Author Archives: lauren
Understanding Empathy and Being a Highly Sensitive Person
I recognized something in my personality that has existed in me since childhood but was recently brought to my attention. It’s something that often impassions, challenges, inspires, torments, [..]
Daily Bread
The whole concept of picking New Year’s resolutions centers around achieving greater happiness. Some goals focus on a better you: a thinner, smarter, more generous you. Other goals [..]
Celebrating the Tenacious Spirit of My Parents: 31 Years and Counting!
There’s a drastic difference between a family living below the median U.S. household income and a family living below the poverty line. At the Rayburn house, living under [..]
Starting Year 29
Yesterday I entered my 29th year. Believe it or not, I love getting older. Against the general human populace, I believe age holds holds the most valued gift – [..]
It’s ok, you can admit it…
Motherhood is hard. If you’re a mom, you know. But why are women afraid to admit that its difficult? After becoming a mom, I decided that I would [..]
A Generous Gift & a Birthday Surprise
Something as commonplace as receiving a birthday card in the mail became an extraordinary event in our lives yesterday. My Aunt Susie is as dependable as the sun [..]
You Make Beautiful Things Out of the Dust
I know that my last blog post sounded a little bleak, but my current outlook is much brighter, and I was also so encouraged by those of you [..]
Preparing for Numero Dos & Lessons from Single-Income Family
So we are officially looking ahead to what our family will be like when it becomes a four-person household. We are only 10 weeks into my 40-week pregnancy, [..]
Review of Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat
Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood by Ibtisam Barakat This book is a child’s box of beautiful and broken treasures. Ibtisam’s memories can draw laughter through a veil [..]
