Seven Frozen Takes
This week the country experienced a winter storm caused by a polar vortex. In Texas, we aren’t used to sub-zero temperatures. Since this is not “normal,” our systems couldn’t handle the effects. We were fortunate not to lose power, water, or have frozen pipes. When you look at the...
Year in Review: 2020
In 2020, we faced challenges unlike other years. In our family and community, we learned to do things differently (sometimes in silly ways). In February, before the world lost its mind, my sister and nephew came for my birthday. I haven’t seen them in person since, because Seattle is...
The Rainbow Princess
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, a Rainbow Baby came into the world. From the first moment, her strong will and determination were evident, as she peed on the doctor delivering her. She loved frilly things but also playing tough. She is the princess that will change...
The most important lessons
As a homeschooler, the days are filled with learning. Some lessons have more formality than others. Even during the summer, I encourage my kids to read every day and learn at least one new thing. Not all lessons fall under “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic.” In fact, many of our...
Panoramic Pandemic
How has your life changed in the last few months? I asked this question one day on Facebook and received a myriad of answers. This one post generated more interaction than any other status post I’ve shared (other than pictures or videos). While the specifics varied, the answers held...
Rabies, Rainstorms, and Roses
Part of living well is managing a range of emotions, from serious to silly, from lamenting to laughter. We must pick up where we left off last week, at the Country House. I mentioned the kittens that were attacked by a rabid skunk. I mentioned that all the kittens...
Lessons from the Country House
Over the last several weeks, we’ve experienced “life interrupted.” Canceled activities, closed formal worship, and limits at the grocery store. At about week three of the “stay at home” order, a group of close friends decided we needed each other, even if we had to “do church” online, we...
Organizing the Chaos
Most moms I know often feel like they are drowning in chaos. Managing the household tasks, managing kids’ activities, attempting to balance more things than we can carry. Mamas, we are uniquely made for our job, but we allow the Enemy to convince us otherwise. Square pegs and round...
Becoming and Unbecoming an Army Wife
This is the written version of a presentation I made at the Mart Lions Club. You can view the video here. In July of 2007, I made a decision that changed my life. Before I can tell you that, I have to tell you about a decision made about...
Our Allergy Story
Hello. My name is Angie and I’m a mother of allergic children. The struggle started early in my mothering career, during a time when I functioned as a single parent due to long deployments. Dietrich’s allergy story begins shortly after starting solid foods (maybe even earlier as he’s always...