first day of school

Life Hack: The After School Checklist for kids (Free printable)

I love a good life hack, especially something for our kids. I was home for my second maternity leave when my eldest started kindergarten. I noticed that when she got home her first instinct was to watch T.V. and throw her backpack in a corner. I get that she wanted to unwind but she’d forget to wash her hands and take out her lunch box. Believe me, these needed some serious washing at the end of the school day. I’m always trying to find ways to stay productive and I’ve found checklists very helpful for myself. There’s something satisfying about […]

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Black and white mom and baby

Dear mom, I get it now.

I get it now… Why when we were little, you seldom bought anything new for yourself — your children, on the other hand, always seem to have what they need. I get why you taught us to appreciate what we have, to work smart, and be wise with our money. I get why there seems to always be a piece of cake for me and why you pretend you didn’t need it. I get why you instilled in us the importance of prayer and faith in God, especially when raising a family. For this and many more, thank you! What […]

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Modern Christmas Cards from LD Design Loft

Top Holiday Designs, Motherhood and Overcoming self-doubt

Zazzle has selected their favorite Christmas card designs this holiday season and I’m excited and honored to be part of this group. I’ve now learned to create for myself but validations of my work is certainly welcome. Hey, I’m a real person and it’s amazing to get noticed and recognized. Designs from these collections have made the Editor’s pick if you want to check them out, here they are below. Minimalist | Modern | Greenery Wreath Christmas by Lorena Depante Minimalist Modern Merry Script by Lorena Depante   View the full HolidayZ Design Challenge Winners post here.   I’m always […]

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You're loved sign held by my little girl

You Are Loved

“I don’t understand why you don’t want to try, you’re brilliant and amazing!” These words caused my daughter Camryn to cry as if she had no idea. I remember thinking how can she be doubting herself already, she’s so young. Am I failing her?⠀   Our self image is shaped by everything around us. We are so sensitive to the opinions of others and form our own conclusions, not always to the truth. ——– On my 40th birthday I received a gift. The gift of delivering a very important topic to young adults in our Christian community. I say it’s […]

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Ideas for a memorable wedding – Tell your story, add that personal touch.

Since we celebrated 10 years of marriage, friends and family have come up to say the usual “Wow, has it been that long?!” The next sentence that follows is what pleases me the most. It warms my heart when they also say, “Your wedding was one of the most memorable and loving events we’ve ever attended”. My husband and I couldn’t ask for more. We hoped that our guests felt the love..I mean, that’s why we were there in the first place. We hoped they also felt included and special to share in the day. We had a few special […]

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thanksgiving gratitude place cards

A grateful heart is a happy heart!

FREE! Thanksgiving place-setting ‘gratitude card’ template The other day I was on Twitter  and came across @garyhgoodridge and he tweets “Remember the days you prayed for the things you have now.”  This absolutely struck a chord and got me thinking. Why do I feel like I’m on fast-forward mode most of the time, I’m so guilty of missing moments. How about you? This tweet got me thinking in so many levels, starting with our home. How could I forget how my husband and I prayed and hoped for it; the timing had to be right because we had other family […]

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Room To Share

Childhood memories built here. (Create personalized wall art. – encourage sisterhood) As I stood outside my two daughters’ shared bedroom I was excited that I’ve finally finished reorganizing their space. I suppose I can tell you that the cute little things were gifts from generous family and friends purchased from Potterybarn Kids, HomeSense and the likes, but the room has a different story to share. It reminded me of something a lot more significant. I’m the middle child and the only daughter, I loved growing up with brothers. I knew about comic books, sports, wrestling, superheroes and Nintendo but a part […]

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