I take a lot of photos because I love the way that they capture a moment of our life.  Our kids have grown so quickly and even photos I took just a couple of years ago already show how much they have changed.  It is very rare to get a picture of all five of us and while this photo may be blurry, and the camera setting…

For my birthday I wanted to spend some time with my family and go look at the beautiful foliage.  It was such a special time, and I am so thankful for it.  We simply got in the car and drove the long winding roads of NH.  The colors on the trees made every town seem more scenic and iconic in their own New England way…

There are some activities that just scream out the season and apple picking always alerts me that fall has officially arrived.  I enjoy apple picking with my parents and when I asked the kids this year if they wanted to go, I got a resounding "yes!" and "it wouldn't be fall without it". I love…

Be patient and tough, one day this pain will be useful to you. - Ovid Since Covid started this quote has swirled in my mind over and over again. Patience is something that comes easily to me, however, tough has never been a word that I associate with myself. This year has required a toughness that I could not have exp…

Corn Chowder Ingredients 8 slices bacon, diced (do not add, use as garnish) 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1/4 cup GF flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 5 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth  4 cups corn  1 lb. red potatoes, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces 1/4 tsp dried thyme 1/4 tsp smoked paprika salt …

Seventeen is all about trying out independence.  While 18 is when you are a legal adult, 17 seems to be very similar to learning to ride a bike with training wheels, the skills are all there but a bit of guidance is needed while confidence is built.  Nate and I are attempting to "let go of the bike", we kno…

Summer has an end that seems so clear.  One day it is here and the next day it is gone. Despite the fact that the weather may or may not stay warm and the calendar may say that fall doesn't start for a few more days, our summer has come to an end.   For me, summer ends the day that free careless days are no more …

The kids have been out of school since March, so back to school took on an even bigger meaning this year.  The kids are back but with many new rules and a bunch of changes to make school safer for everyone.  We are not sure how long they will be in school learning, and if or when they will be transitioning into onli…

Trent has loved banana nut muffins ever since we lived in the hotel.  After the tornado, they were his breakfast of choice.  Day after day the kids would go down to the large continental breakfast, Aliya would pick many items (few which she would eat), and aways need to go back for "just one more thing".  Dy…

We had a wonderful time celebrating Trent's birthday! I had to laugh because as I tried to plan his birthday his response to my questions was usually "whatever".  So we decided that this year he had a theme of "whatever, whenever".  He basically wanted to do whatever the day led to, without any…