by mandacarpenter | Mar 13, 2022 | Faith, Family, Growth, Inspired, Kids, Marriage
February was a month of loss, light, and learning. Here are three noteworthy mentions in each category! LOSS We can’t figure out childcare in LA. We thought we found the perfect nanny situation, but when I least expected it that ended. I still really like her as...
by mandacarpenter | Feb 5, 2022 | Family, Inspired, Kids, Marriage, Stories
January was a welcomed, slower month for our family. It began with a program to help Shia (all of us, really) get some much needed full-nights of sleep. I was convinced there was no way it would work, but within the first 48-hours he was sleeping two long naps and...
by mandacarpenter | Dec 31, 2021 | Faith, Family, Growth, Home, Inspired, Kids, Marriage, Stories
The days are long, the nights are longer, but the years are short. As I begin to think about Shia’s first birthday, I realize how much has happened in his 10.5 months of life already and I never want to forget it once the memories become distant and fuzzy. The idea to...
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...
