5 Tips for a Happy and Successful Marriage

I got married at 18. My then boyfriend and I were dating for a few months when we found out we were pregnant with our first child. A month later, we were engaged and a month after that, we were married. Our life’s path suddenly changed and we were embracing it, together, forever. The odds […]

What To Do When Fitness Goals Fail

A few months ago, I wrote a post, My Journey to Becoming the Best Version of Myself. I was so excited to start building my home gym. What started as a lonesome stationary bike in the basement, soon included a rower, adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells, different types of resistance bands, and exercise mats. I was […]

This Year in Review and How to Improve

There’s only one day left of the year and I’m in total denial that we are about to ring in 2022. I used to love New Year’s Eve because, as a kid, I would spend some time thinking about goals and everything I wanted to accomplish in the next twelve months. It felt like a […]

Love Grows Best in Little Houses Just Like This

I remember walking into our house for the first time almost nine years ago. We had only Brody at the time, who wasn’t even a year old yet. We had been actively house hunting with our realtor for almost six months, writing up multiple offers and getting beat out by cash offers that were tens […]

Expert Advice on Maintaining a Clean Home

Like most stay at home moms, I struggle with keeping a neat and orderly house. Our laundry has become a permanent accent piece on the living room couch and there are fingerprints on every wall, window, and furniture surface. Don’t get me started on the condition of my kids’ rooms either. Our house is lived […]

Gifting Time, Not Toys, This Holiday Season

no toy Christmas

Lately, I’ve been finding myself stuck in the same scene as Cindy Lou Who in the movie, The Grinch. The one where she starts singing, “Where Are You, Christmas?” I usually love this time of year. Christmas is so much more fun after you have kids of your own. I love seeing the way their […]

Fun and Festive Fall Gnome Wreath in 4 Simple Steps

Our family has this odd tradition of passing around a gnome after we move into a new house. The idea is that our gnome, Charlie Gregorsen, will bring good luck to our new address. Weird, I know! But, Charlie, has traveled over a thousand miles between all of his stays. I already have a soft […]

How to Overcome Hopelessness During The Pandemic

During a conversation with my mom this week, I was expressing my frustrations with how isolating and lonely life can feel. As an extrovert, it is hard living in a world where most people are afraid to approach or have small conversations with others. A lot of people assume, because we were homeschooling before Covid, […]

Importance of Family Communication and How to Improve It

With five kids, people are often surprised that my kids get along so well with each other. I’m extremely grateful that they often act more like good friends instead of sibling rivals. Since having kids, I have read A LOT of marriage and parenting books. A few years ago, I hit a wall, admitted I […]

30 Fun Fall Activities to Put on Your Bucket List

fall bucket list activities for family

On the off chance that you’re going to label me as basic, I’m just going to go ahead and say it. I LOVE fall! I love the crisp, chilly morning air, the leaves changing colors, and all things pumpkin spice. My kids can’t wait to go to all of the fall festivals and they know […]