I think our GPS has a hidden setting for "take every little known back road imaginable." Like it was a viable option in place of "avoid toll roads" and "fastest route." It seemed our GPS found a route that used roads I didn't know existed between I-86 and our house. Even if I did know … Continue reading Thankful for twists, turns, and rocky roads
Wednesdays with Jillene: demanding a sign
Here's the deal. We've had an interesting week and a half in our house... nothing earth shattering. No one is sick with a severe disease or anything. But... it has been a trying week. Today was the kicker: I have strep. Again, not the end of the world but it is awful. I garnered some … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: demanding a sign
Wednesdays with Jillene: beyond the “smoke and mirrors”
Some days I settle for smoke and mirrors. Because, for real, the temptation for a cover up is much greater and seems easier than letting reality show. The ultimate in smoke and mirrors: the house clean up. Maybe you can relate, this is when the "public portions" of the house get a nice cleaning. Countertops are neat and tidy, … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: beyond the “smoke and mirrors”
asking the big questions
Sitting around the dinner table I like to ask my kids questions. Honestly, there are times I ask question just to stay the insanity of having 8 kids and 2 adults gathered together with all the varied silliness, noisemaking, arguing, and nonsense that goes on making it loud, loud, loud in the Dining Room. But mostly, I ask … Continue reading asking the big questions
Wednesdays with Jillene: Who could imagine a love like that?
Oh no! Am I really going to put this out there just like that? Yup, I guess I am. Here goes: When I was a teen there was a series of books from my church library I enjoyed reading: Love Comes Softly. Yes, you read it correctly, I was a fan of a series that probably … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: Who could imagine a love like that?
For the Joy of Pancakes
I know, I know. If we're friends on Facebook or your follow me on Instagram then you may be about sick to your stomach with all the pictures of what has been filling ours.... pancakes 12.days.of.pancake.pictures and now a blog post?! Just think: we've been eating pancakes for 12 days. Not just eating them: prepping, cooking, planning, … Continue reading For the Joy of Pancakes
Wednesdays with Jillene: sometimes words aren’t there and time runs short
I woke up this morning thinking of today's blog post. For the last few weeks writing has come easy. I'd be working through a post for a few days. Wake on a Wednesday morning and get solid writing done before 7:30 am then add content, edit and publish with relative ease. But not today. Maybe … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: sometimes words aren’t there and time runs short
Wednesdays with Jillene: from the silence and solitude
Sometimes you get the news you've always wanted and you sing it from the mountain tops for everyone to hear. But that didn't happen for Zechariah. It isn't what Elizabeth did either. Working my way towards Christmas, delving into scripture has given me much needed focus in my scatterbrained heart, provided some deep insight in … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: from the silence and solitude
sweet spots
How's your week been going? Was it filled with a flurry of activities like ours? The Narrawaggles have had an interesting week. Busier than normal; happens around the holidays I guess. Work Christmas party, First Lego League Competition, youth group, doctor's appointments X 3, volunteering, dance, grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, work (work and some more work), snow … Continue reading sweet spots
Wednesdays with Jillene: the dress
Transitions are tough. My time at camp as a counselor, program director and director... working with students with autism... as a mother... even just a patron of a grocery store going through a whole store reset... shows me the dilemma of transition. To move on to something new you have to leave the old. For some … Continue reading Wednesdays with Jillene: the dress
Thin Moments 