An Easy and Happy Valentine’s Day

easy and happy Valentine's day

When I was a child, I loved Valentine’s Day. No, not really just Valentine’s Day. I loved ALL the holidays. I never liked those questions where people ask you which is your favorite. As a kid people often ask you your favorite things. “What’s your favorite color?” “Favorite holiday?” “Favorite food?” I have the same problem with all three of these questions, which no one asks you when you’re an adult, until you have children. Then your children ask you […]

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The Cookie Fiasco: All That Work for Nothing

A couple of weeks ago I found out that the ladies’ ministry at my church is going to have a cookie contest. It is really more than just a contest, it is a luncheon, but at the luncheon there will be a cookie contest. Then the cookies are delivered to teachers at a local school. We are giving back to our community with something pleasant like Valentine cookies. Now I am a regular attending member of our church, and also […]

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46 Photos and Facts of Valley Forge National Historic Park

A few months ago, just out of curiosity, I googled the distance from my new house to Valley Forge. I probably didn’t even know Valley Forge was in Pennsylvania, but I knew it was the site of the Revolutionary Army’s famous winter encampment of 1777-78. Much to my delight, I discovered that I live only an HOUR away! One hour! My first thought was, “Awesome!” My second thought was, “Oh no, just how cold is this winter going to be?” […]

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10 Minute Meals for When You’re Injured, Over-Scheduled, or Just Plain Tired

10 minute meals

Super easy 10 minute meals are all I have time for lately. Have you ever had a phase like that? This week I had to stay off my feet. I had plantar fasciitis in a mild, I-can-handle-this version for 4 months. A little over a week ago, it turned into big, fat roaring don’t-you-dare-take-a-step-on-these-feet plantar fasciitis. It hurt! I did go and see a doctor about it. He gave me some anti-inflammatory medicine, and he told me to stay off […]

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It’s funny how our disadvantages can become our blessings.

It's funny how our disadvantages can become our blessings.

The doctor said not to walk and to rest my feet this week, and I really like it. Is that funny that I like it? Am I not supposed to? Does that make me sound lazy? I’m not lazy. I’m quite industrious here on my sofa. Yes, I do admit to spending way too much time reading Facebook yesterday. Way too much time, but that aside, I’ve been productive. According to my Fitbit, I still managed to get 4,000 steps […]

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Following My Ancestors from 1742 to Today

following my ancestors from 1742 to today

***Amazon ads appear on this site, and I collect advertising fees when your purchase through these ads.*** One of my on-again off-again hobbies is following my ancestors. It all began 10 years ago, when I was spending a day out by myself touring Washington, D.C., and I stumbled upon a free genealogy conference at the National Archives building. I love saying sentences like that. It makes my life sound so much cooler than it actually has ever been. Ha! You […]

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My 10 Favorite Memories from 2019

Can this also double as our year-end Christmas letter? I’m thinking it can. I’m going to do these in order of the year and my memory. Most things that happened have been forgotten, of course. But here are 10 happy memories. #1. The snowed out promotion ceremony All set for a stressful day at the Pentagon, when SURPRISE, snow buried D.C., and we got to have Alan’s promotion ceremony in the comfort and relaxation of our own home–in the basement, […]

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The Struggle of My Adult Years: Focus

When I was a kid, my struggles were confidence, fear, and talking in public. A shyer, quieter little mouse was rarely seen. All my mom ever heard at conferences was, “She’s sooo quiet.” Who would ever think that I used to be terrified of uttering a sentence in a room as small as a classroom? And yet, I was. It’s only funny to me because these days it’s like I’m just hoping for a chance to get up and talk. […]

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Presenting Our New Whippet Puppy

For years upon years, we were a pet-less family. In fact, I even swore that I would never have a dog. I had a whole list of why not. But gradually, they chipped away at this hardened heart. Daniel and his sweet tone of voice and John David and his persistence. They wore me down. It took 3 years of begging, but they got the job done. When you are getting a shelter dog, it’s tricky. You want to make […]

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Are You an Alone Time Hoarder?

Are You an Alone Time Hoarder?

I am definitely an alone-time hoarder. I am always hoarding, saving, and guarding alone time. This isn’t something I became because motherhood is exhausting either. This is simply who I always have been. What do I mean by “alone time hoarder?” An alone time hoarder is a person who jealously guards their alone time. They love and cherish being alone. In fact, they will go to ridiculous lengths to keep being alone. An alone-time hoarder is an awkward name for […]

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