bring joy

preparing for paradise

personal

To say I’m thrilled, doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Not because I’m dying to live on a subtropical island (though I’m certainly not complaining), but because I miss Joseph (ie. my soulmate). And being a single mom to a large brood isn’t at all glamorous, easy, or ideal. (I’ve definitely spiked in my emotional eating & have eaten more ice cream & chocolate in the last five weeks than I have all year.)

Sure we’ve only been apart for five weeks, but traveling around like a nomad with five kids in tow is a demanding task (it’s already been nearly two months since we left Texas!). I’m craving stability, normalcy, & probably most of all, our complete family unit again.

Right now we are still in Washington, having traveled to Utah as well as places around Washington state. We’ve seen...

fudgy vegan gluten free brownies w/ frosting using coconut oil {RECIPE}

dessert & bread, gluten-free

(This time one that is NOT lightened up, & uses coconut oil in both the brownie & the frosting.)

Based on the frequency & rate at which I churn up variations of THE BROWNIE, you may think that is ALL I eat.

While I readily admit I will take any manner of chocolate delight just about any time of day (including after breakfast*), I assure you most of my food is generally rather predictable & responsible. (What I usually eat can be found, here.) After all, I do have to be careful with sugar, but I do indulge every now & then, especially for things like one of my favorite brother-in-law’s birthdays (& it’s even better when I have the honor of making the cake!).

The reason I have yet another vegan gluten free brownie recipe** to share with you?

I can blame it on my sister.

I am staying at...

soulmates

marriage

As in, that’s my soulmate, or you’re my soulmate, or I haven’t found my soulmate yet.

I’ve often heard that it’s one of those things that can only really be felt & not described.

But I disagree.

Let me explain.

It’s common knowledge that Joseph & I are soulmates

I know, quite a statement.

The thing is, I don’t believe in “the one.” As in, there is this “one” person for everyone.

Except when it comes to me & Joseph. We are meant for each other. I’m confident of that.

Like knowing gravity, sunshine, & breath exist. I know we are supposed to be together.

So when the other day a facebook friend, Irma, sent sent me this photo, telling me that I might know someone in the picture, & realizing that someone was Joseph (the cute one in the second row, second one over on the left side in the...