “Knowing You” that tells God “you’re the BEST,” like he’s a super good mailman or something. There are the dorky motions to “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.” There is the overwrought chorus to … More Where’s the Help? * 10 Minute Devotional
My oldest son has just started asking questions about disabilities. Whether it’s why we can’t park in the handicapped spot at the pool to what happened to his little friend at preschool who uses leg braces, I’ve been looking for thoughtful resources to help him understand differences and disabilities. Enter Courtney Westlake. This author, blogger, and … More Top 10 Children’s Books About Differences and Disabilities
Oh man, you guys. School starts here in a week. A WEEK! Anyone else having a bazillion thoughts running through their brains, including but not limited to: AAAAAAAHHH!!! WHERE DID SUMMER GO?! 2. Did we make the most of every magical moment? Were any moments actually magical? Were too many of them magical? Did I WASTE THIS … More Back to School Mommy Link Round-up
With the Olympics on, I’m guessing I’m not alone in feeling decidedly average. I can’t do a three-and-a-half somersault dive. No triple back layouts on the balance beam for me. There has never and will never be a day when I jump a nine-foot fence on a giant thoroughbred. My greatest sporting accomplishment was an … More Free to Be Average * 10 Minute Devotional
This guest post was written by the gracious and gifted Kelly Smith of Mrs. Disciple. Check her out, yo. Do you ever felt like your mommy head might explode? Be it a colicky baby, a mischievous middle child, or a sassy-mouthed teen, sometimes our kids push us to the limit. Add the housework, responsibilities outside the home, and the … More 10 Things to Do When Mommy Needs a Time-Out
I geek out over the Olympics. I know, I know. Rio is a bit of a mess. A sometimes very dangerous mess. The IOC makes bad decisions and perhaps we should stop the bidding wars and just declare one city Olympic host forever. But you have to admit that, politics and personalities and abysmal NBC coverage aside (commercials, … More Tune in, Girls
Courtney Ellis 