Red Stick Mom

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, and for those of us who don't have our valentines bought just yet, I hope that this printable will help get you excited--and even make it easier on you! This year is the first year that Judah is in a full-time daycare, so I'm excited to have so many valentines for him to pass out to his friends.  As a boy mom, I couldn't resist creating my own spin on the popular "love bug" idea and arming him with a bag full of gummy worms to distribute.  But I also was sure to supply a page in there for you girl moms and your ladybugs who want to jump on the love bug train...

It seems as though Valentine's Day just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without conversation heart candies, boxes of chocolate, and foil wrapped sweets; but seeing as we are still nibbling through the bucket of Halloween candy at our house, I thought I would explore some candy-free treat options this holiday. Good news: they're just as festive as any sugary treat on the market! Bonus: these alternatives won't leave out children with certain dietary restrictions or allergies. 1. Festive Pencils ...Or any other red/pink/hearts-clad trinket found in the dollar section. Attach a valentine-y pun, and you're good to go! 2. Play-doh A small tub of play-doh in a pretty treat baggie is great for a pre-school class. Add a heart-shaped cookie cutter for extra cute fun! 3. Bookmarks For this super thrifty option,...

A cell phone vibrating on the table is how Dr. Horenstein described the heartbeat of our unborn child. These words echoed in my soul as we drove to the Heart and Vascular Unit of Memorial Hospital. We were embarking on a journey which would surely leave a mark of grace in its midst. My husband and I moved from Birmingham, Alabama to inner-city Houston in March of 2009, following the urgent call to be on mission for the sake of the gospel. Shortly after this decision, it was clear we should pursue starting a family. Yet, twenty-five weeks into our first pregnancy, we found ourselves sitting in room 408 of the Intensive Critical Care Unit awaiting some semblance of hope from...

We are back this month with another Heart & Home! I know you will love it!   Today we have the privilege of being welcomed into the home of Madeline Ellis, mother of two and jewelry designer of mimosa by m.e. Madeline is the kind of person who is your instant best friend.  She will graciously invite you in for a cup of coffee, and you'll chat about all things "mom" as you adore her vintage treasures, clean style, and attention to detail.  Her home is more than just kid-freindly: each toy and piece of art seems carefully chosen to create a beautiful, ready-to-play space. As a mom, she is warm, down-to-earth, and dedicated to her passions.  Please enjoy this look...

One year ago, when my children were two years old and six months old, my husband and I did the unthinkable: we took our family on a vacation to Disney World.  When we told people, one would have thought we were telling them that we were strapping our children on our backs and climbing Mount Everest. "Better you than me!" "Why would you got to Disney World now?  They won't remember any of it." "Are you crazy?" At first, I found all of these questions to be annoying, but then I started to wonder if everyone knew something that I didn't.  So, after questioning my own sanity, I set out on a quest to plan a great family vacation that we would remember...