• Home
  • Hello
    • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
  • Ministering
    • Authentic Connection
    • Around The Table
    • Hospitality
    • Motherhood
    • Family History
    • Devotionals
  • Resources
    • Inspiration Station
    • My Favorite Things
    • Link Parties
    • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Home
  • Hello
    • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
  • Ministering
    • Authentic Connection
    • Around The Table
    • Hospitality
    • Motherhood
    • Family History
    • Devotionals
  • Resources
    • Inspiration Station
    • My Favorite Things
    • Link Parties
    • Shop
  • Subscribe
Down Aspen Lane

 

Receive updates and access our FREE library of resources designed to help you create a life filled with AUTHENTIC CONNECTION!

 




Follow Us

  • change my new friend
    Authentic Connection

    Change: My New Friend

    Bright sunlight filtering through the bedroom drapes was the first thing I noticed as I awoke from a restful night’s sleep. Rolling over and climbing out of bed, I made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water and a quick glance at the clock. 8:56 a.m. Today was my own since my children were spending the day with their grandparents. The thought of my cozy bed quickly lulled me back to the bedroom; however, before I had a chance to climb back between the sheets, I had a curious thought: “Today is the perfect opportunity for change.” The prospect of incorporating a few changes into my daily…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    yellow rose

    An Awkward Interruption

    January 29, 2017
    Eyes window to soul

    The Eyes Are The Window To The Soul

    October 2, 2017
    Neighborhood park bench

    Friends And Neighbors

    April 19, 2017
  • paintbrush painting
    Authentic Connection

    Painting Your Life In Color {In Honor Of Suicide Prevention Week}

    You long to fly away from this dark, broken, cruel world because…   you can’t breathe, nor do you want to, everything is bleak, you welcome the night.   Hope is gone, not even a flicker, the light you sought, forever gone.   All is lost, there is no use in trying, the endless tears, they fall in vain.   This numb existence suits you well, curled tight in a corner you hide, the pain turning you to stone, betrayed, abandoned, left alone.   Blinding sorrow, deep raw pain, the ache won’t go away. Promised help nowhere in sight, left alone to whither,…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    recycle gratitude

    Recycled Gratitude: Thoughts On Recycle Bins and Authenticity

    October 27, 2017
    Finding Yourself in nature

    Finding Yourself In Nature: When Nature Comes To The Rescue

    October 9, 2017

    The Golden Rule

    February 1, 2017
  • smoke and mirrors
    Authentic Connection

    Smoke And Mirrors: A Letter to our Local Firemen

    Fall is, by far, my favorite time of year. However, fall is also my nemesis, for it is usually during this time of year that I fall prey to the temptation to do all things creative. For instance, one fall season, this is what was simultaneously taking place at our house: Holiday Craft Boutique preparations Reading Fair preparations Geography Fair preparations Allow me to paint a visual for you, lest you think these preparations just magically occurred in the peace and serenity of our immaculately clean home. Picture in your mind, if you will, a normally half-put together house turned COMPLETELY upside down. Imagine yourself entering our…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Authentic life

    31 Days To An Authentic Life

    October 1, 2017
    life changing shared stories

    The Life-Changing Effect of Shared Stories

    October 29, 2017
    chocolate bar raspberries

    Seeking To Do Good: Turning Our Deepest Sorrows Into Blessings

    April 7, 2018
  • The Eyes Are The Window To The Soul_ Bringing Joy To The Brokenhearted
    Authentic Connection

    Bringing Joy To The Brokenhearted

    It was his eyes that made me do it.   The soft smile on his face did nothing to mask the deep loneliness in his eyes—the type of loneliness that comes from experiencing the death of a beloved spouse.   “Would you be interested in joining our family for dinner and Family Night this week?” I asked him, as we sat with a small group of people who had gathered for the evening.   It was a spontaneous invitation, really, and for a moment I wondered if I hadn’t been too impulsive. After all, with my urgent need for rest, and the paralyzingly…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    An Adventure Awaits Taj Majal

    An Adventure Awaits

    October 19, 2017
    chocolate bar raspberries

    Seeking To Do Good: Turning Our Deepest Sorrows Into Blessings

    April 7, 2018
    Treasure chests of words

    Treasure Chests of Words

    October 4, 2017
  • Nurturing Authentic Friendships With The Help Of God
    Authentic Connection

    Nurturing Authentic Friendships With The Help Of God

    Relationships matter to God. Our relationship with Him, as well as our relationship with others, truly matter to Him. With His help, we can nurture relationships with the richest of feelings. When was the last time you experienced the hand of God in the mist of your relationships with family, friends, or strangers? For me, it was a Wednesday evening in the middle of the dinner rush, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. To read more about how God blessed my life that evening in the most unexpected way, head on over to Be Thee Inspired, where I’m guest posting today.

