Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly, Fa-la-la-la-la… My internal calendar stopped on November 2nd when Silas entered our world. Thanksgiving took me altogether by surprise. I had a baby, and the next time I turned around, Thanksgiving was here! I caught my breath and began changing the dates on my perpetual calendar in my… Read More Christmas Carols
Five years ago yesterday–December 20, 2005–Stephen proposed. Stephen and I had dated since my freshman year at Bob Jones University (2001), so we had been together quite a while. Maybe someday I’ll write the story of how we “met,” but for now I’ll stick to the engagement story. I flew to Indiana from St. George,… Read More A Peppermint Date
Think tables overflowing with casserole dishes, steaming crock pots, platters of meat, baskets of bread, and desserts of all types and deliciousness. Think Christmas Banquet, Thanksgiving Dinner, Labor Day Picnic, Memorial Day Picnic–each an annual “potluck opportunity” at church. I can still remember the feeling of anticipation I had as a kid on the evening… Read More The Church Potluck: Rules of Engagement
Every year we observe Christmas and celebrate the advent of the Christ-child. This Christmas is completely different for me. I know I’m not the only person to have welcomed their first-born son right before the Christmas season, but being Silas’s mother has given me a fresh look at what it truly meant for Jesus to… Read More Contemplating Baby Jesus
Once upon a time when my mom was expecting my older sister Rebekah, Mom-mom Hilda was convinced that the baby was a boy. She even bought Mom a little boy Christmas outfit. Of course Mom didn’t have a boy that first time (as Rebekah was born), or the second time (me), or the third time… Read More Mom-mom Hilda to Mom to Me
Was needed. long overdue. refreshing. sweet. made of happy times. Two weeks ago I flew home for my baby sister’s college graduation. I actually cried when I saw the green grass at the Pittsburgh airport. I’m sure the tears came more from my anticipation of seeing my mom again and from my tired pregnant state,… Read More To Be With Family Again
Almost all 400 of the people who work in my department wore green today. There were green balloons, green hair, green blinking buttons and earrings, and even a green bowtie. I love being a St. Patty’s Day baby because everyone is celebrating with me. The whole day today was a party. My morning began with… Read More A St. Patrick’s Day Birthday
My dad, being an astronomer, loves to wish us a “happy vernal equinox.” The vernal equinox is the first day of spring when the day and the night are exactly equal. (Vernal = green, Equinox = equal night) While the official vernal equinox is scheduled for March 20th, Phoenix is predicted to have a 6:37am… Read More Happy Vernal Equinox, Phoenix!
Stephen finally agreed to let me fork somebody’s yard for Valentine’s Day. I’ve been wanting to do this for years! We thought Pastor Ryan and Jen could use some Valentine elves to decorate their yard, so I made lots of paper hearts to attach to the fork handles. Target had some cute little gifts in… Read More Giving a Heart Attack