I am happy to report that I successfully potty trained four children. Woohoo! But, I remember the days when doubts entered my mind. Potty training is one of those parenting tasks that many dread. It is messy, frustrating, and is almost completely controlled by a child whose favorite word is "No!" Looking back, I loved the beginning ...
Mommyhood
You Must Try This Home Hint
According to the New York Times, Pinterest is a $10 to $11.3 billion company. They have made a fortune sharing and organizing tips and ideas. Why is it such a hit? Because moms especially are desperate to make their lives more simple and beautiful. Because I am decoration-ally challenged, I can't make your life more beautiful. But, I do ...
I’m Giving You Permission to Not Go on a Family Vacation This Year
Last week's blog post compiled a plethora of tips for family vacations. For those hitting the beach or visiting a National Park, I hope you found helpful the planning and money-saving secrets. But, did you notice how I ended the blog post? "God made a beautiful world and when it is time for your family, I hope that you can experience it!" ...
Are You Skipping These Learning Opportunities?
Yesterday Little Man set up Monopoly, begging everyone in the family to join him. It is a game that I loved as a child. As a parent, I tolerate it. Crazy how things change like that. But, I knew it was important to my young son. Even though it wasn't always pretty, I was thankful that I grasped the moment. As we played I recognized the ...
How to “Grow” a Child
I am in "spring" mode. Over half of my garden is planted. The flower pots around the house overflow with little flowers. I anxiously await the joy that will come from the juicy produce and gorgeous display of color. Raising Seeds A friend posted this verse (pictures above) on Facebook. It immediately caused me to think about the work ...
Join Our “Keys of the Bible” Study
For a while I have desired to read through the key chapters of the Bible in chronological order. After finishing my current study, I went in search of a reading guide. Unfortunately, my search came up blank. For a while I have felt a stirring in my heart to help women be intentional in their spiritual growth. I have prayed about various ...
Are You on the Best Parenting Path?
Her tears reflected her broken heart and unconditional love for her children. She deeply desired to raise godly children, but felt caught in a tug of war with all of the parenting information filling the airwaves. Seeing the current attitude and behavior of her children, she knew something needed to change. After a firm hug and a napkin to dry ...
Giveaway: How to Build Special Bonds with Grandparents
If you and I were to have a conversation of any length, I can promise that it would not take long for me to begin talking about my grandparents . What I considered so normal I now realize was very unique. And I want that special bond for my children. Author Laura Sassi understands the opportunity that grandparents hold with ...
Let Your Children Be Disappointed
When I was young I remember a few kiddos crying after getting out in kickball or missing a question on a test. They were upset with themselves. But over the last few months, I see a trend of crying that concerns me much more than a child who fails to meet his or her own expectations. Let me explain. Twice a month I have the ...
When You Can’t Love Your Spouse
After reading last week's blog post (3 Points to Thrive in Motherhood), several of you took a moment to share with me what you wish you had known and how you have grown through the mistakes you made. But it was in reading an email from Annalisa that I knew God was asking me to follow up the post will a little more encouragement. Point #2 ...