Some Joy To Spare

This past week feels like a whirlwind. We began last Monday with an event that still brings me to tears when I think about it: my girl's graduation. My oldest little chick if flying the coop - well, okay, not really. She's going to culinary school in state and plans to live at home for the first year. So it kind of feels like nothing has changed and yet everything has changed.  But still, given that she'll be a real, legal adult in just a couple months, my homeschooling, controlling, I mean caring, mothering days are in their sunset. But after the sunset always comes the sunrise and I am beyond excited for all that is coming up. Not the least of which is the fact that not only did we survive her teenage years, we actually had a ton of fun and I absolutely adore the young woman she has become. To not only be able to be her friend but to know I would actually choose her and count her among my best friends is the biggest blessing. Way to go, Emma!  The week continued on...

Hello, Everyone! My name is Jill and I'm Jaime's youngest daughter. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be writing posts for Joy To Spare from time to time and, in particular, to write this post about an issue that's very close to my heart: body image. I'm a freshman in high school, so believe me when I say I know what it's like to have body image issues. In today's world, there is so much pressure to look perfect. If you're not physically perfect, you don't fit in and if you don't fit in you don't belong. I hate that this is the case. I hate when women feel they have to be perfect to feel like they have a place to belong. I get it. I know there is a lot of pressure from the outside world in the form of advertisements, magazines, social media, etc. But let's be honest.  While yes, society puts pressure on us, at the end of the day no one really cares if we're thick or thin, tall or short, blonde or brunette. Most of the pres...

Every Wednesday evening I get together with two of my best girlfriends for bible study, chatting, crying, laughing and no small dose of encouragement. The studies may change and the topics may vary but the one constant is the refreshment my soul receives from my time with these sweet sisters.  Last Wednesday one-third of our trio was unable to make it and we had not yet begun our next study. As such, the remaining two of us decided it only appropriate that we still get together for a little nourishment for our hearts in the form of friendship and for our bellies in the form of gelato. We sat outside in the mild heat and caught up over our cool, creamy concoctions and gabbed about recent vacations, home projects, parenting stresses and our upcoming Bible study. As I sat there listening to my friend share about a heartfelt conversation she'd recently had with a family member, I began to feel I needed to share about a recent conversation I'd had with my husband. Only, as s...

Dear Emma & Jill, This letter is long overdue and, like most apologies, hard to deliver. Let me start with something I hope you know, but want to tell you in case you don't: you are precious and perfect. You are both of these things simply because you are children of God. It is an absolute honor and blessing to be your mother. I've not always done everything right or made all the best decisions, but I hope you know and understand that I always wanted to get it right. I love you from the depth of my being and could never thank you enough for the privilege of being your mom. You've taught me so much and helped me grow in all things that matter like kindness, patience, love, generosity, and wisdom. We live in a fallen world. We live in a world full of judgment, comparison, and unrealistic expectations. Unfortunately, this seems to be especially true for women. The world will tell you-you are not good enough, pretty enough, smart enough or strong enough. The wo...

The week after Christmas the family and I headed north for our annual escape the city and goal setting adventure. Beginning three years ago, we began to take a short day trip north to catch our breath after all of the hectic shenanigans of Christmas and really, the whole year. What began as a simple attempt to have some fun and see some snow, has evolved into a time to reflect on ways we've grown over the last year and ways we want to be better. We set our intentions, ask for accountability and pray over and for one another. This year we all agreed to keep our goals short and simple. We realized in years past our lists may have become a bit lengthy, a little too involved and perhaps overwhelming. However, I must give a shoutout to my girls. Jill accomplished 25 of 31 goals she set for herself. You go, girl! Emma is a goal achieving machine. Seriously, if she writes it down and commits to it in her planner, it's as good as done. She rocks. Okay, so maybe it was just ...