Education

Traveling is one thing that brings joy to my life. We live in an amazing country that has everything from beautiful beaches to stupendous mountains to grassy plains to chaotic metropolises.  So far our family has traveled to Disney World, the Gulf Coast beaches and St. Louis, but I am determined to expose my children (and myself for that matter) to as much of our country as possible.  I have compiled a thematic list of vacations so that I have plenty of options to choose from when I feel that my children are at the age where they can experience and appreciate different vacations. Adventure Gatlinburg/ Smokey Mountains: A trip for any season. White water rafting during the Summer. Hiking and watching the leaves change in...

When I started gardening last year, I was a complete beginner with no clue where it would take me. My initial goals were to keep at least one veggie plant alive all summer, and maybe even enjoy eating at least 1-2 of the veggies themselves, if I could manage to grow any at all. I wanted to enjoy the process and use it as a learning experience for myself, but mostly garden as a side hobby just for me. Well, as moms we know we can’t even pee alone, so it was silly of me to think I’d be gardening alone. My two year olds quickly invited themselves in on the fun. This year, I’m excited to start up...

Infertility :: Tell Your Story First of all, I just want to say thank you to the many of you who have responded to the posts this week. I have received emails, texts, Facebook messages, etc., and the feedback and response has been overwhelming. It is so great to know that there is a huge community of support out there. Here here for more of my story, how to cope with infertility or learn how to be a supportive friend. I know first hand what so many of you are going through.  Looking back at my journey, I realize that my infertility story was extremely, mercifully short compared to what many of you are currently experiencing. But the ache and hurt...

For the many of you who are reading this blog series (here is Part 1 and Part 2) who have never struggled with fertility, chances are that you know someone who is. Infertility affects between 10% and 15% of couples trying to conceive.  You likely have a friend or a relative who is currently dealing with this issue. Knowing the right things to do or say can be tricky because you don't want to walk on eggshells, but you don't want to be hurtful either. Based on my experiences, here are a few suggestions for what to say and what not to say. Things you should try to avoid saying or doing: Don't tell her to "just relax". This was one...

Infertility :: My Story I have two amazing children.  Matthew, my three-year-old, is an inquisitive, bright, tractor-loving country boy, while Ben, my almost-two-year-old, is a playful, hilarious, sweet bull in a china shop.  I cannot imagine not being their mother. But for years I could not imagine that I ever would have the chance. In 2006, after two years of marriage, Kenny and I decided to start a family.  We didn't really know many people with young children, and only a very few of our friends had experienced a pregnancy in their marriage.  So we really had no idea what to expect in the process.  I truly believed that we would become pregnant immediately.  In fact, I remember that we started trying to conceive...