Who knew Presidents’ Day weekend could be this much fun? We were thrilled when Amy told us she had booked a flight to Phoenix for a weekend getaway over Presidents’ Day! Our Saturday morning began at a very early 6:30am (thanks to our effective alarm clock–Silas Clark). A breakfast of Strawberry Stuffed French Bread and… Read More Unexpected Holiday
hearts around the housedinner for my valentine {Menu: Hawaiian Grilled Chicken, Coconut Rice, Baked Asparagus, heart-shaped Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies}loving our little cupidthankful to be hishappy valentines’ day
Valentine’s Day 2012 is Arizona’s centennial–100 years of statehood. There aren’t many states left with a centennial to celebrate, so we didn’t want to miss the chance to commemorate this milestone. Yesterday we headed out to enjoy the Best Fest downtown. The grounds of the state capital were crowded with museum exhibits, carnival rides, arts… Read More Happy 100th Birthday, Arizona!
The above saying was posted on the wall of my 3rd grade classroom. I remember working at my desk, looking up at the poster, reading the words to myself, “Books–Your Window to the World,” and wondering what it meant. Its meaning just didn’t click in my little 3rd grade mind. I decided this New Year… Read More Books–Your Window to the World
Thankfulness grows in my heart during these quiet, sunny January days. We take Silas to the park, following him around as he discovers sticks and rocks, weeds and dirt. Watching him, I see his face light up with the wonder of ordinary things. I thank God for this life. It is a gift. One I’m… Read More These Still January Days
In spite of Facebook’s ho-hum appeal these days, occasionally a friend will recommend a link that’s bookmark-worthy. Like the link to Rachel Jankovic‘s article on DesiringGod.org entitled Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank) which led me to read her article, Motherhood as a Mission Field. After discovering Jankovic has authored a book,… Read More Loving the Little Years
Hi! Welcome to my neighborhood! Don’t mind the peacocks on our roof. Meet Mavis. And her husband Henry.Mavis always did prefer a bird’s eye view of her community. That is, until Henry decided there were too many nosy neighbors around. “Come on, Mavis. Let’s find a quieter place away from the Peacock Paparazzi.” And so… Read More Proud as a Peacock
A conversation Stephen and I frequently have goes like this. Me: “Babe, what’s your favorite ___________?” Him: (pause) “Umm. Do I have to have a favorite?” It’s so very frustrating (and sometimes hard to comprehend) that he doesn’t have favorites! Well, at least not as many favorites as I think he should. However, there are… Read More The Way We Feel about McIntosh Apples
After our West Virginia visit this fall, I came home with some pictures of the Manka side of the family. Looking at those pictures got me thinking of the legacy my grandparents left to me. Grandma & Grandpa were a dynamic duo, and I’m sure I don’t know even half their story! (They both passed… Read More Dynamic Duo
…to spend another week with us (well, almost a week). Silas didn’t have to give up his uncles all at once. We had a slow-paced week after the excitement of the holidays. Jon helped me un-decorate the house on Monday. Wow, it felt good to get all that stuff put away! One afternoon we took… Read More And Uncle Jon Stayed
