In the past two weeks, our community has suffered immense tragedy. So many families have lost a lifetime of memories and are now struggling to return to normalcy. As the waters receded, and even still now, the demand for basic human necessities (food, water, shelter, clothing) have been high. My family has been immensely blessed as our home was not directly impacted by the flooding. As we watched in horror as surrounding communities were submerged in destructive flood waters, we counted our blessings and immediately began searching for ways to give back and help others who were in need. As a parent, I couldn't even fathom evacuating (many by boat) with small children, let alone, attempting to explain the...
A Season of Support: When Gratitude is Difficult
About a year ago, my son nearly drowned and had to spend about three weeks in the Pediatric ICU. During this time, the number of people who wanted to help was incredible. It seemed like more people than my husband and I had ever met! From close friends and family to complete strangers, countless people wanted to support us in any way they could. They organized meals and church services; they donated money; they came to the hospital and talked with us; they planned our lessons at work; they brought toys and gifts; they even kept our other two children while we were occupied.
While closely monitoring my son's ever-changing circumstances was taxing enough, what...
Not too long ago, when my first was only 6 months old, I started planning. I pinned my heart out - homemade cake toppers, colorful paper straws, cute themed banner including photos - and the list of things on "Salem's 1st Birthday" board went on and on. She had the cutest woodland animal/floral tea party theme ever!
Here we are less than a month from my son's first birthday. Since finding out the gender during pregnancy, the Star Wars theme was pretty much a given (let's be honest, probably for all future birthdays). So I take no credit for even being prepared in that aspect. I have had a few ideas and haven't acted on any of them yet. I only just purchased some clip art on...
We all have them. Those toys we thought were fantastic ideas at the time, but ones we've grown to despise once they are in our house. Most of these toys provide an excellent opportunity to develop physical or cognitive skills, or simply provide hours of entertainment. For that we love them. But for all those times we've stepped on a Lego piece or found a puzzle piece in our purse, we loathe them.
Here's our top toys we love and hate:
1. Puzzles
When the kids are quietly occupied putting together a puzzle it's bliss. After their masterpiece sits on the coffee table for a few days, getting all of those pieces back into the box is like herding cats.
2. Stickers
They are...
Gosh, I love the Summer Games! The excitement, the victory, and the camaraderie of nations has me counting down the days for months. Even more than the enjoyment of watching the overwhelming favorite receive their medal(s), I sincerely appreciate the back stories of the athletes. Watching stories of true human victory unfold after overcoming countless struggles tugs at my heart strings. In recent days, I've watched more hours of media coverage from Brazil than I care to admit and I've noted many similarities between the stories of athletes and motherhood. Much like the games, motherhood is a test of endurance, patience and on many occasions athletic ability. In both cases you can never predict the outcome, and both athletes...
Around Baton Rouge
The Best Coffee in BR is Actually in Ascension
The Best Coffee in BR is Actually in Ascension
Like a lot of moms I'm often in need of caffeine on a regular basis and...
