The Story Behind the Prayer – – Earlier this year, when Chris and I both realized we were ready and excited to add another person to our family, we began praying (among other things) *face* for the one who would join our family. One day while scrolling IG, I came across a post that honestly…
Category: Uncategorized
A Call from Heaven
This evening Charley excitedly – & almost frantically – called to me through the kitchen window. I had just stepped inside for a moment to water some freshly potted sunflower seeds, but it sounded urgent. Through the glass, she pointed to the old rotary phone affixed to our fence and yelled, “Mommy! Hurry! Come quick!…
Hawk of the Battle
Gavin Michael Judah. Tonight while putting you and Charley to bed I noticed your full name on the canvas I painted when I was pregnant with you. Gavin – Hawk of the Battle Michael – Gift from God Judah – One who brings praise My eyes lingered on these words, and suddenly they felt so…
We Got Rid of Our TV: The First Week and Beyond
If you haven’t heard, we ditched our TV. Crazy? Maybe. But we’ll all find out together. We have a 2 and a 3-year-old that I noticed were relying too heavily on the TV to get through the day. We also have tired mid-thirties parents who were relying too heavily on the TV to get through…
Raising World-Changers: An Interview with Dorie
Do you ever wish you could sit down with a parent who is more experienced than you… and ask the hard questions? Take in their wisdom? Learn from their mistakes? Soak up their encouragement? Charley’s Circus was born alongside the beginning of our family as we set out to document our journey of intentional parenthood….
Gluten + Dairy Free Shrimp Alfredo
A common response I hear to the gluten-free/dairy-free lifestyle is “Oh man, there’s no way I could give up ____!” Usually it’s something sweet or cheesy… one of those good ole’ American staples like ice cream or pizza that we’re all suckers for.I have to admit, I likely wouldn’t have had the courage to cut…
Intentional Parenting – Dinner Conversations
Sometimes being an intentional parent means asking questions that spark conversations while you’re sitting around the dinner table. Yes, our littles are currently both two and under, but even if they don’t fully understand, they are listening. Furthermore, we are setting healthy habits that we can continue for years to come. Afterall, when is the…
Girl, You So Chunky
Ingredients 2 lbs ground turkey or beef 3 cups tomato juice (approx 1/2 qt) 1 large can (28oz) diced tomatoes 2 cans chili beans 2 cans black beans 1 can kidney beans 1 green pepper, diced 1 onion, chopped 1 TBSP minced garlic cloves 1 small can tomatoes with chilis 16 oz GF pasta Spices…
Too Short to Ride? Think Again! Disney for Toddlers & Babies
A lot of people assume they have to wait until their kids are older before they can ride rides and enjoy a place like Disneyland. (If you maintain the belief that “they won’t remember anyway,” please click HERE.) The ability of your child to enjoy a magical place like Disneyland doesn’t begin at a particular age….
How We Ditched the Paci in One Day
Childhood can be hard. Just as we as adults sometimes have to go through painful seasons of letting go in order to grow, children also sometimes have to learn to let go as they grow through life. I’d venture to say that watching our children go through difficult seasons of growth can sometimes be harder…
Give Me Hope : The Story of Gavin’s Birth
Isn’t it amazing how a particular feeling can have such power over your thoughts and even behaviors? Some feelings have the potential to be destructive to our lives. Despair, loneliness, and grief for example all have the potential to give us terrible thoughts that sometimes drive us to make terrible decisions. Others however, like excitement,…
Charley's Circus 