“The practice of reflection is not one to keep us living in the past or wallowing in mistakes. Instead, it’s a way to pause on purpose and listen to our life so that we can move forward with a little more confidence, a little more clarity, and a lot more intention.” — Emily P. Freeman, Episode 84: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Reflection, The Next Right Thing Podcast 1. Undeserved gifts are not easily forgotten. We had the privilege of attending an all expenses paid work retreat at one of the finest hotels in our city.  Not only did I feel undeserving and completely spoiled, but I realized how much I…

    We are closing in on the final days of Summer here, with just four full days of no schedule remaining.  I find myself both sad to lose the carefree nature of no school, but also ready to get back into the regular rhythm of all the things.  The kids are very eager for Tuesday to come, but it’s going to be a lot quieter this year with FOUR kids in school, and just Cooper to hang out with me all day. Once again I’m joining in with Emily in sharing “What We Learned”, a practice I enjoy participating in at the end of each season.  In no particular…

    Spring is winding down and with it comes another round-up of things we learned with Emily.  The silly, the serious, and whatever those things are that leave a mark on life is a practice that I enjoy and has taught me to pay attention to every aspect of my life.  I hope that these lessons I share here will ignite something in you to join into this art of paying attention. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   The sound of emergency vehicle sirens when I’m driving make me panic.  Even as I’m typing this my heart is beginning to race because sirens=complete anxiety.  I never know what to do–move to the left or…

In many ways this fall has seemed like a blur and at the same time it has dragged, pulling me along with emotions that I’m still sorting out.  The pace of life with five children has been overwhelming and it has affected my soul.  I’m learning to pay attention to what causes me to feel overwhelmed and if I can make changes, I do.  Paying attention is a discipline that I’ve learned from Emily, and one of the reasons I link up with her for these round-up posts.  In no particular order, here are seven things I’ve learned this fall.   Jennavieve craves one-on-one time.  You would think at three years old I…

During the survey I did recently on my blog, one of the categories you all said you enjoyed was my “What I Learned” monthly wrap-up posts.  I’m glad you do, because I enjoy these as well.  They help me to pay closer attention to what’s happening in my life and the significant, simple, and interesting things I learn throughout my days. In no particular order, here are 8 things I learned in September:   I am a task-shifter and it makes getting things accomplished difficult.  I will get on the computer to write an email, but then I check Facebook and find something interesting to read, and then another idea pops…

Summer has flown by!  I thought it would feel slow and restful, and there have been moments like that, but I’ve been surprised at how rushed this summer has felt.  I’m going to tuck that away and hopefully plan next year a little more carefully.  We still have three weeks until the girls go back to school, so we’re going to try and savor these days that remain.   Once again, I’m linking up with Emily, for “What we learned“.  In no particular order, 13 things I learned this summer. 1. These six people are my favorite.  They see me at my worst, and yet they love me anyway.  Living…

After a long weekend, which somehow officially marks the beginning of summer, it’s suddenly going to be June tomorrow.  My girls still have four weeks of school, so our summer hasn’t arrived, but we’re counting down the days and looking forward to time at the beach, lazy mornings, front porch dinners and reading for days.   Once again, I’m linking up with Emily to do a round-up of things learned this past month.  May was a full month for us, and my goal was simply to survive.  We made it.  By God’s grace, for sure, but we made it. 1. I could get used to a day off every week.…

May is here!  This means we only have two more months of school, summer weather is closer than winter, and Mason gets his cast off in just three weeks!  Lots to be happy about on this Monday morning. Once again I’m linking up with Emily for another monthly round-up of things learned.  This is a fun practice for me and I missed posting in March.  In no particular order, eight things I learned in April. 1.  I am pretty attached to this tree in our backyard.   I love to see it begin budding in the dead of winter, and then the blooms begin to open right along with spring.  At its…

  February is over!  It’s hard to believe, but I have to admit I’m very excited that winter is coming to an end.  My hydrangeas are already budding, and the last two days in the 70’s have me hopeful that Spring is just around the corner. Once again, I’m joining in with Emily to share ‘What We Learned in February‘. ************************************************************************* 1. I might be the only person who didn’t enjoy reading All the Light We Cannot See.  I tried.  Really, I did, but for some reason I just couldn’t get into it.  It’s possible that sleep-deprivation has gotten the better of me.  Or maybe I just don’t have a mind for…