This summer, I have been exploring with my kids one of my favorite hobbies, reading. As my kids’ interest in reading has grown, their literary journey has gotten me to think about books from my childhood and their significant impact in fostering my love of reading. It is fascinating to recall ways that a handful of stories unexpectedly influenced my hopes, dreams, and life goals.
This past school year, I had the opportunity to volunteer in my son’s classroom working with students to review spelling words and math problems. I felt confident my previous experience volunteering in classrooms and homeschooling my own kids would be an asset, and I resolved to ensure each student I worked with during my one-on-one …
I enjoyed soaking up the start of summer with some extra time to spend with my family as well as additional time to relax. I found myself reading more, laughing more, and even sleeping more soundly. In the blink of an eye, the month was over. As I transitioned into July, I thought about a reflection practice that I learned from a favorite author of mine, Emily P. Freeman.
The Unexpected Ever Afters will be taking an early summer break so we can spend time with our families. We look forward to returning with a new post Monday, July 15. Happy Summer! -Wendi & Jessica
Earlier this spring, I embarked on what’s become my annual tradition of starting seeds indoors for my garden. Similar to last year, this was a highly anticipated event and when the time came, I carefully gathered all of my supplies and started my project. I’d learned a few things since last time and was proud …
I thought of how real my dreams felt at that time and how I still, to this day, don’t think they were wrong, they just didn’t stay right. Which leads to my conclusion that more than one dream can be real, more than one dream can be the right, AND dreams can and will change.
Several weeks ago, I had the unique opportunity of experiencing the eclipse that crossed over the United States. In order to be within the path of totality, we traveled from Minnesota to Missouri. Although I was excited for the trip, I wasn’t completely convinced totality would be much of a memorable experience. Additionally, I was …
Continue reading The Unexpected Joy of Collective Excitement
Then one evening in February, after a record-setting 60 degree day, I was getting ready for bed when my phone rang... Right in the middle of our mild winter was a good old-fashioned North Dakota blizzard!
Minnesotans like to joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. This often means slow driving conditions year-round. Lately, due to my prolonged grief journey, I’ve felt like my life has been wavering between two seasons: sorrow and an elusive sense of normalcy. This has resulted in everything slowing down. Grief is a …
Recently I lovingly reminded my son, a “small mistake doesn’t change who he is. He is still thoughtful, smart, and kind. Everyone makes mistakes.” I firmly believe this truth. And yet, when the situation is flipped, I struggle to talk to myself in a similar, gentle way. Instead, I find myself ruminating on the could-haves and should-haves. Life is irritating that way.
the unexpected ever afters 