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    At Work In Our Neighborhoods

    February 4, 2017
    The actions that define us refugees

    Refugees: The Actions That Define Us

    October 28, 2017
    paintbrush painting

    Painting Your Life In Color {In Honor Of Suicide Prevention Week}

    September 14, 2018
  • Freedom isn't free
    Authentic Connection

    The Fight For Freedom Deserves Our Last Ounce Of Courage

    The evening began with bowls of warm chili and trembling, nervous tummies.   True, my kids had spent the past few weeks in great anticipation of this Chili Dinner and Talent Show, but now that their turn to perform was quickly approaching, they were having second thoughts.   “What have we gotten ourselves into?” they wondered aloud. Their apprehension was palpable.   The time soon arrived.   All three of them nervously gathered around the piano to perform their piano trio, which went off without a hitch.   One down, one to go.   Next, they approached the stage with high hopes that all would go as…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    change my new friend

    Change: My New Friend

    October 23, 2018
    An Adventure Awaits Taj Majal

    An Adventure Awaits

    October 19, 2017

    Worth The Effort: An Evening Spent With The Homeless

    January 21, 2017
  • hands free mama overcoming technology addiction the family friendly way
    Authentic Connection,  Motherhood

    Hands Free Mama: Overcoming Technology Addiction The Family-Friendly Way

    Some time ago, our family sat around the table and discussed Technology Addiction.   My husband and I confessed to our children our particular addictions (which may or may not have something to do with Craigslist and an iPad). The kids shared insightful suggestions on how we might have a more balanced approach with technology, suggestions like:   Don’t use it when we’re in the room   Use it only at certain times of the day   Don’t carry it with you   Have tech-free days   Then we ate dessert, which is, of course, the BEST part of Family Night! We had…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    child swing a child shall lead them

    And A Little Child Shall Lead Them

    October 16, 2017

    The Golden Rule

    February 1, 2017
    An Adventure Awaits Taj Majal

    An Adventure Awaits

    October 19, 2017
  • Authentic connection
    Authentic Connection

    Authentic Connection: We Are All Just Trying To Make Our Way Home

    A few nights ago, my neighbor, who attends a different church, is nearly 80-years-old and almost blind, made her way across the street after dark with oxygen in hand to knock on my door and ask me how I was doing. We sat in my living room for an hour sharing with each other our trust in the Lord and how He has carried us through our most recent trials. We read scripture, swapped recipes, and encouraged one another. I walked her across the street when we were done visiting, and she stood at her doorway watching carefully until she saw that I…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    smoke and mirrors

    Smoke And Mirrors: A Letter to our Local Firemen

    August 18, 2018
    life changing shared stories

    The Life-Changing Effect of Shared Stories

    October 29, 2017
    Profound impact of one's name

    The Profound Impact Of One’s Name

    October 30, 2017
  • The Ultimate Guide to Strength, Hope, and Peace {A Three-Step Plan}
    Authentic Connection

    The Ultimate Guide to Strength, Hope, and Peace {A Three-Step Plan}

    “Mom, why are all the flags around town at half staff today?” my daughter asked, gazing out the car window. It’s a question I hear on a regular basis these days and, quite honesty, I’m tired of hearing it. I’ve grown weary of sharing with my children all the negativity that is taking place in our country–mass shootings, violence, death. Instead, I’ve decided to focus on the positive, the possibilities, the things that can fill us with strength, hope, and peace. I’ve chosen to tell my children that whenever they see a flag at half staff, it’s a reminder to ask themselves these…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Open Doors

    The Day I Decided To Keep The Doors Open

    October 15, 2017
    Hope for the downhearted heart

    Hope For The Downhearted: A Story Of Life, Loss, and Hope

    October 20, 2017
    yellow rose

    An Awkward Interruption

    January 29, 2017
  • A Celebration Of America
    Authentic Connection

    A Celebration Of America: Patriotic ROUNDUP

    July will be here before we know it and with it a desire for those in America to celebrate the birth of our nation—-Independence Day! Below are links to my favorite resources to inspire you and your family during our most patriotic month. Enjoy!   ACTIVITIES Celebrating America On Independence Day: How an activity I threw together in a pinch turned into one of our favorite holiday memories   What better time to ensure Safe And Happy Neighborhoods than during the summer months?!   FASHION  This ADORABLE patriotic vest and bowtie onsie by AllThatGlittersBaby on Etsy ** This post may contain affiliate links. You can find…

    Read More

    You May Also Like

    Eyes window to soul

    The Eyes Are The Window To The Soul

    October 2, 2017
    storm clouds A personal witness

    A Light In The Storm

    September 27, 2017
    Seeking common ground airplane

    Seeking Common Ground

    October 18, 2017
12345

Our Mission

To create happier homes and communities, filled with authentic connection.

Learn how our family does it—including our thrilling successes, utter failures, and everything in between—and how you can do it too!

Read more about our mission HERE.

Archives

What I Am Reading

***Down Aspen Lane is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

***Down Aspen Lane is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Instagram

  • #shareyourstory #stories #share #connect #unity #downaspenlane #wereallinthistogether #inspirationalquotes
  • Connecting with family out in nature. Priceless. 
#familytime #family #familyfun #familyfirst #naturephotography #nature #makingmemories #outdoors #learningisfun #downaspenlane #caterpillar #leaf #green #downhomeschoollane #godscreation
  • You matter.

#influencer #youmatter #makeadifference #downaspenlane #unique #special #you
  • It’s almost that time! 
#fall #falldecor #celebrate #sweaterweather #downaspenlane #seasons #fallsweetfall #september
  • #thepowerofstories #stories #sharedstories #share #beyou #beyourself #authentic #downaspenlane #quote #inspirationalquotes
  • #gather #gathertogether #givethanks #gratitude #grateful #downaspenlane
  • #tellyourstory #stories #share #vulnerable #beyou #youmatter #downaspenlane  #inspirationalquotes #encouragement
  • Family time activity: completing our own Bob Ross paintings. SO FUN...and therapeutic!

#paint #art #artproject #bobross #create #familytime #familyactivity #downaspenlane #creativity #river #trees #canvas #canvaspainting #familyfun #makingmemories
  • #stories #womenempowerment #extraordinary #encouragement #changetheworld #downaspenlane #inspiring #inspirational #connect

Follow Me!

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy