Even When the Kettle’s Bare

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Some paths are quieter than others—but walking them together makes all the difference. Today reminded me of the quiet weight that comes with being the one others turn to. I spoke with both of my daughters—separately, at different points in the day. One needed advice, the kind only a mother can give when life feels uncertain. The other’s voice held something heavier, and when I asked, she let it spill: relationship strain, financial stress, the kind of ache that’s hard to name out loud. I listened. I offered what I could—words, perspective, a little steadiness. And later, I followed up. Not because I had to, but because I know how it feels to be left holding something alone. They each thanked me. They each made a move forward. And I felt that familiar flicker of peace—the kind that comes from knowing you were able to help. But beneath that peace, there’s a quieter ache. The kind that surfaces when you’re still navigating your own storm, and yet you find yourself pouring from a cup that’...
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The House That Laughed

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In the thick of our family’s busiest years, Josh and I were working full-time jobs—sometimes more. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t lounging in luxury either. Just a family doing our best to stay afloat, keep the fridge stocked, and the kids pointed in the right direction.

Between school band, baseball, softball, track, wrestling, and who-knows-what-else, our schedules looked like color-coded chaos. But we knew early on that if we didn’t carve out space for family time, we’d lose the very thing we were all working so hard to hold onto.

So we did. And we did it with heart—and on a budget.


🎲 Game Night or Bust

Friday or Saturday nights were sacred. Game night didn’t need much—just popcorn, a few good laughs, and the willingness to lose gracefully to your kids. We’d play *Apples to Apples*, *Pictionary*, *Jenga*, *Clue*, and classic card games (but never *Monopoly*—life's too short and tempers are too fragile).

As the kids got older, the games got a little edgier—*Cards Against Humanity*, *Hot Seat*, *Jackbox Games*, *The Things Game*. Sometimes even *Fortnite*, if we were feeling competitive and tech-savvy. That living room saw so much laughter—and maybe a few dramatic exits when someone lost (again).


🗣️ The Truth About Family Meetings

We held family meetings not because we were a well-oiled parenting machine, but because *communication matters*. News got shared. Feelings got aired. Sometimes it got loud. Sometimes quiet. But we always listened.

Our kids were taught to speak freely—without fear of punishment. No swearing, sure. But honesty? Always. We wanted our kids to know that their voices mattered, and that the only way through conflict is conversation.


 🚗 Papa Gino’s, Petting Zoos & a Whole Lot of Drive-Ins

Family outings didn’t come with airline tickets or fancy reservations. They came with a large soda cup we were all told to share (refills, naturally), and the slightly embarrassing honor of being known as “the hotdog family” at Papa Gino’s.

We hit local parks with petting zoos, picnic tables, and trails for tiny legs to conquer. We walked Thames Street in Newport and let the sea breeze do its magic. But the real crown jewel? The drive-in. Blankets, packed snacks, drowsy kids in the backseat. We wouldn’t get home until 1am—carrying sleeping kids to bed, our hearts just as full as our car.


💦 Water Fights & Nerf-Gun Diplomacy

Oh, the outdoor chaos. Water gun ambushes. Nerf-gun battles. No one was safe—not even the new kid one of our teens brought home. If they got pelted walking through the front door, they knew they were welcome.

Because in our house, fun was foundational. It kept us light, even when the days were heavy.

Family time doesn't have to cost anything—but it gives you everything.

Now our kids are passing down these same traditions—with drive-ins, game nights, and the kind of laughter that leaves footprints on your soul.

Ours was the house that laughed—and honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.


I'd love to hear about your family time adventures so grab a cup ☕ and share your family time with me via email or in the comments section. ~Honey 🍯💛

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