It seems fitting that as I fly back to Hawaii today, I would republish a post from exactly one year ago, when I returned from the same crazy month of surf contests in California. I have made some changes to this post, especially in light of the many questions I have been asked over the past year. I hope this post gives you a little more insight into our life, and might speak to that part of you (I think we all have it in us,) that wonders how life would be if you could just
Encouragement and faith
Diet, exercise, and Body Image: My Story, Part I {A VLOG}
Hey guys! First, a quick surf update: Luke kicked off his first heat of Open division at Nationals today with a first place finish! We are super excited as he goes into quarter-finals tomorrow. Thanks again for all of the support--and as always, you can keep up on Instagram and Facebook for more timely updates. ;)And now....I'm sharing one more archived post! Here's the scoop...Though I know that most of my readers keep coming back for the family-related topics that I write about,
The Anger-Lecture Habit in Parenting: My Struggle and How I’m Trying to Change it.
Today I am sharing a heart-felt post from over a year ago on a topic I would rather tell second-hand. But it's my truth, and I'm owning it. :) It is my desire to encourage anyone else who relates to this to grow and improve in this area. So...here it is:This is my story of struggling with anger in my parenting journey. I write it to encourage anyone who relates, in hopes of inspiring change. ;)I've struggled in this area for all of my parenting years, and though sometimes I have
No Regrets
Hi Friends... Today I share a favorite post from Spring 2014 (thus you'll see ages of my kids is off. ;)) Hope you enjoy...Just before I went to bed last night, Josiah ran out to get a book he had left in the car...He came in and said, "Hey Mom, you can really hear the waves out there. Wanna come out and hear them"What I almost said: "No. I've heard them like that before. I'm tired."(Thankfully,) What I did say: "Yes, I do."I wrapped myself in a blanket (because YES--58
Considering Homeschooling? This One’s For you. {A V-log}
Hi Friends!...Well, I'm happy to say that by the time you read this, I'll either be on the airplane to Canada, or maybe even cruising the Canadian Gulf Islands on my parents' boat. (I'm so excited!! I have been dreaming of this trip for years!) Before leaving home though, I've had a lot to do..So much to do to prepare for the boys and I to travel, to prepare to leave Dave alone at home (awww,) and also preparing for the homeschool year that begins just ten days after we get back! Wow.
What a Teenage Boy Needs Most from his Mom
Over the next week, two of my boys have birthdays that end in "teen." Today, Jonah stepped fresh and eager into his thirteenth year. Next Saturday, Josiah will swagger his way into fifteen. How could this be?Slow down boys--I gave birth to you yesterday.But really--I dig this stage. I feel like I finally understand why I had to go through the baby and toddler years: This is the reward. I mean, I love my kids at every stage, but certainly some years nearly killed me. Now that my
Homeschool Confessions: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Awkward
Well friends...You know I only post about homeschooling about once every two years, right? So bear with me while I finish what I started last week when I responded to the hottest question in the homeschool world: "What curriculum do you use?" Today, I share a quick and honest look at some of the things that stand out to me when I think of our homeschool life. Some of the stuff that us homeschoolers don't talk as much about.As homeschoolers, we tend to get super defensive (or maybe it's just
Homeschool Updates. {Part I: Curriculum.}
For a homeschool mom-blogger, I suppose I don't talk about homeschooling very much.This is probably because I really don't feel like a serious, professional, homeschool momma. There are other bloggers out there--Who share great ideas, create printables, and put together amazing curriculums. They get excited about homeschooling, and inspire me to do the same. Those are the homeschool experts. And next to them, I feel pretty lame.I homeschool for many good reasons, but I am far from the