Both/And…keeping it real

We can do hard things. Acknowledging both the good and hard in everyday life.

  • What do princess markers, Rubik’s Cube and Banana Nut Muffins have to do with Lament?

    I wanted to take a moment and say a genuine thank you. I have been posting now for about 4 months and it has become a favorite part of my week. I really enjoy WORDS. I love the process of conveying my thoughts, experiences and how they all fit together with my many life roles.…

  • “You have solid steel I-Beams, Stace.”

    “Mom, they are going to demolish that building soon.” My son told me as we drove through town. “Yeah?” We were talking about the former municipal power plant building, much of which was already demolished. “Yes, they are getting the explosives set on the beams. The I-beams are the only thing left.” My brain raced…

  • For the love of mountains and Jesus; or pink slippers, 10% and unexpected grace.

    (An entirely different post than what I planned be writing this week…) I have been chewing on a post for the last week and half and it is not this one…. Typically, an idea forms and the words come relatively quick. I reword and rework, sometimes erase and rewrite, but the words and ideas seem…

  • “Mama, Jesus is smiling!”

    (For SHM) The sun was shining, I had the day off work. After I was blessed with a good workout and some quality time with my hubby, my youngest daughter (in her last year before turning 13,) asked if I would take her to 3 stores: a local consignment shop, 5 below (undoubtedly to spend…

  • Some thoughts on imposters, cheating and battle hymns.

    “Mom, your calves are popping!” My daughter exclaimed last night. I was walking in front of her as we left our dear friend’s house after an evening of feeling more blessed when we left than when we’d arrived. “What does that even mean????” My inner voice whispered. At the same moment, my body startled (involuntarily)…

  • 143

    It was a snowy afternoon, one of those where we as a family had a clear Sunday on the calendar, a truly miraculous thing. Even more shocking to me, as a mom of teens, was the fact that after lunch had been cleaned up, I wandered into the main area of our house and found…

  • Underdogs and tears, the One who perseveres (and redeems.)

    For much of my growing up, I heard I was too sensitive, that I needed to get tougher and that even though I cared, sometimes it seemed as if I cared too much. I had so many emotions, in my teenage years, I am sure my parents and siblings felt like they were pretty consistently…

  • Becoming 50

    Tomorrow is a big birthday. You know how you hear, “age 50” advice throughout your life? Some is well-meaning and sage, some definitely is NOT. Everything from, “tomorrow, it’s all over, Stacy. Your body starts to break down, you feel 80 from the minute you turn 50,” to “enjoy every moment, it all goes fast.”…

  • “Hey John, you need one of those!”

    If you know me or have followed my social media for more than this month, my love and joy in riding my bike is evident. I always relish the freedom my bike gives me, the effort of pushing my overly active muscles and the wonder of feeling my body accomplish this thing I ask it…

  • Family…

    We are, in our family of 5, spinning lately between our kids spring sports and events, church events, commitments to friends and family. These are all things we love, and the pace has just amped up! There is a metronome in the back of my mind, slowly ticking as we edge toward summer. But not…