• Mug of the Month #3

    This month has not slowed down, one itsy bit.  School became “official” in September.  Birthday parties and homeschool meetings abounded.  My family also belongs to a nearby Classical Conversations campus.  My son started in August but my daughter started up in September.  And of course, not to be outdone,  I couldn’t just be a mom I signed on as a tutor.  So, is it any wonder that my mug of the month is a basically a portable carafe.   It keeps my coffee toasty and ready for hours and hours. This makes me exceedingly happy because rarely do I get to sit and actually finish an entire delicious cup, while…

  • Defeating Depression Daily

    Depression is always a touchy subject.  Is it a real diagnosis?  Is it a mind game? Is it a chemical imbalance or genetics? Is it moodiness and personality?  Is it spiritual warfare or a sign of spiritual immaturity?  Maybe it’s all of the above or none at all.  But to talk about it I’ll need to open up and get raw honest.  So, just imagine we’re kicking back in my messy living room, mugs of mocha in our mitts, and let’s chat as friends. My story I was diagnosed with depression as a teenager, though I’m certain it was haunting me at a much younger age.  At 17, I was…

  • How Humbling Yourself In Your Time of Need Changes Everything by Tricia Goyer (Guest Post)

    The other day I was cooking dinner when my six-year-old son rushed into the kitchen. Beads of sweat slid down his red face. “I’m so hot. You never get me anything to drink.” I stirred my spaghetti sauce with one hand as I turned to him. “Excuse me?” His voice rose in a full, high-pitched whine. “You never give me anything to drink!” He waved his hands and dropped to the floor. I took in a breath and then released in, telling myself to keep my voice steady, calm. “I’d be happy to get you a drink. I just need you to ask.” He kicked his foot against the floor.…

  • Mug of the Month #2

    Hello there, August. Bye bye July, you sneaky fast month, you. Here’ my July/August M.O.M My coffee of choice has been split between a smattering of ceramic mugs.  So, the coffee shall be the star this month.  I’ve been french pressing these days.  My smallest press gives me just enough joe for one gigantic jug.   I’ve even been known to drink it straight from the press. Oily, frothy, and feisty this method has me playing old melancholy music from my teen years.  Earbudding bits of Jeff Buckley, Nick Cave, and some Counting Crows pep me up and get my brain a’workin.   This is summer and for a homeschooling mama…

  • Haphazard Hospitality

    As a child, I loved to watch my mother visit with friends in our living room. I enjoyed listening to adult conversations and laughter. I delighted in the grown-up snacks and treats. I used to beg my mother to have friends over. I didn’t really care who as long as I could participate or lounge around in their presence. What I hated about having company was the cleaning beforehand. I despised the dusting and polishing. I loathed shopping, staying neat and waiting. I remember haughtily tell my mother “When I grow up I will always be prepared for guests. I will have my living room clean. Candles lit and glowing. Music…

  • Tube Tied

    Strapped down, drugged, and tired I watched as my husband left the room. I still split open. Him carrying my beautiful Sprout. The pressure of hands diligently putting me back together tugged at my empty belly. I kept my breathing light, waiting for the words that I’d prayed for, I’d begged for. When they came, I was left dumb. “Are you certain you want to do this?” mumbled the voice of my OB, bringing me the opportunity I’d longed for in secret. The opportunity, I reluctantly and painfully, turned down. The room went to work and I asked my anesthesiologist to put my guilt-ridden heart to sleep. After not desiring…

  • Mug of the Month #1

    Mug of the Month:  An eclectic list of goodies. Including but not limited to:  The best cup of joe I’ve had in the last 30 days.  What scripture spoke to me the loudest and the method I used to study it.  Books I’m reading be it for pleasure, work, or school.  What my kids are reading.  Any new workouts, routines, games, or the like that has marked the calendars in my home.  Sit back and enjoy. This mug of the month is a destination drink.  Dreaming of vacation days in the mountains brought about remembrance of a cozy, creative, eclectic ambiance drizzled with moody melodies and seasoned with the scent…

  • Why start yet another blog in a bogged down bloggy world

      Well, why not? After attending an inspiring weekend at a CHEA of CA convention I was left seriously considering it. I have little skills, little knowledge, but I was more than a little encouraged. That leads to now. Here. Me, bumbling and stumbling and blogging away. I have a story or two to spin but not enough brain power to plod my way through a novel. I have life experiences similar to some, unfamiliar to others. I’ve lived through and with my share of difficulties and I’ve had my bundle of exciting and uplifting events I’m a homeschooling mama of two. The wife of an awesome although underappreciated chef.…