I attempted to take my life in 2011. Since then, I have felt sad. I have felt depressed. I have cried over nothing. But I haven't been suicidal. Until winter of 2022. The winter got long. And cold. And dark. There were a few days in a row that I sobbed after the kids went to school and the only thing that kept me on the earth was my toddler sitting next to me. And the thought of the trauma my kids would experience if I were to die by suicide. I reached out, talked to some friends, and made it through those days. Then spring came. Spring brought warmth and light and calm to my soul. It was a slow and mild spring that led to a lovely summer. And then I broke again. July is hot and dry and unforgiving in the desert. Our swamp cooler broke and we can't afford to fix it. Our drain is backed up so we can't wash the laundry or use the kitchen sink or the dishwasher that all lead to that drain. I have opted to home school my oldest child because her needs are not being met in the c...
Welcome back! Read to the end to find the yummiest recipe you'll ever make! We are sitting between Christmas and New Year's and as I reflect on the last few years I'm feeling overwhelming joy about this gift-giving season. I knew the gifts would be a hit this year for the kids and especially for Hubby. But I have to rewind so you get the full effect of how excited I was to give Hubby gifts this year. Last year I had no idea what to get Hubby for Christmas. He kept teasing that he would be happy with a box of crayons. Then, just before the holidays, Hubby got a new computer with a touch screen. It's a super cool computer that can fold backwards into a tablet and he was so excited he could use it for digital art! Inspiration! I'll get him a stylus. So I did my research, quadruple checked that it would be compatible with his computer, and spent the money. I was so excited for him to open it and get back into drawing like he's been wanting to. I figured I'd pl...