I mentioned a few weeks ago that we tried something new this year to combat cold and flu season, Elderberry Syrup. Knock on wood, so far it has been amazingly effective. With the flu running rampant at both school and work we have somehow managed to dodge the plague. I was previously buying the syrup, but it is a little spendy and we go through it quickly with five of us taking it daily and doubling the dose when the slightest sniffle comes on. So I decided to be a bit crunchy and make our own homemade syrup. The berries can be ordered from amazon, Elder Larry and Frontier seem to be the best priced. They are ... view the post
Lent, Simplified
Lent is soon upon us, only hours until we cover ourselves in sackcloth and ashes and I am starting to feel panicked as I haven't yet decided on what I am giving up or doing this Lent. Join me over at CatholicMom.com as I write about some ways to simplify Lent and really focus on what the season is about with or without a sackcloth! ... view the post
Adoption Education
Last month we celebrated the boys' adoption day! The day is right up there with Christmas for them. We go all out and make sure to celebrate! A favorite of course is watching videos from our time in Ghana and when they first came home. I can't believe it has been three years since we have brought our sons home. Seems like only yesterday and yet feels like we have been together forever. It's hard to remember and imagine our life without them! They love hearing stories about our travels to Ghana (the craziest two weeks of my life), how they were longed for and prayed for and the excitement I had in finally getting ... view the post
Taming the Chaos
I have officially been doing the mom gig now for three years and very much still trying to figure it all out. Having gone from zero to four kiddos in 2 1/2 years people ask us how we manage and do it. To be honest I feel like I am oftentimes just winging it and praying for the best. Of course feeling like we are starting over with the addition of each new child. (Did I mention the boys are now praying for twin sisters, should I be excited or terrified?!) In no particular order here are seven ways we have found helpful to keep the household running smoothly, semi-organized and mostly stress-free. 1. Tidy up ... view the post
3 Under $30
All things striped edition! I promise to not go in public wearing all three as sure to be mistaken for a zebra, a sailor or a prisoner. 29.99 // Target With the addition of Caden I feel like I am often fumbling around when we are out and about. Carrying the car seat in one arm, holding Grace's hand with the other and trying to balance my purse/diaper bag somewhere in between without dropping the keys. I am considering buying a backpack to function as both a purse and diaper bag to help free up my hands a little. I thought my backpack days were over after high school, but the functionality may be ... view the post