When our girls were little I was a stay at home mom. Tim was on a non-traditional swing shift schedule so we would have some time during the day at home with him as well. One of our favorite shows to watch was Fixer Upper. Even Karoline enjoyed it as a toddler! We had an opportunity to go to Waco, TX with Tim, who was picking up an enclosed trailer for his business. The girls and I could not miss this opportunity to visit the empire Chip and Joanna Gaines has built, Magnolia Market! It was an extremely quick trip, with a fair bit of driving every day... We went, we saw, we adored, we ..read more

Happy birthday, princess girl!  This year you have grown in every way. You are stronger, wise, and kind. My darling girl, you teach me new lessons every day.  I hope your dad and I are doing an ok job with navigating you getting older. I pray that we teach you in the ways you need to be taught.  You made me a mom, sweet pea and I am very thankful to be your mom. I hope you have a great birthday.  We love you so very much.  ..read more

You held on for a week past your due date. When you finally came at 8:52 a.m. on 4/15/14, via repeat c-section, you were absolutely a bundle of joy. Our joyful girl who loved and loves to be hugged and snuggled.  In a living room with four couches you sit with someone. On a king size bed you snuggle right up to whoever is with you. You my precious seven year old are my sunshine. You are my hope. You are a light in the lives of so many. You roll with the flow. You try new things. You hold my hand. You bring new life to each day. We love you so very much, Alexandra Elizabeth ..read more

Is blogging dead? It might be, but I'm here anyway...  Some nights my heart yearns to express the words hidden inside. I can't sleep until I get them out.  Lately, quite often in the last year, there are days when I feel so completely undeserving of the life I'm living. I'm beyond thankful and grateful for every person and event that has taken part in my life. Then on the flip side there are days where a misstep, unplanned moment, or falter from the normal can derail me. I'm learning to focusing on these times. To identify them, acknowledge them, and then find faith and be thankful ..read more

The world we’ve entered into is eerily familiar. The pages of a history textbook are appearing to come to life right before our eyes.  How did we get here? All around us we’re bombarded with responses that showcase science as the bottom line. Our nation is divided on any and every given subject. We know any statement made in opposition, such as this one, will bring ridicule and criticism. Some are willing to endure the heat and stay true to their hearts and beliefs. Some may even fight back. Some stand silent and watch. Some have not been able to watch, it’s too much, they are done and ha ..read more

Sven is taking a break from writing today so that I can share what is heavy on my heart. Plus, he said he's too embarrassed after Alex put a headband on him.  I'm starring out the office window (and yes, I should still be doing homework instead of writing) I'm looking at colorful fall trees and a world that looks beautiful and right. But to me toady it feels like it's not. I feel like I am living in a world where I am frowned upon for not wearing a mask, and where science is trying to overcome faith and personal beliefs. Where I am considered rude, wrong and selfish for not following ..read more

My mum is back home! Last Spring her and the tiny girls were all home every day and I loved it so much. This time it's just mum, but it seems like she has to trick the tiny people into thinking she's still going to work. She got dressed and put all of her stuff in the car, but she came home and got it all back out again. That's silly, she has to know they will figure out eventually that she's not actually going to work. Well, maybe not the little one, she's kind of clueless some times.  She looks like she's handling this well. She's already vacuumed and cleaned the floor. She's so silly ..read more

I've been waiting for a long time to post a very drastic #before and #after DIY. So excited to share our finished front porch with you. If you haven't read the story on how we found this lot you can find it here. #before - April 27, 2018 Excavation started June 14, 2018. This house really was a HUGE do it yourself project. Tim did so much of the work and I am forever grateful and will always be impressed at his attention to detail and work ethic. It's really hard to believe that we lived with just dirt in the front for almost a year. Rocking bench: Walmart Rugs and y ..read more

Precious girl, here we are again. The night before your birthday and I am flooded with memories.  I waited every single day while I was pregnant with you. Waited, waited, and waited some more.  When I found out I was pregnant with you I thought I was going to have an ectopic pregnancy. We went to the emergency room after I had a week of terrible, fall to the floor, pains. I knew I was pregnant with you after a home pregnancy test. I was so afraid and so nervous that you weren’t ok. They couldn’t do anything and we had a follow up with my OB.  I wanted you SO badly. There was ..read more

To my sweet students and all of their friends who made their way to my room, Is it creepy if I say I can picture you all walking up to my room at the end of the hall to say goodbye? I can see some of my tall boys, slouching a bit in their towering height, ending their endearing goodbye with a, "Welp, see ya later." I can see some of my precious girls tugging at their shorts a bit before they get to me, because they know I'll try to do it for them, giving me a hug and ending with an, "I'll see you later, oh and on Instagram." There are my boys who walk a bit wide to keep their pants up, the on ..read more