The girls still slept upstairs while I sat at the dining table, relishing a few minutes to read, think, and pray. I scrawled 2 Corinthians 4:10 in my journal, a significant verse for me in that season with a newborn: "We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of [...]
This phrase has steadied my mothering lately, a gentle reminder that nature isn’t providing much in this season (at least not overtly): We’re growing. When my littlest is set down from her high chair and fusses to be held, and I tell her she needs to go play for a few minutes while I finish [...]
My friendship with winter is growing. That didn't feel true yesterday, or last Wednesday. But I'm getting more frequent glimpses of January's brand of light and warmth, and I'm slightly more willing to accept her limitations. Already this year, I've had several conversations about these darker days: how they affect us, how to live well [...]
It’s an unofficial house rule: my toddler is not allowed to touch the indoor plants. Several live on high enough surfaces to avoid curious hands. But the ficus tree in the family room continually tempts her to grip the edge of the pot, stir the dirt with one sticky finger. One afternoon, I peered over [...]
This granola is it for me. The Faux Martha's version called "The Last Granola Recipe" kept me baking pan after pan. I've since made a few tweaks to both the ingredients and the method, scaling down and simplifying for ease. It keeps beautifully in the freezer, so if you have the space or people to [...]
For months, Amelia would not nap longer than 45 minutes. I did my part: I watched the clock, studied her tired eyes and her number of yawns, darkened the room, established the routine, turned on the white noise. Still, most naps were short. I'm embarrassed by how much this irked me. I begged for the [...]
Last week, I sat in the dentist's chair to repair a chipped tooth. For the second time. Or maybe the third, I can't remember. Too many times for a tooth.It is truly one of the most humbling positions, sitting in the dentist's chair. Reclined at what feels like 45° with accoutrements of napkins, cotton balls, and [...]
Fall carries some grief with her when she comes.That surprises me every year. Like an accidental tradition, I become a bit melancholic when I realize that the glorious window of leaves ablaze and brisk-not-cold temperatures is closing. And similar to other seasonal transitions, I tend to look back and wonder whether we chose wisely and maximized our opportunities.Was [...]
Dear Amelia, Happy first birthday, sweet love! It’s been a precious, soul-filling, challenging, emotional, reflective, and joyful year with you. Your dad and I prayed for you for a long time. There’s a reason we tell you that you’re a joy, a delight, and a dream come true. One day you’ll hear more about that. I’ve thought [...]
We're keeping it brief this month. Before sending this letter, I looked over your names and thought about your current seasons of life. Some of you are planning for or adjusting to marriages and babies and new degree programs and other huge changes. Some of you are doing the same deal you've been doing for a while. Some [...]
Mallory R. Manning 