For whatever reason, I have been thinking about some tough things when it comes to Olivia’s future lately. One of my biggest concerns is who will take care of her if, God forbid, something were to happen to Matt and I. I don’t think my Mom should do it; I want her to enjoy being…

Full disclosure: I am a teacher. My husband is a teacher. His Mom, sister and brother-in-law are all teachers. Just so you know that up front. But still…teachers make all the difference, don’t you think? We are blessed to live in a community where the schools are incredible. They are top-notch and so are most…

I don’t usually want pity. I love my family. I have a great life. There is really no reason for you to pity me. Except. Sometimes when I’m having a bad day, I would really like your pity. I would. Like when I took the kids to Kohl’s for a quick return and Olivia is…

From Webster’s Dictionary: broth⋅er  /ˈbrʌðər or, for 9, ˈbrʌðˈɜr/ Show Spelled [bruhth-er or, for 9, bruhth-ur]<br />–noun<br /><br />1.a male offspring having both parents in common with another offspring; a male sibling. From Townsend Family Dictionary Olivia’s Brothers: The perfect, built-in best friend One who provides unconditonal love and support even after you pinch them and…

Words were in stories; words were to be learned and spelled and memorized. Words were in books, descriptive and wonderful and took me to another place in my imagination. I’ve always admired and appreciated words. But not like I do now. I waited almost 6 years to hear words. Beautiful, glorious, magical words. Every Christmas,…