Family Archives - The Sparrow's Home

Your roadmap to finding joy and purpose in life from a 103-year-old doctor

July 2, 2025 by Susan Leave a Comment

Find out who you are, pay attention to how you’re called to grow & change, and learn to listen to what makes your heart sing.

Do you ever look back at small moments and realize that they pointed you to something wonderful? I caught part of an interview last year with this sweet, adorable old woman who completely captivated me. After watching a short while, I realized that she was also incredibly knowedgeable, kind and had a wisdom and a peace that I wanted.

I ordered her book, The Well-Lived Life, that day. And after devouring it, I have gone back and pored over it several times since then. It’s the kind of advice that, at least for me, strikes me but doesn’t always stick immediately. Reminders are good.

Going back this week to drink from this well of wisdom once again, I thought it was time to share. Maybe something will strike you too, though I know it won’t be for everyone. If it’s not for you, that’s okay too. I’d love to know what wisdom motivates you to be the best version of yourself, to live and experience all that life has to offer.

What does a strong woman look like?

October 10, 2023 by Susan 2 Comments

The image we have in our head of what a strong woman looks like may not be very accurate. Maybe strength can look different. And maybe we’re stronger than we think.

I used to think that I came from a long line of strong women. I actually come from a long line of bossy women. (That’s not to say they’re not also strong.) What I’ve learned is that what many of us identify as strength is really just dominance.

Can strength look like that sometimes? For sure. But simply being pushy is not what true strength is. I heard Snoop Dogg say recently (yes, I am quoting Snoop Dogg) that “a lot of times when we wanna be a boss…we too bossy.”

Preach it, Snoop.

Being bossy or assertive or dominant…those things are more about personality than strength. Real strength shows up in far more subtle ways.

Winnie-the-Pooh Baby Shower That’s Sweet as Hunny

September 12, 2022 by Susan 1 Comment

Need ideas for a Winnie-the-Pooh themed party? Menu ideas, decorations, and free printable labels make it truly no bother!

When I taught second grade, I had a lot of opportunities to be creative. Then I had babies, at the height of the scrapbooking craze, and that was my creative outlet. Birthday parties… yes, please. We had character parties like The Wiggles and Thomas the Tank Engine, but also themes like the Farm, Construction, Pirates, and Spy parties.

So I love it when I get the chance to flex my creative ‘theme party’ muscles now and then. And the thing is, planning a fun theme doesn’t have to be stressful. It doesn’t even have to be a party… we have occasional girls movie nights that we try to theme a snack to our movie. [I recently had a weekend with two days of themed get-togethers in a row: Bluey season 3 drop party, and #teamJohnny movie night, ask me in the comments and I’ll tell you all about them!]

But recently, I got to host a sweet baby shower for my daughter-in-law with a Winnie-the-Pooh theme.

Board games to check out if you’re looking for two player games

June 2, 2022 by Susan 6 Comments

A list of board games that are just as much fun with two players as they are with a larger group. Beautiful artwork and quick to learn!

Since becoming empty nesters, my game-loving husband has been on a little bit of a buying spree. He’s picked up several games that are just as fun with two players as they are with a larger group.

These are not the type of games that I affectionately call ‘dork games’. Those are the ones he plays with the fellas. The ones that have lots of mythical creatures, frequently involve an intricate storyline, and the occasional use of their best accent.

No thank you.

But I am happy to accept his invitation for a game night when it involves one of these winners.

A Hamilton Themed Bridal Shower. Awesome. Wow.

February 7, 2022 by Susan Leave a Comment

Fun and easy ideas for a Hamilton themed bridal shower. Plan a laid back, casual shower with an easy menu. Free printables too!

If you dig a party with a theme as much as I do, then you love it when you get the opportunity to celebrate AND be a little creative.

A friend and I had the opportunity this weekend to plan a bridal shower for a simply delightful young lady who:

#1 Happens to be a HUGE fan of the musical Hamilton and

#2 Was totally on board with the idea to give the shower a theme (in fact, I think she was a tiny bit heartbroken that her gal pals didn’t want to come in costume as the Schuyler sisters with her).

So let’s jump right in.

This custom art makes unique family portraits and beautifully personal gifts

November 15, 2021 by Susan Leave a Comment

Get custom art that is totally creative and unique to your family, or give a perfectly personal gift. And you’ll be supporting a gifted young artist, too!

A creative piece of art that makes you happy can be pricey. One that is unique to your family could be priceless.

These are such fun and different display pieces that I have already ordered them as gifts and for my own family. Besides that, it’s always a pleasure to support an artist who is such a delight.

I love pointing people in the direction of things that I love, and I am definitely pointing at this.