Well, does it? Like everyone else, we are watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix. I am someone who places a lot of sentimental and emotional value to things, so taking a look at each individual thing we own and asking the question, “does this spark joy?” makes a lot of sense to me.… Continue reading Sparking Joy

We are not big New Year's Eve party people. Typically we stay home, it's warm, it's safe from the crazy drunk drivers, and it's just more us. This year we did party it up at a Noon Year's Eve bash that the KCMB hosted. There was bowling, lots of dancing, and Madeline's favorite - a… Continue reading Happy 2019

It is still crazy to me that we just celebrated our fifth Christmas with Madeline. We began our Christmas Day much like last year. I woke up way before everyone else. I started the coffee, made sure the stockings were all filled and sitting on the sofa, turned on all the Christmas lights, grabbed the… Continue reading The Fifth Christmas

The news gives me anxiety. I watch it and I'm always afraid and ashamed by what I see. Violence. Hate. Fear. It's really just too much. I live in middle America. I live in a very diverse suburb of a diverse city in Missouri. My daughter will go to school with children of all races,… Continue reading Life Lesson: Be Kind. Always

My sweet Madeline, You have filled my life and my heart with such great joy these last four years. I still see this sweet chubby cheeked baby when I look at you, but I know how quickly you are growing up.   You have a light around you that shines so bright. From the moment… Continue reading Four

I mean Patrick and I both already scheduled today off of work, because worst day ever we just need to be around each other, but how did my 4-day weekend turn into a 7-day weekend? I’m over the ice and just want to be able to get out of my house. These last few days… Continue reading Memories