Family Archives - The Sparrow's Home

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.

The 5 best and worst things you’ll face with your empty nest

August 2, 2021 by Susan 4 Comments

Beginning the empty nest season of life can bring a lot of different emotions. But you might find it is more sweet than bitter.

I expected to be the mother who wept uncontrollably when my children left home.

Turns out… not so much. In fact, kind of the opposite.

My eldest son got married last summer, and my youngest just tied the knot in June.

Don’t get me wrong–there have been moments of deeply missing my children’s presence in my home and of questioning my role as a mother now that they’re gone.

But honestly, overall, this empty nesting business has been more sweet than bitter.