My middle daughter slathered melted butter on layer after layer of paper-thin phyllo dough for the paklava. Her arms moved methodically back and forth. Every six layers, she sprinkled cinnamon, sugar, and walnuts over the pastry like stardust. Meanwhile, my oldest daughter chopped bell peppers at the island next to her sister. I added the [...] Keep Reading
family life
The Impact of Representation
This month I’m collaborating with fellow children’s book authors and featuring a series called “Why Representation Matters in Children’s Literature.” Each week, I’ll be sharing a guest essay by one of my favorite children’s book authors on this topic culminating with a book giveaway. Today I’m excited to welcome my friend Dorena to the blog. [...] Keep Reading
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese: Comfort food at its best!
During this time when so many of us are "sheltering at home," it's a good time to get out new recipes and some of the old family favorites. This homemade Mac & Cheese made in the Instant Pot is one of our go-to lunches for feeding a crowd. Kids, groups and even our running teams love this Mac & Cheese, especially with fun toppings they can [...] Keep Reading
Instant Pot Recipe: Easy Haitian Rice & Beans
On Thursdays, we eat Haitian rice and beans. We pray for our friends in Haiti and around the world.We started this tradition in January before we knew the coronavirus even existed. Long before people were stocking their pantries for home quarantine. We wanted to eat this simple meal in solidarity with people who survive on little.Haitian rice and [...] Keep Reading
How to talk to your kids about COVID-19
My 8-year-old arrived home last week in tears. Lip quivering, she came to me with a heap of questions about the coronavirus. “Is my daddy going to get coronavirus because he’s Chinese?” I looked at her dumbfounded – my heart walking a thread-bare tightrope between sadness and anger. “Who told you that, Baby?” “Oh, kids at school are [...] Keep Reading
Love well by listening well
A year ago, my husband Shawn and I embarked on a new journey. We joined a marriage class at our church called Re-engage. Shawn and I married four years ago after the death of my first husband Ericlee. He joined our family of four girls (including me) when we were in the throes of grief and gently shepherded us through some tough transitions. Last [...] Keep Reading
