• Good Times

    Happy 9th Birthday, Henry!

    Happy 9th Birthday, Henry!

    Dearest Henry,

    We are so grateful to be celebrating your ninth trip around the sun.

    We had such a fun year together! Our vacations started with a Spring Break cruise to Mexico and Belize with our whole family. You loved everything about cruising! You climbed the rock wall, swam in the pool, made a friend on the ship, and especially loved eating at the buffet for every single meal. For most of the week you compared the cruise ship to Golden Corral and said that Golden Corral was ahead because of its chocolate fountain. On the last night, the cruise had a chocolate fountain, too!

    You … Read More

  • Good Times

    Chili Bar: Everything for a Cheap and Easy Night

    chili bar

    This past weekend, Matt and I realized we didn’t have any plans. I know most people look forward to a weekend with nothing to do. But I like to have plans. So Saturday morning, we decided to text two sets of family friends to see if they had any interest in coming over that afternoon. I decided to pull together a chili bar for a quick and easy (and inexpensive) meal for a group.

    The whole thing was simple and low-key. First, I made this recipe for vegetarian chili. Then I set up the following sides:

    • Red onion
    • Shredded cheese
    • Sour cream
    • Cilantro
    • Avocado
    • Tortilla chips
    • Diced tomato

    I … Read More

  • Good Times

    Celebrating Your Own Birthday: Brainstorming Ideas

    How do you feel about celebrating your own birthday? I know it can seem self-centered and egotistical. But, personally, I err on the side of believing that if you want something in life, you should make it happen for yourself.

    I love celebrating birthdays—my own and others. I did much more of it before I had children. My favorite birthday party ever was my Be the Change Scavenger Hunt. I even had team t-shirts printed! We drove all around Houston doing random acts of kindness for strangers. And I somehow found two live bands willing to come share their talents at the party. And there was a commemorative CD. My … Read More