“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 It was one of those afternoons with a thousand commitments. The kids and I loaded the van with the snacks and bags and strollers we’d need in order to make the most out of our trip into town. The first stop would be to … Read More
5 Simple Ways to Connect with Your Child
Looking for a simple way to connect with your child today? You don’t have to go to Disney World or spend the weekend at an indoor water park in order to build your relationship with your child. Honestly, sweet day-to-day connections happen right at home when we make a few good choices. I’ve been feeling mid-winter stress that can darken … Read More
Help for the Child Who Can’t Fall Asleep at Night
You’ve tucked your child in bed. An hour later, you hear those familiar little footsteps… What you do next could have a big impact on our child’s heart. Last year, our 7 year old son went through a long season in which he couldn’t fall asleep at night. He would try, honest. Yet every night, when the old farmhouse was … Read More
Help for the Child Who Internalizes Other People’s Negative Emotions
I am so thankful to be part of a generation of adults that aims to build empathy in children. Most of our kids need to learn how to identify with someone’s struggles and sorrows. They need to learn to jump in, speak up, and give life. But some kids internalize too much. They all-too-easily feel all of the pain and … Read More
How to Be a Mom When You Have a Cold
I’m fighting a cold as if it’s the dead of winter and the germs are flying everywhere. I’ve been up all night, propped up on pillows, breathing through my mouth like Napoleon Dynamite. When my throat begins to tickle, I dive for a spoonful of the honey on my nightstand to preempt a coughing spell. A couple of our little … Read More
The Awesome Perks of Reading Aloud to Your Middle Schooler
(I received Sonlight 100 in exchange for a series of blog posts that contain my honest opinion.) Our leather couch is sagging in the middle. It came into our lives when we were poor newlyweds with a 2-year old toddler and a baby-on-the-way. One Saturday, we strolled the aisles of Sam’s Club and spotted a sturdy 4-piece leather living room … Read More
10 Tips for a Happy Toddler
Hey there, Mama! Are you wondering how to raise a happy kid? Are looking for practical strategies to resolve conflict, build character, and create peace in your home? Here are 10 random-but-helpful tips and tricks that make my day-to-day life with a little one happier. I use these on a regular basis because each one brings a bit more peace … Read More
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling for You and Your Child
If you are considering homeschooling your child, I’d love to cheer you on and contribute my two cents to the complex decision before you.
Half the Distance and Twice as Far
The kids and I accompanied my husband to a tech conference. We love this conference for three big reasons: Ryan connects with the people and ideas that help him to grow professionally The older kids attend classes about robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and technology. And, well, it’s at an indoor water park. Work + fun + family = yes, please. … Read More
You Really Just Had to Be There.
The summer after my sophomore year in college, I ate my lunch on an iceberg in Iceland. I was studying Arctic Biology and had boarded an amphibious boat to tour the glaciers. We docked on a particularly hospitable glacier and I munched a sandwich while – hundreds of feet below us – the ancient ice melted and headed out to … Read More
