Parenting | Kari Gibson | On A Journey To Love Big

Jan 20

Helping our kids (teens, too) be happy, healthy and motivated

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 31 Comments

I have been deeply submerged in public education for over 25 years. I was an elementary school teacher for second and fifth graders in the inner-city of Phoenix, Arizona. This year, I have celebrated our son, Michael heading off to college, cheered on our daughter, Hannah in a brand new high school, and watched our daughter, Zoie fall in love with school as a brand new Kindergartener … but for the first time, I have been faced with the real-life challenge of doing exactly what I said I would do, be open to change.

Jan 17

Moving, Ice Storms, and A Happy New Year Word

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 6 Comments

Our family has been living out-loud our new year adventures starting off with big amounts of craziness. There is nothing fun about moving (in my opinion) but moving into a new home in a snow and ice storm has made the past month crazy! Join me for a NEW year of blogging and celebrating life together focusing on real-life issues with building a healthy marriage, growing happy and healthy children, cooking healthy (gluten free), letting go of expectations and experiencing real joy, as well as finding new projects together that are making a big difference in our world …

Dec 06

What Happens When Our Very Best Plans Change?

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 13 Comments

Have you ever had your very best plans change completely out of your control? I wrote my original post yesterday and so much has already changed! We were all ready to move into our new home on Saturday, but a huge storm hit the mid-west and dumped a ton of…

Nov 11

3 Toughest Adjustments With Change

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 45 Comments

I have committed the ultimate blog sin and have been on a blogging hiatus for the past few weeks. I have been MIA and every day feeling the tug in my heart to share with you the reason. So here it goes, I have been feeling the impact of major…

Sep 23

That Dreaded Word Every Parent Has to Say Eventually

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 37 Comments

What is the one word that brings together both grief and joy for a parent? The word that you long for, but dread when it inches closer and closer to reality. I had to say that dreaded word a few weeks ago when we traveled to Santa Barbara, CA

Sep 17

5 things Our Daughters Teach Us About Being Real

By Kari Gibson | Everyday Life, Parenting | 8 Comments

I wanted to share with you the 5 things my daughter has taught me about being real. I also interviewed other moms and asked them the same question, what has your daughter taught you about being real? I think one of the best gifts we can give our daughters is accepting them for who they are and not what we want them to be.

Sep 13

Mommy, I wish I was born in your tummy

By Kari Gibson | Adoption, Parenting | 8 Comments

This week when I was brushing Zoie’s hair before school, she looked up at me and said, “Mommy, I wish I was born in your tummy.” Zoie is our adopted daughter and has no fear sharing her mind.

Sep 10

What really happens when we give extravagant love?

By Kari Gibson | Adoption, Mission-Hearted, Orphan Care, Parenting | 3 Comments

One of the most beautiful stories of love in scripture is when Mary washed the feet of Jesus with her (really) expensive perfume and her hair. I’m sure everyone in the room was shocked beyond belief by her behavior. Culturally, this was unheard of and unacceptable. She was judged, ridiculed,…

Jul 18

New blog, best days, and the countdown to say goodbye

By Kari Gibson | Mission-Hearted, Parenting | 7 Comments

Welcome to the NEW My Crazy Adoption blog. The new site is designed specifically to help you explore the joys and craziness of mommyhood, read news about adoption, share humanitarian projects for orphan care, inspire you to find your mission, and celebrate life in a radical way. I want this…

Jul 09

I could never have done (THIS) without them

By Kari Gibson | Mission-Hearted, Parenting | 6 Comments

I could never have done this mission adventure without Michael, Hannah, and Zoie. Life is hard enough, but when you have three super-kids that bring joy, laughter, energy, and constant motion… life is never boring. Our kids have been our biggest cheerleaders this year and never once told us we…