Amber Harder
Amber has lived in Minnesota her whole life, with a 4-year stint in Iowa for college (Go Norse!). She and her husband met while both trying to kayak for the first time. The kayaking didn’t go well, but their relationship did! They’ve been married for over 10 years and have four incredible children. Amber describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, unashamed introvert, and extremely empathetic. Her favorite moments are those rare ones during the day when time stands still and she can see with fresh eyes the amazing little people who call her mom.
Repeat After Me: …And That’s Okay
It was a cloudy day. I think it started out that way, but I’m not exactly sure. The sun wasn’t yet up when the kids woke in the morning, and I was so busy...
Passing Kindness Through Generations
My grandma was one of those people who I think would be best described as small but mighty. Not mighty in an overbearing way, but driven and persistent and determined to make the world...
What the Clutter Communicates
Want to know my stress level? Take a look at my home office. You won’t gauge my stress level by the length of my to-do list or how many items are crossed off. You...
The Joy Comes from Using It
I am currently pregnant with our 4th child, and this pregnancy has been tough. With it comes not only new thoughts and emotions surrounding what it will mean to raise four kids, but also...
How I Got Swept up Into Fairy Gardens
I haven't been much of a fairy person, but I'm a huge fan of my 8-year-old daughter. When she took an interest in fairies and fairy gardens, I decided to do a month-long unit...
An Eco-Friendly Easter Basket
When I was a kid, my family had some special traditions surrounding the Easter holiday. In addition to the festivities at church, my siblings and I received Easter baskets at home. It's hard to...
The Song That Transformed My Parenting
I have fond childhood memories of watching midday reruns of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. I recall sitting on gold shag carpet in front of the big tube TV which was encased in dark wood, eagerly...
The Puke Shirt
I parented too many years without knowing the agony of caring for a child with an ear infection. Now it was time to pay my dues. My 3-year-old son seemed uncomfortable when I put...
Traveling Internationally with Kids
Recently we had the privilege of traveling to Ethiopia as a family. Our oldest daughter was born in Ethiopia and joined our family when she was 11 months old. We wanted to travel back...
Must-Reads for Children’s Christmas Literature
Each morning in December, the kids and I gather in the living room after breakfast. We get the fire going and snuggle up together on the couch. I pick up a library book from...
The Magical 3-Second Pause
I like being efficient and checking things off lists. Sometimes my children hinder my efficiency with their unpredictable needs and unexpected bickering. Oh, children.
When I'm working hard to accomplish something in one room and...
Save Time and Money on Birthday Gifts
I'm always looking for more ways to streamline my life and free up more hours in the day. Not just hours, I'd totally be happy with freeing up even a few extra MINUTES in...
To My Grandchildren: Please Care for Your Mama
Last May my husband lost his grandmother to cancer. It was a difficult experience, as any death is, but particularly thought-provoking for me as I just gave birth to a daughter 3 months prior...
When You Don’t Have the Joyful “Back to School” Picture
For days my Facebook feed was filled with pictures of my friends' kids on their first days of school. They were dressed in crisp outfits for the school year, posing with new backpacks and...