Hold Fast
On September 29, 2024 by Elle R.April 2017 – I went to church today with the six youngest children in tow. The pastor’s sermon was about Hebrews chapter 11, which is a veritable Hall of Fame of faithful people in the Bible. Every verse begins with the same phrase. “By faith…” By faith Noah built the ark, by faith Abraham offered Isaac,
Got Rizz?
On September 15, 2024 by Elle R.My sixteen year old son is a real hit with the ladies right now. He has been described as a “snack” which is a bit disconcerting to me as his mom. I feel like it was just last Wednesday I was teaching him to tie his shoes. He frequents the gym to keep his washboard
Casa Dolce Casa
On September 4, 2024 by Elle R.Dear reader, I have not written in some time because I haven’t been feeling quite myself. Medically, I needed treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Spiritually, I needed replenishing and I found it by taking a recent solo trip to Italy. Standing on top of a mountain in the Italian Alps, four and a half thousand feet
Diary of a Disney Princess
On May 21, 2024 by Elle R.A week ago my seventeen year old son found a baby squirrel licking water off the driveway beneath his car. My son tried to lure the squirrel out, as he needed to drive to work and didn’t want to run over a baby animal. My sixteen year old son then took over, tempting the furry
Lessons from Louisa
On April 30, 2024 by Elle R.““Love is a great beautifier.”― Louisa May Alcott I’m not a huge fan of road trips, but this weekend I felt the distinct pull of wanderlust. Since late March, I’ve been caring for my husband as he has been recovering from a joint replacement surgery. I didn’t know how much I needed a day to myself
Never Home Alone
On March 10, 2024 by Elle R.Happy Daylight Savings, dear reader! This week ushers in more sunshine hours, Vitamin D, and fresh air. I’m thankful for this. My previous week included a basketball playing teenager requiring stitches to his eyelid and a toddler with a stomach virus that caused her to projectile vomit like a sorority sister after a prolonged keg
The Balcony of Heaven
On February 17, 2024 by Elle R.I have a large family, so I often employ ‘to-do’ lists to stay focused and accomplish important tasks. A few weeks ago, I spent Sunday evening writing a to-do list for Monday. The top thing on my list was to get my newly minted teen son to the doctor. We are a homeschooling family, so
Where You’re Supposed to Be
On January 13, 2024 by Elle R.I am fortunate to live nearby the ocean. I can drive from my home to the frigid New Hampshire coastline in under half an hour. Winter visits to the beach often surpass their summertime counterparts for my peace of mind. With far fewer people on the beach, it’s easier to engage my senses. The susurration
Treasure Hunt
On December 26, 2023 by Elle R.Merry Christmas dear reader! I hope you have had a wonderful day, surrounded by love. I have a soccer team sized family, so my Christmas preparations began months ago. Ideas were tossed around, and once I had settled on what I thought were the right gifts for each person, the treasure hunt began. When considering
The Hole in my Holiday
On November 25, 2023 by Elle R.Hello dear reader, I have a confession, and it’s fifty three years in the making. I hate Thanksgiving. I always have. Please don’t interpret that to mean I hate being grateful. I frequently reflect upon what I am grateful for. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus