Every year at our house we celebrate July 4th with a barbecue and a huge water balloon fight.  This year for food we had burgers with lots of toppings, watermelon, BBQ chips, fresh black-bean-avocado-tomato salsa and bacon-wrapped jalapenos.  Then there were root beer floats and brownies for dessert.   This burger is John’s. When it...
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Eldest and youngest Cousins eating Oreos at the lake Cousins that scream together stick together. (Except when one falls off the tube.) Erika and Israel watching the volleyball game. Kind of. Row, row, row your boat…. Sunset on the lake My 19yo rocking the guitar in the chapel My 16yo playing drums AND harmonica...
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A very long time ago, way back in 2006, I started this blog.  I realize that was only 5 years ago, but wow, a lot of life has happened in those five years. Back then we only had 8 kids, and our baby was just a year old and I hadn’t written any books,...
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All sorts of life is happening here this week.   One of our 13yo sons got his braces on today and has a sore mouth this evening to prove it.  Thankfully 4 out of 6 of our current teenagers came by their straight teeth naturally, proving again that God provides for families in all sorts...
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I got an email recently from a mom with a question: I would love to know what you do about furniture. We are currently looking at getting a new couch for our family of 7 and are considering a sectional. I’m wondering what you’ve found to work best in your family (how to arrange...
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Lately I’ve been hyper-aware of controversy swirling around me in many ways.  In this interconnected world of many causes, quick opinions and ready comments, someone states a convincing argument and I am swayed, made to think.  And then another chimes in with a logical argument on the opposite side.  I find my beliefs stirred,...
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Missy of It’s Almost Naptime is hosting a link-up this week where moms share their best tips.  Here, in utterly random order, are some of mine. 1. Quick thickener? Ever tried to save a batch of watery oatmeal, or wished you could make chili or stew just a little thicker?  I’ve discovered that couscous...
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As I was driving home this morning, I reached down to scratch my dog around her ears, and realized that it was official. I have turned into one of THOSE people. The kind of people who let their dog sleep in their bedroom. Bring them along on errands in the car. Let them in...
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I’ve lived in Idaho 27 years now, and still the mornings take me back to my childhood.  Every summer we’d leave the miserable Missouri heat and come visit the grandparents in Idaho. I’ll forever love the gorgeous Missouri thunderstorms, but the heat?  Not so much.  In Missouri if it’s hot during the day, it’s...
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I am paying for my writing time this morning by allowing the puppy to shred yesterday’s newspaper all over the living room floor.  Quiet at any cost.   Have discovered she doesn’t have accidents in the house if I keep her leashed within 6 feet of me at all times.   Down side of that plan? ...
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