Isabelle’s Airport Miracle

January 5, 2015 // 6 Comments

Our trip home from Japan was quite possibly the worst traveling experience that I have ever had. Our little St. Isabelle Clare provided what I would consider to be a miracle to get us home, and for that I am... Continue reading →

A Christmas Rainbow

December 24, 2014 // 8 Comments

Leaving our house for the holidays has felt a bit like I am leaving my daughter behind while we are going off to celebrate Christmas. I have struggled a bit with these emotions even though I know that our daughter... Continue reading →

Carry Me

December 17, 2014 // 6 Comments

These two pictures define the last few weeks for me. The first is something that I received in the mail. Notice how the stamp says, “Please do not bend,” and it has clearly been bent to fit inside my... Continue reading →

Isabelle’s Stocking

December 10, 2014 // 5 Comments

My husband comes from an Italian family with many traditions. There are certain movies that are watched, foods that are always made, and a certain ornament that is always licked (EW!) each Christmas. My own family’s traditions are a bit... Continue reading →

Like a 6th Grader on the First Day of Middle School

December 3, 2014 // 4 Comments

Yesterday, I attended a daylong professional development filled with team building activities and group planning time. At the beginning of the day, one of the facilitators shared a quote from motivational speaker Karen Kaiser Clark. “Life is change. Growth is... Continue reading →

Being Thankful is a Choice

November 26, 2014 // 3 Comments

In years past, on Thanksgiving, I enjoyed many wonderful meals with family while we shared all of the things for which we were thankful. I can recall numerous childhood Thanksgivings surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Some were spent in... Continue reading →

The Bradford Pear Tree

November 25, 2014 // 2 Comments

The school that I teach at is shaped like a donut. In the middle of the donut is a concrete area, several grass patches, and three huge Bradford Pear trees. If you have ever seen a Bradford Pear tree in... Continue reading →

Surviving a Trigger Day

November 23, 2014 // 7 Comments

Upon sitting down in church this morning, a woman sitting near us turned to me and asked, “Did you have your baby?” I forced a smile as my heart raced and responded, “ Yes.” She congratulated me and I thanked... Continue reading →

For All The Saints

November 1, 2014 // No Comments

November 1st has always been a day of celebration in our family. Not only is it All Saints’ Day, it is my sister’s birthday! This year, the first of November takes on a special meaning. As Catholics, on All Saints’... Continue reading →

What’s in a name?

October 12, 2014 // No Comments

Clare. As soon as Matt and I found out that we were having a girl, the name Clare was on my heart. We debated for several weeks before settling on Isabelle Clare. It was the perfect name. So, what’s in... Continue reading →