“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” -John Green in The Fault in Our Stars I was 16.  Chris had just turned 18 and was a month away from high school graduation.  Though we’d lived no more than 10 minutes apart practically our entire lives and shared […]

Today I found myself deep cleaning the space that was the home of our dog, Poly, in preparation for our Christmas tree.  (read more about that here) I scrubbed on hands and knees the dog hair and grime from the grout lines between the stick-on floor tiles we applied in haste upon our purchase of […]

Our dog, Poly, passed away in a terrible accident three weeks ago.  I was at fault, making it even more traumatic.  It was awful, as those of you who have lost fur babies know, and I could go on and on about it, but that isn’t what this post is about – it is only […]

[part of the Monday for Moms blog series – small tips and tricks that will make big changes in photos of your children, parenting, or life] It’s no secret that I think photos are really important to the family unit. Aside from documenting life and preserving memories, pictures are actually a great way to boost […]

[part of the Tuesday for Travel blog series – reviews, recommendations, and stories based on our travels and excursions] For the past couple years, Chris and I have tried to make a point to take at least one trip a year without the kids.  Although we end up missing them and talking about them constantly […]

Happy birthday to my husband, father of our crazy offspring, endless provider, Netflix binge partner, and best friend.  I am amazed daily by your dedication to our family, ceaseless persistence at work and at home, and your ability to be my rock and my soft place all at once. You’ve got it all, babe. We’re […]

[part of the Tuesday for Travel blog series – reviews, recommendations, and stories based on our travels and excursions] We’ve headed to Williamsburg for a pre-Christmas trip for the past few years.  Our primary destination has been Busch Gardens Christmastown which our young children llooovveee.  If you have small kids, plan to take the trip […]

[part of the Monday for Moms blog series – small tips and tricks that will make big changes in photos of your children] Each year I dread the annual trip to the mall to visit Santa.  Not only do I loathe shopping + the mall, but I despise spending the unnecessary money.  And let’s just […]

New Year’s Resolutions. Goals. Restarts. You know, that “all things new” and spectacular guise we place on ourselves year. after. year. Today I’m breaking free of the Pinterest pretty act because, NO, we don’t all run perfect homes with well mannered children armed with homemade snowman decorated treats to share with their classmates at snack time. […]

[part of the Tuesday for Travel blog series – reviews, recommendations, and stories based on our travels and excursions] Each year since I can remember our family has enjoyed scouting the best Christmas lights around.  A few years ago we visited Busch Gardens Christmastown for the first time and ever since the lights I see can’t begin […]