It’s a Wonderful(ly Overwhelming) Life

It’s that time of year again.  The time of year when our calendars explode with parties, get-togethers, and activities.  The time of year when our days are filled with errands and shopping.  The time of year when our to-do lists become overcrowded with baking and cleaning and decorating and wrapping Christmas presents and addressing Christmas… Continue reading It’s a Wonderful(ly Overwhelming) Life

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

An unusual thing happened today.  It snowed.  Which means that quite possibly for the very first time in my life I will experience a true “white Christmas.” The snow began sometime between noon and 1, while my children were eating lunch.  I was standing in the kitchen making sandwiches, and Trey asked if it was… Continue reading I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

Trey’s Big Debut

In mid-December, McGowen held their annual Winter Concert.  The 2nd and 3rd graders, along with the 4th and 5th grade choir, present holiday songs for parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, neighbors, and pretty much anyone within a 2-mile radius who has nothing better to do at 7 P.M. on a Thursday. The music teacher sent home… Continue reading Trey’s Big Debut

Sounds of the Season

I need to do a comprehensive Christmas post, but that involves uploading videos and resizing pictures and writing witty and creative content – none of which I am willing to do right now. So, in the meantime, I present to you my two most favorite piano students performing their Christmas songs.  Enjoy! Note: The camera… Continue reading Sounds of the Season

Threads of Gratitude: Christmas Stocking Edition

*  To be read to the tune of “The 12 Days of Christmas”* The first thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is a husband who loves me. The second thing at Christmas that I am grateful for is two awesome kids, and a husband who loves me. The third thing at Christmas that… Continue reading Threads of Gratitude: Christmas Stocking Edition

Musings on Immanuel

In my lifetime, Christmas has been about many things: sometimes, it’s been about friends and get-togethers and parties and being socially connected. sometimes, it’s been about family and reunions and traditions. sometimes, it’s been about fun and travel and new adventures. sometimes, frankly, it’s been about the gifts and money and the wrappings and decorations.… Continue reading Musings on Immanuel

South Beach Update: A Tidal Wave of Sweets

I know, my update is a day late and a dollar short, but at least I’m updating. The last few weeks have been a struggle, and more than once, I’ve felt like I was drowning in holiday sweets and treats and fast-food drive-thrus.  But by the grace of God, I am still maintaining my weight… Continue reading South Beach Update: A Tidal Wave of Sweets

My Christmas Letter

Dear Santa, I’ve been a good mom all year. I’ve fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor’s office more than my doctor and sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground. I was hoping you could spread my list out over… Continue reading My Christmas Letter

Picture Perfect!

It’s a holiday tradition at our house that we take our children for Christmas portraits. That doesn’t sound so unusual until you realize that their birthdays come less than a month after Christmas…and they get portraits then, too.  It doesn’t make sense to Matt, either, but in my mind there’s a perfectly logical reason.  I’m… Continue reading Picture Perfect!