by mandacarpenter | Feb 7, 2019 | Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids, Marriage, Popular
A wise person in my life once told me to pay close attention to the things and people who bother me most because it says more about me more than it does them. Documenting our foster care journey has made others want to do it too, I know because they tell me. They...
by mandacarpenter | Dec 29, 2018 | Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids, Marriage
To know me is to know I rarely keep traditions. It’s not that I don’t like them, it’s just I’m forgetful. Anyway, that’s what makes this blog post extra special. Because of your reminders, this is my 3rd annual “19 Things I Did (Or...
by mandacarpenter | Oct 14, 2018 | Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids
Today marks the one year anniversary of receiving our first child. I will never forget the nerves or excitement I had going into the parking lot where we were told to meet for the pick-up. She was tiny. And beautiful. 3-years-old, looking at me like I was a crazy lady...
by mandacarpenter | May 11, 2018 | Beauty, Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids
I remember the first time the twins vocalized their awareness that my skin was a different shade than theirs. The way it played out wrecked me. It was February and we were at Target shopping for bathing suits so they could swim indoors with me at the gym. M stumbled...
by mandacarpenter | Apr 26, 2018 | Books, Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired
Sitting next to me at a table in one of my favorite little cafe’s, I recently overheard a woman on the phone complaining to someone about her husband. (I think it was her sister. Eavesdropping is a strength of mine.) From what I could pick up on, this woman felt...
by mandacarpenter | Feb 19, 2018 | Beauty, Books, Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids, Marriage
I sit down with a plan to write, but most days I don’t have the energy to recount the day’s memories or retell what we’re in the midst of because that requires reliving it. And right now, living it is hard enough. I don’t want pity or sympathy,...
