By Tomas M. Figueroa
In 2003, following the completion of my initial six years of Ready Reserve duty, I was waiting on transfer orders to be placed on Inactive Reserve status (this is when you have an obligation with the Army Reserves, but does not require monthly participation or annual trainings—you’re …
By Rick Poleck
After what feels like a long and dreary season, winter is always somehow coerced into giving up its shades of steely gray to peeks of warming sunshine, welcome blue skies, intermittent dots and splashes of color, and the fragrances of floral displays called “spring.” The senses come alive, …
By Ricinda Perry
I have really enjoyed our time together over this series, and my family has definitely benefitted since it made me more aware of my own bonding opportunities. In concluding this series, I want to share with you the center hub of family bonding … the dinner table.
What do …
By Ashley McIlwain
I had gone to the post office and was met by a line of people out the door. My shoulders sank at the reality that I couldn’t just come back and was sure to be waiting for quite a while in this long line. Sure enough, over 20 …
By Coleen York
I don’t know what it is about the mind of a woman, but it seems like we struggle with worry way more than our male counterparts. Our female psyche is able to simultaneously think of 75 different outcomes for every decision and situation. Usually 90% of them are …

Foreword by Ashley McIlwain
I am so excited to announce the debut of our latest feature, Family Footprints! The truth is, many of you aren’t just husbands and wives, you are also parents. With that title comes a whole new dynamic and set of challenges and changes to contend with in your …
By Ashley McIlwain
It’s that time of year again where the stores are filled with candy, costumes, and goblins. While Halloween is certainly far from my favorite holiday, it got me to thinking. There is a famous tagline that comes with Halloween that we all know – trick or treat? Mostly …
Simply Nesting by Ashley McIlwain
It can be tough to turn something you are good at into something profitable, especially when also balancing being a wife and mom. That’s exactly what my friend and entrepreneur, Sara Larsen has done though. Having a knack for being creative and crafty, Sara decided to …
Combating “Superwoman” Syndrome By Ashley McIlwain
Clean the house. Do the laundry. Iron. Call my family. Reply to emails. Run to the bank. Pick up groceries. Stop by the post office. Run a company. Work another part time job. Go to small group. Serve at the church. Make dinner. Give my …