April 17, 2023
by Maralee
0 comments
We have been involved in church small groups for years. I remember babysitting for other people’s small groups during my teen years and hiding in the basement while my parents were hosting their own. I believe strongly that creating community … Continue reading
January 29, 2019
by Maralee
2 Comments
My husband and I watched the “Minimalism” documentary on Netflix recently and it definitely made an impact. I immediately started looking around my house for things I could get rid of and briefly considered setting fire to the small piles … Continue reading
November 21, 2018
by Maralee
4 Comments
We hosted Friendsgiving last night and a little teacup got broken. It was an accident. I usually count on at least one dish casualty when we get to host an event, so this was not unexpected. While it’s always a … Continue reading
December 19, 2016 by Maralee | 1 Comment
Well, I’m here to eat crow in the most delightful way possible.
A couple days ago I posted a link to a tutorial on how to fold a napkin into a Christmas tree. . . because you know, the holidays aren’t stressful enough without having to fold our napkins into pretty shapes. Yeah, this is not how I am wired. I was going to complain about the perfectionistic tendencies the holiday season tends to bring out, but then decided that there are women who genuinely love this stuff and I wanted to be supportive of them. So I was all, “Ladies, you do you.” and felt good about it.
And then my seven year-old son saw the video.
He said to me, “That looks like origami. I like origami.” He then watched the video a couple times, napkin in hand, and mastered the technique. There are now 15 of these Christmas tree napkins waiting for our family dinner party tomorrow evening.
April 4, 2016
by Maralee
0 comments
I stink at hostessing. It is not my gift. This has been clear to me for a long time because I grew up in the home of an incredible hostess. My mom loves hospitality and takes such joy in entertaining. … Continue reading
May 4, 2014
by Maralee
2 Comments
The last couple weeks have been kind of ridiculous at our house. We are getting ready to sell our home, which is quite the challenge with five kids underfoot. I’m pretty sure before we get all the scratches in the … Continue reading
December 26, 2012
by Maralee
15 Comments
Two facts about me: I am cheap and I am not crafty. This year for Christmas my sisters and I decided to do a homemade gift exchange for our families instead of the usual Target/Walmart/Amazon extravaganza of previous years. This … Continue reading
June 14, 2012
by Maralee
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I keep reminding myself that some day the house will be clean again. Right now I am in an unusual season as I find in the time it takes me to tidy one room, the kids can untidy two of … Continue reading
July 7, 2011
by Maralee
0 comments
Want your home to have that lovely banana bread smell but don’t want to go to all the trouble of making bread or spend money on those fancy candles? I recommend making oatmeal with bananas and cinnamon for your children … Continue reading