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Valentine's Day 2012
Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. It's for everyone!The economic engine of our country finds a way to attach a dollar sign to nearly everything, especially holidays. As a result, the origins and...
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Considerations for Lent
How beautiful it is to give up this life for the life!~ St. JoseMaria EscrivaLet's just go ahead and admit it - nobody likes Lent. Just say the word Lent out loud and you'll find that it is almost...
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Chasing Snowflakes
The days prior to our trip to Switzerland were a bit scattered and chaotic for Steve and me. Our home, still decorated with Valentine's Day remnants, was a jungle of sticky notes, schedules and...
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Switzerland 2012 ~ Memories and Reflections
Five years ago, when my sister Sara married the love of her life and they moved to Switzerland, I wondered what the future would hold. I wasn't expecting her to ever live more than a few hours drive...
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Lessons From Living in a Small Space
Small space living for a family of seven is no small feat. Sometimes Steve and I feel like Gandalf the Grey hanging out in a mini dwelling of the Shire (minus the plush foliage) with 5 little Frodos...
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Have a Shamrockin' St. Patty's Day!
One thing I love about being American, is that we will find any reason to celebrate darn near anything for any reason. Take Groundhog's Day for example. Really? I'm still trying to figure that one...
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Youth Sports and Trophy Kids
The very instant each one of our children is born, Steve rushes over to them, and through teary eyes counts fingers and toes, his instincts as protector and provider kicking in hard. Then, we lock eyes...
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Bookend Babies' Birthdays
Benedict and Charlie are my bookend babies, the oldest and the youngest of our family story - the life story we are writing for our children and grandchildren and their grandchildren. However, if the...
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Savoring Spring - Drought Survival 101
Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher. ~William WordsworthSaint Thomas Aquinas said that the virtue of prudence is "right reason in action."I made a very prudent decision...
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Kansas State Wrestling Tournament 2012
Driving home from the Kansas State Wrestling Tournament, triumphant yet weary, we pulled the wagon off the road for a little supper in Salina.Everyone squeezed into the restaurant booth, digging into...
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Celebrating Easter ~ 2012
Oh, how I love, love, love Easter! It is by far my favorite season in the liturgical calendar.I love all of our traditions, old and new. Transforming creamy white eggs into brightly dyed gems, waking...
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From Pop Guns to Paintball
A few years ago, having just moved into a new neigborhood in Olathe, a friendly neighbor ventured over to have a visit with me. I remember it was a beautiful spring day, and I was enjoying working in...
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I Love Headbands
Today I yelled at my kids.Not the "I raised my voice to get their attention" type of yell. This was a yell, yell.And, then, to make matters worse I also said crap.Then, I slammed the bathroom door,...
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Awards ~ It's Time to Say Thank You
A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine, Tara May, left a sweet little note on my Facebook wall. I still had all that goobery sleep in my eyes and not yet washed down the necessary number of cups of...
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Don't Let School Get In the Way of Learning!
What do you think about punctuality, schedules and routines? Boring? Blah? Beautiful? I have to raise my hand on the beautiful. Especially in this homeschooling home. Not that I'm over-the-top about...
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Chopstick Charlie
Oh, boy, Mommy, I finally made it! Ever since I was in your tummy my little ears have been listening to the melodies that rise like magic from this giant black box. I heard them still as a newbie, back...
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Thoughts on Self-Forgiveness & Self-Esteem
There are five precious little men who dwell under my roof and deep in my heart. Each with their own distinct gifts, personalities and dispositions. Today, there is one, in particular who is...
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Happy Mother's Day!!
For the past 11 years of my life, coffee shop conversations and after church chats have always centered around the topic of children. We can't help it, us moms. Our tribe is our 24/7. What else...
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Mother's Day Surprises 2012
Image is from Picard Creative on Etsy.comFor my very first Mother's Day, Steve (and my little baby Benedict) gave me a card with an Almond Joy candy bar taped to it. Now, I am not one to slap the hand...
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Living the High Life
I remember an old commercial from my childhood. Get ready for this one: It's a beer commercial. Impressive, huh? Ranks right up there with Loreal's "Because I'm worth it." and the famous Oscar Meyer...
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