About Me

My Story

During one of the craziest times of my life, I worked four part-time jobs, was involved with a volunteer organization, had a husband working absurd hours away from home, and most importantly, had four and then five Littles to raise. Beyond sheer busyness, we faced other challenges as well. Talk about insane. Yes. But during this time, I had two really important realizations.

One, I realized that somehow in all that chaos, I was at peace.

I found that the habits and mindsets I had been taught and developed worked. Particular routines kept me centered and saved me time. I laughed often and found joy, even amidst my tears. After wondering if I could be all my family needed me to be, I knew I couldn’t do everything. I often dropped the ball and made mistakes, but I had learned how to decide what mattered most. I was confident I could do that and let go of the rest.

Two, I realized that my desire was to help other people find calm, confidence, and joy in their chaos.

I wanted to help parents gain clarity about what really matters and what our kids actually need. I hoped to share routines that help parents and children learn important lessons, find strength, and live in healthy ways. I wanted us all to laugh more. I desired to help others live the simple side of parenting that leads to fulfillment and joy.

So here we are.

We have an incredible opportunity. Parenting is challenging. The only way I will survive and thrive is if I continue to learn. So I learn from study, my experiences, Divine intervention, and you. I share what I learn, and together, we conquer insecurities and overwhelm. We increase the learning, laughter, and love in our homes. And I love it.

A Little More About Me…

I once heard a person describe their CD collection as eclectic.  I loved that word!  It was so ME!

A quick mac dictionary reference says eclectic means, “deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.”  Webster defines eclectic in terms which I am trying to fulfill in life: “Selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles.”

My interests are diverse and so is my experience.  My degree is in Health Education, but I also love reading and history, music and math.  I find pure joy in nature and all things athletic.  I love conversations with random people and dear friends.  I thought I was a homebody, but after eight moves in fifteen years of marriage (no, we’re not military), I’ve realized that while I always cry to leave and hate being far from family, I also love getting to know new people and places and having friends around the world.  We have had varied opportunities living in places ranging from small town Idaho, to a Caribbean Island, to big city Chicago.  I love my ginormous family.  I love my kids.  I love my husband.  I love what my religion teaches me to be.  While we’re on the subject, I love chocolate chip mint ice cream, puzzles, and my toilet paper to roll from the top.  I love Life.

One of the greatest joys in my life right now is being a mother to five wonderful Littles. I have always looked forward to being a mother and am relishing the blessing now.

That’s not to say parenting is always easy. I am learning that parenting is some type of complex revolving door or never-ending university. As soon as I feel like I’ve got one aspect of parenting down, the child grows, the stage changes, and we’re working with a new set of rules (or personalities).

However, there is one thing that is constant: Love.

I believe that everyone should love and feel loved.

The home is the ideal place to nurture that love.

I have learned that as I embrace what matters most and let go of the rest, my parenting journey is simplified, and my love grows. So, whether I am sharing what we are doing for home preschool or how we are keeping the home running in a fashion resembling sanity, I hope you feel love permeating all I write. Love for my husband, love for my kids, love for the village that is raising these Littles with me, and love for all of you out there, doing your very best to be the very best you can for your Littles.

But Most Importantly, About You

I look forward to getting to know you better, but this much I already know. You love your kids and want the best for them, even though you mess up sometimes. You are strong. You have overcome challenges and can do hard things, like keep kids alive when you’re running on zero sleep. You want to be a little better today than you were yesterday, but it can be difficult to make that happen. And even on days when you feel worthless, you are a person of infinite worth.

In my ideal world, this blog is a place to interact with you. I want to know your joys and understand your challenges. I want to help you as I have been helped by so many. As you visit, comment, and share, we can build a community. Thank you for being here.

Let’s get on to Lovin’ Life with Littles.

Ready to bring more calm and confidence to your chaos?

Join the Free Challenge to get your life organized.

Or check out my book- Peace amidst the Mayhem: You Can Be Calm, Confident, and Compassionate in any Circumstance.