This piece features recommended outings around Minnesota's Twin Cities, including the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
This piece features recommended outings around Minnesota's Twin Cities, including the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge.
We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families. If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected …
Continue reading Destination Shoutout – National Park Junior Ranger Program
We’re continuing our break from regular posts to highlight attractions in our area that we have enjoyed with our families. If you have a location you would like to highlight or share for our mini-series, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out at unexpected.ever.afters@gmail.com to inquire into including your recommendation on the Unexpected …
Continue reading Summer Destination Shoutout -Trolls in the Woods
Several weeks ago, while visiting my parents in rural Minnesota, I braved the morning’s subzero temperatures with the goal of capturing a photo of the beautiful sun dogs that surrounded the sunrise. Despite the face-numbing cold, I enjoyed the peaceful outdoors and listening to the birds and squirrels moving audibly over the crisp, frozen leaves. …
Parenting moments that involve teaching and shaping kids’ perspectives amaze me with their opportunities for my own continued growth. Several weeks ago, as my husband and I helped our son navigate a frustrating experience, we gently offered guidance for future interactions. My husband mimicked glasses, holding up circled fingers to his eyes, as he reminded …
I just wanted to share this post for all the mamas that are also drowning in worry. A soft landing spot on the internet for the middle-of-the-night “Am I worrying too much?” or “Will my anxieties ruin my kids?” searches. You’re not alone.
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.
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.
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!
I have found some peace when I am intentional about changing my mindset to focus on gratitude. As Thanksgiving nears and I continue with this busy fall season, a shift to gratitude seems especially important. I will share some of the things on my current list and encourage you to consider your own list. What is saving your life right now?