Just because you can't draw, sculpt or paint does not mean you don't have creative gifts, talents, and ways you can express yourself that will bless those around you. There's a difference between creative and artistic expression! Growing up, I never thought much about art since I couldn't ...
Character Training: Gratitude
In keeping with my character training series, I want to focus today on gratitude. Christmas is over and with it came presents, culinary indulgences and lots of time with family and friends. As children are growing and learning there can be a tendency for them to begin thinking they "deserve" all ...
Building anticipation
One morning when I was 6 or 7 years old I went to my grandmother's house. Upon arriving she told me I needed to help her pack because she and papa were going on a vacation. To a place where Mickey and Minnie lived. And there was something about spinning tea cups. "Oh wow..." I listened enraptured to ...
Why you should have living things in your home
Since we've recently moved I have made a concerted effort to bring living things into our home and to plant living things outside. We've started a compost bin and worm farm. Well, we've put worm eggs in the compost, anyway. Tomato plants and herbs, climbing ivy and succulents. I am sort of addicted ...
Mental and Emotional Health Tips for Kids: the basics
Emotional health for kids is so important these days. With jam packed schedules, too much screen time, and absent parents who are screen addicted, it's more important now than ever. As mothers we are absolutely going to make mistakes. Most of those mistakes won't scar our children for life or ...
What I learned when I switched to the skirt swimsuit
Somehow, somewhere, maybe while I was sleeping... I decided it was time to stop wearing a bikini. At the sprite age of 32. Fine, I'm no spring chicken, but 32 isn't exactly over the hill. I didn't decide to stop wearing them because I can't fit in them either. Actually this has nothing to do with ...
Going back to go forward
The past few months have been an odd season. In parenting, relationships, finances and life in general, it has felt that there was some forward momentum. However, though I felt as though we were going forward, it also felt like we were moving back. Going south to go north, if you know what I ...
How To Create Family Mottos That Stick
Inside: Family mottos that will stick around and help motivate everyone. These are great reminders when you want to encourage your kids as well. I decided that I didn't need to focus on hard fast goals next year. I am a goal-oriented future facing neurotic type A person. This means ...
Supporting Other Mothers
Lately I've had such a heart for supporting mothers. I have a friend and mother of 4 little girls who is having a hard time. Her husband says he doesn't have to treat her well since she can't keep the house clean. Oh, and he no longer believes in the institution of marriage. Whatever that means. ...
Character Training: consistency
I was at a Christian bible camp one summer in Italy and at the end of the week we were to vote on three categories, awards if you will. It was a little too Who's Most Likely to Succeed for me, but the whole camp was in Italian so I was doing my best to pay attention and learn a few things, ...