Category: motherhood
-
Strong & Sure

Real talk, friend: God carried me through answered prayers and deep exhaustion in equal measure this year. As 2026 approaches, my simple prayer is: Lord, give me strength. If you’re hoping for fresh strength and endurance, you’re not alone. Read my latest post to encourage your heart, and share it with someone who can use…
-
And Yet

Whew, friend … this year has been doing the MOST. But you know what? God’s goodness keeps showing up right in the middle of the hard stuff. In my latest post, I’m sharing why those little words “and yet” matter so much. (Spoiler alert: Because they remind us there’s still beauty and blessings worth holding…
-
Twice the Kleenex

I knew it would happen. I just didn’t know how incredibly bittersweet it would be. “It” = riding another wave of change as our two oldest kiddos launch new chapters of their lives. When our daughter and older son were tiny tots with chubby cheeks in car seats, Joel and I would sometimes reflect, “They’re…
-
Not an Option

A homemade ice cream shop is just a stone’s throw from our little one’s elementary school. And when he has a great week at school, we sometimes celebrate by stopping by for a yummy, sweet treat. Homemade ice cream is heavenly, with its creamy texture and bursts of flavor that melt in your mouth. And,…
-
Papa

This time each year my heart takes a rollercoaster ride. We’re shaking off the busyness of summer. The kiddos go back to school and grow up some more on us. And our family celebrates at least 15 birthdays in September. And this year’s heart rollercoaster ride is right on time. Our oldest is starting her…
-
A Kind of Kindness

Writing again feels so good. I’ve been navigating a swept-away season since the birth of our LO 3 years ago. Stretch-and-grow moments have been plentiful since then. Time for capturing those moments here? Not so much. But, seasons change and mine is evolving again. So, onward we go. And, I’ll start with a lesson that…
-
A Love Note for Moms

Recently, friends in my hometown organized a baby shower. As a special touch, they gifted the guest of honor – a first-time mom – with a booklet of love notes from folks near and far. As a mom, I appreciated their thoughtfulness. Extra doses of lovingkindness are spot-on for new moms who feel excitement one…
-
Weary, But Worth It

Hard to believe my last blog post was 8 months ago. The culprit? A tiny human with 2 teeth and a serious milk habit. His happy eyes and easy smile are downright disarming. And, his giggles? Like sunshine for your soul. My last post was just weeks shy of Josiah’s birth. To say that life…
-
Endings & Beginnings

It’s hard to believe that we’re quickly nearing the end of this very special pregnancy. I think back to last fall, when my eyes kept adjusting to the pink lines on the home pregnancy tests (I took 2, remember?). In shock, all I could think was, are you kidding?!? I have more than enough “life”…
-
At This Moment

“Are you getting ready for the baby?” (Pause) “Uhhh . . . no.” My response to this popular, well-meaning question has likely surprised some folks. So, let’s be clear: We are over-the-moon happy and excited for Baby Dancy’s arrival this spring. And we’re equally grateful for a healthy pregnancy and growing baby in my tummy.…