I was a mom for a whole 2 weeks when I realized I had a super power. It was just me and my breast pump in the living room. My worn-out olive green couch cradled me, an already worn-out mama striving to keep newborn twins alive. My husband was on the other side of the…
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How to Give Gifts to Your Kids (and Do Some Self-Care in the Process!)
Have you heard of the 7/11 rule of gift giving? At first glance, the 7/11 rule for gift-giving seems like a fool-proof ratio of how big, how expensive, how often gifts should be given. While I have shared ideas about gift-giving structure, this rule has nothing to do with that. This is a rule for…
5 Ways to Tackle Heart Clutter
Have you ever let fear clutter your heart? We have 1 valentine’s balloon left. It’s the last of the “heart clutter” that invaded our home this month. Sadly, I was not as efficient with the space in my soul. The Problem: Heart Clutter My heart is cluttered with fear. I can tell because I am:…
Rosty Family 2022 Year in Review
What a year! In 2022, the Lord decided to stretch our imagination and redefine our idea of destination. Like the old nursery rhyme about a curious bear, we went over the mountain… why? Well, to see what we could see! We have always been invigorated by exploring new places (we checked Oceanside, CA off our…
Are You Weary? (also, announcing my 2023 Word of the Year)
In Matthew 11, Jesus calls us to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 ESV We have a lot of work ahead of us this…
Stay Present Summer (Part 3: Expectations)
Does every summer feel like a let down? You build it up in your mind, and then it flies by. You regret what you missed out on, and vow next summer will be different. Perhaps you thought Stay Present Summer would be your fail-safe from ever feeling fear of missing out again. And with that,…
Laurel vs. Yanny: Discerning Distraction in My Spiritual Life
I barely grazed the surface of the Laurel vs Yanny debate before deciding I am not going to let the pointless debate rent any space in my day. However, as I was catching up on my Bible reading plan today, I read the following verses that brought Laurel/Yanny back to mind: “Don’t you know that…
A Week in the Life of My Dining Table:
This is our dining room table. My weekly planner shares space with Titus’s dump truck. Crumbs grace the floor even though one perk of owning a dog should be no crumbs on the floor. Real life happens here all the time, despite my efforts for ideal meals and clean floors. Here is what a week…
A Blanket Fort of Grace: Stay Present Momma
Today was the worst. Add up unrealistic expectations, a messy house, unfinished projects, coat sleeves turned inside-out, tired kids and an even more tired mom, and we got a group of crying, screaming half-dressed small people in the garage by 11am. The worst part was, I knew it was all my fault. I had over…
Let Go Of FoMo: How to Really Enjoy Your Vacation
“Let’s mosey,” my husband said. I tried to decipher whether it was a pleading question or a gentle statement. It took us about 2 years of marriage to discover the importance of communicating expectations for family activities… especially during the holidays. Now after 8 years, this is still imperative for our relationship. Vacation expectations are…