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 | Feb 7, 2019 | Inspired, Marriage, Travel
E and I love, love, love to travel together. We are so passionate about exploring the world, trying new foods, and experiencing other cultures. We make a lot of sacrifices in our ordinary, everyday to keep traveling. Many have asked, “How can you afford to...
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 | 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,...
by mandacarpenter | Nov 17, 2017 | Beauty, Faith, Family, Home, Inspired, Kids, Marriage
Over one month ago now, sweet N came into our lives and flipped our house upside down (quite literally). Shakespeare’s, “Though she be little, she is fierce.” couldn’t be more relevant. N has invaded our hearts, which are now as soft and moldable as...
by mandacarpenter | Nov 5, 2017 | Beauty, Faith, Family, Growth, Home, Inspired, Kids, Marriage
Several months ago I scribbled “I want a home well lived in” on a blue sticky note at my kitchen table. I jotted the words down so fast they were hardly legible, but something urged me not to let the thought pass without giving it a permanent place. I...
