We recently headed out to take family photos. We’ve captured some less-than-ideal photos when we’ve done this in the past, so I wanted to do everything I could to make sure we got great shots this time. Based on my experience, there are a number of pretty simple things we can do to increase the chances that our family photo sessions are … [Read more...] about 6 Tips for Having a Successful Family Photo Shoot
Book Review: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
There are many things that I love about Christmas. What I love the most actually precedes Christmas Day: Advent. This period of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth occurs each year in the weeks before Christmas. Because I value Advent so much, I was thrilled when I received an email about an opportunity to review a new Advent … [Read more...] about Book Review: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
Thanksgiving Playlist
Most Americans, whether they’re Christians or not, celebrate Thanksgiving. However, for those of us who are Christians, the holiday has a special significance. Though I often listen to Christmas music in the weeks before Christmas in order to help prepare my heart to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve never considered doing something … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Playlist
The Best Baked Ziti
I often make this dish when we have guests over or when I take a meal to a family who recently had a baby. I’ve been asked for the recipe nearly every time I’ve made it. The flavor is so good that I’d ask for it, too! This recipe is an amalgamation of Baked Ziti recipes that I’ve seen over the years. I’ve taken a simple approach with … [Read more...] about The Best Baked Ziti
Pecan Pie Cookie Bars (Without Corn Syrup)
Pecans are one of my favorite nuts. Not surprisingly, I enjoy using them in baked goods. A couple of weeks ago, when I needed to make a treat to share with some other ladies, I had just one thing on my mind: Pecan pie. We were all going to have children with us, so I wanted to make a dessert that could be picked up easily and eaten … [Read more...] about Pecan Pie Cookie Bars (Without Corn Syrup)
30 Questions to Ask Around the Thanksgiving Table
While eating Thanksgiving dinner, many families take time to share about the things for which they are grateful. This is wonderful because it gets everyone thinking about gratitude. Family members sometimes find themselves repeating the same things over and over again. There’s nothing wrong with this—most of us are genuinely grateful for … [Read more...] about 30 Questions to Ask Around the Thanksgiving Table
5 Homemade Cream Cheese Spreads
I’m not sure if I really love bagels or if I just enjoy them because they are a convenient way to get cream cheese to my mouth. It may very well be the latter because I really enjoy cream cheese! I noticed while shopping some time ago that flavored cream cheese spreads cost a lot more than regular cream cheese. I began adding various … [Read more...] about 5 Homemade Cream Cheese Spreads
5 Habits That Quell Gratitude
We talk a lot about gratitude during the month of November. Though I try to focus on gratitude all year long, I appreciate the heightened focus on gratitude around Thanksgiving. The more I think about gratitude, the more I realize that it’s not enough to engage in activities that foster gratitude. If I’m going to be grateful every day, … [Read more...] about 5 Habits That Quell Gratitude
