Clean Enough

“I’m going to clean our shower,” I said. “It’s been too long and it’s really dirty.”

I grabbed the strong cleaners, rubber gloves, opened the windows and turned on the fan. I knew this would be a big job for me. Especially since I hate to clean anything at all.

Naaman took care of the kids downstairs while I started spraying down every inch of the space.

The room filled with clorox and chemicals but I didn’t care. The “natural” stuff just wasn’t gonna cut it this time.

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Creating a Kids’ Pantry

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Back2SchoolReady #CollectiveBias

We’re nearing the end of summer break and there comes a time when you’re more than ready to get back to a routine. Not just for your kids but for you too! We have less than a month until school starts and I’m already stocking up on things that will help make the back-to-school transition easier.

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Mini Banana Splits

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunsOutSpoonsOut #CollectiveBias

It’s no secret that summer is, by far, my favorite season. I love everything about it. Yes, even the heat. I love the way it feels on my skin. I love sundresses and tank tops and flip flops. I love the smell of sunscreen, freshly cut grass and burgers on the grill. I love 9:00 p.m. sunsets, running through the sprinkler and picnics in the park. I love catching lightening bugs with my kids and flying kites.

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Top 5 Apps for Car Owners

I’ve mentioned I drive a minivan before, yes? But have I mentioned I drive a 2005 Toyota minivan with 120,000 miles on it? Probably not. Because I’m not into details. At least, not when it comes to cars.

But there’s one thing I do know about cars – you have to get the oil changed. Not just once. But like, lots of times while you own it. If you choose not to, you will eventually wind up stalled out, smoke billowing out of the hood of your car while blocking rush hour traffic on a speedramp. I speak from experience here, people. That was not a fun day.

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One Whole Hand

Brigham turned five at the beginning of May! He is one whole hand!

I think part of the reason I haven’t written about him is because Brigham’s personality is SO BIG I often struggle to put this boy into words. There’s not one word that would really provide an accurate or fair description of who he is or who he is becoming.

He is kinda like a sweet and sour gummy bear. So sweet at times he makes my heart swell up 1,000 times the size it should be.

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Your One Wild and Precious Life

I haven’t felt like myself in a long time. Or maybe I haven’t ever felt like myself because I never figured it out in the first place.

All I know is lately I just feel . . . different. And I think going to Arkansas was the catalyst for all these NEW and BIG feelings I’m having.

I’ve always questioned what it is I should be doing. Because honestly – who made up the “shoulds” anyway? Who made up the version of “success” that truthfully, is making us all sick and unhappy?

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The beauty and the burden of having a daughter

Thank you Dove Hair for sponsoring this post. Click here to download and share your own personalized Dove Hair Love Your Curls e-Book!


I can be honest with you guys, right? When I found out Sawyer was a girl, I was so so so very thrilled! But I was also really really scared about having a daughter.

I remember my teenage years. It was a challenge to navigate the world as a young girl coming into her own. There were television shows and magazines showing me what beautiful should look like. And I wasn’t any of those things. During my teenage years I was made fun of for a few different reasons.

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The truth about those (dreaded!) sponsored blog posts

Today I’m going to discuss a hot topic in the blog world – sponsored posts.

Last month I conducted a reader survey. The last time I asked for my readers’ thoughts and opinions was in 2011. So I thought it was time I figured out who is reading my blog. I also wanted to find out why you are reading and what you might like to see more or less of in this space.

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The Little Spoons

Slish, slosh. Slish, slosh.

The dish water splashes back and forth in the sink as I hurriedly place dirty bowls and plates and silverware in the dishwasher. After a few days of ignoring the growing pile, it was the strange stench that finally convinced me to do them.

Dear God. How long has this been in here!? I say to myself as I open a sippy cup to find spoiled milk. Ahhh, yes. This must be the source.

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Captivating Drama and Seamless Viewing: The Allure of BrattySis Series

The BrattySis series has emerged as a unique and captivating presence in the digital entertainment landscape, offering viewers a fascinating exploration of the complex and often controversial relationships between stepsiblings. The series has garnered attention for its bold storytelling and high-quality production, making it a go-to choice for those seeking an engaging and provocative viewing experience. This article delves into the various aspects that make watching BrattySis both convenient and enjoyable.

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Smile – Spring is on the Way!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #OpticSmiles #CollectiveBias

I have shared with you before my hatred of winter. So I guess it’s no surprise I have a countdown to spring then, right? Do you wanna know how many more days we have until the first day of spring? Put down the snow shovel because OF COURSE YOU DO!

23 days, guys. Only 23 more days until spring.

Can I get an amen?!

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The Hunt for Love (when you never really lost it)

It is hard to believe that my husband and I have been together for thirteen years and married for eight of those years. It honestly doesn’t seem like that long ago we were in our twenties, newly engaged and just beginning to dream about what our life would look like together.

At the time of our wedding we didn’t have any big responsibilities besides our jobs. There was no mortgage payment to make because we rented. There were no kids running into our bedroom after having nightmares.

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