The Messes I Make in This Beautiful Life

Yesterday was one of those long good days of motherhood. Brad was gone before the sun and not home until past the boys bedtime, which usually means I take the easy route for the day. I go into survival mode (which I know is probably making you single moms and moms where this is norm …

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Out of the Suburbs and Onto the Farm

Brad and I are making an effort to not raise “city slickers”. We escape our suburb and  immerse ourselves in nature as often as we can manage. We don’t live in a concrete jungle; There are corn and soybean fields within a short walking distance of our house. Nevertheless, they blend into our scenery. We …

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A Few of My Friday Favorites…

We can’t get enough of Shauna Niequist’s Blueberry Crisp found in her beautiful recipe memoir that I devoured. We’ve made it with blueberries, peaches, and mixed berries.  Turns out perfect every single time. Can’t wait to try it with some apples from the orchard. ANNNNND it’s healthy. {But you won’t notice because it’s so tasty.} …

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Hope When Your Heart is Broken…

My friend, Katy, lost her precious two month old baby unexpectedly and suddenly last week.  It’s been one of those things that takes hits you in the gut and doesn’t leave. It’s one of those things that you desperately wish you could somehow take away, or have words that would heal, but there’s just not. …

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On The 1st Day of 1st Grade…

  Today marks your first “offical” day of first grade.  What fine little men you are becoming – so independent, bright, funny, determined, and spunky. I have this feeling it’s going to be a great school year.  We’re off to a good start at home, but I’m excited to see you learn with your friends …

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Simple Entertaining – Gathering over Impressing

I used to be so afraid of the word “entertaining” and all that it entailed in my mind – a perfect house, cloth napkins, flowers, fancy food, and manners. I put too high of expectations on myself, and what I thought others would expect from me. I would let others volunteer to host dinners, and …

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Dating and Marriage – Q&A Callout

So we’ve been tackling this marriage and dating topic together through talking about reasons why we think dating in marriage is important, why we haven’t given up altogether, and some cheap ideas for dates. However, we know from your comments and interactions that you have questions and there’s still ground to be covered. We certainly …

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30 Cheap Date Ideas for Married Couples

So we’ve talked about the reasons to keep dating your spouse, and why we haven’t given up on pursuing our relationship…now for some CHEAP ideas to keep things fresh. When Brad and I get the opportunity to enjoy some time out of the house or a night in while the boys are sleeping, we keep …

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