Two weeks after we tied the knot in ’08, Andrew and I packed a Uhaul, drove from my home state of Nebraska, and landed in Louisiana. New marriage, new state, a totally new culture, new jobs, new food (I’m hooked on Tony Chachere’s, sweet potatoes, and sweet tea). Eight years later and almost as quickly, […]
Why it’s the happiest anniversary we’ve ever had
Andrew and I have had issues. We’ve hurt each other. We’ve resented each other. We unknowingly (and knowingly) built walls and somewhere along the line, we both locked up our hearts. At one point I thought we were resolved to simply tolerate each other until death did we part. While I knew we would live just fine […]
A National Solemnity
Every year I return to the idea of Memorial Day, wondering what I could further say beyond what I’ve already posted; and truly, every year, I find I have little to add. From the archives, written Memorial Day 2012. Despite growing up an Air Force brat with instilled, unfailing pride in America and the Flag, […]
Monday Morning with the Saints {no. 40 – St. Colette}
Christian suffering is one of those mysteries I don’t fully understand – the whole idea of joy amid pain is abstract and soulfully deep and it’s especially hard to live. I’ve been there myself a time or two. My father’s illness and passing, hopelessly low lows in our marriage, anxiety and depression. No sir, suffering is […]
The Happy Catholic Box Review {GIVEAWAY & COUPON CODE!!}
The Happy Catholic Box was absolutely fantastic. Owner Elizabeth Outzs asked to a send a box my way for review. A darling package chock full of holy, beautiful stuff meant to move my heart closer to Jesus? Hmm…yes please. The fun started when I saw a delivery that wasn’t diapers gracing my doorstep. For me?? Carefully […]
Monday Morning with the Saints {no. 39 Bl. Basil Hopko}
So the whole idea of “prison” might seem a little strong for our purposes, but as a loose analogy, it works. Because though I’ve never felt imprisoned in my life, there have been times when I felt trapped. Stuck. As a wife, as a mother, as just me. There’s that moment when we realize that […]
Monday Morning with the Saints {no. 38 – St. Bonaventure}
A friend of mine recently pointed out that she didn’t have any “extracurriculars.” No blog. No part time work. No side business. “I’m just a mom,” she said almost insecurely. “Should I be doing something else?” I don’t think being a mama is “just” anything, but that’s another post. Conversely, I’ve lately heard from those […]
Radio Interview with The Catholic Foodie! {audio inside}
I had a fantastic time talking with Jeff Young this week on his show The Catholic Foodie! Jeff read my posts on anxiety and that amazing line from St. Teresa of Avila {no. 37 for Monday Morning with the Saints} and invited me on for what was such a fun and hopeful conversation. We covered […]
MMWS {No. 37 – St. Theresa of Avila}
I can whip through the dishes without too much strife. Bowls, plates, funky shaped kid cups are no challenge because loading is just grown-up Tetris. I find space where there was none and can work some serious magic. It’s…fun? No. That’s too far. The psychological mountain comes when I gaze across the counter at the mess […]
The Blog Post About Anxiety
I know I’m not the first to speak up, but right there in the middle of my struggles, I thought I was both alone and legitimately crazy. I have anxiety. Not the general kind when I worry sometimes, but the paralyzing, *every mole hill is a mountain* kind with racing thoughts, increased heart rate, tears, and total […]