Christmas Gifts That Won’t Clutter
We’ve all been there. It’s mid-March. The holidays have come and gone. The weather is slowly warming back up. Life has returned to normal. After the kids are in bed, you walk back through your quiet house, turning off lights, making lunches for the next day. As you’re... Read More
Celebrations | Character and Values
Cultivate Thankfulness with a Thankful Tree
Have you ever planted a fruit tree? I’ve always wanted to but never have gotten around to it. I have done a little research, though. Do you know if you plant a two-year-old apple tree, it could take another five years to bear fruit? Pear trees can take... Read More
Celebrate the Last Day of School
Freedom. Staying up late and sleeping in. The smell of chlorine in my hair. Sunshine. Oatmeal cream pies. Weeks spent at my Grandmother’s. Summer. Maybe your summer memories are different than mine, but I bet we can all agree that summertime is certainly a memorable season. For our... Read More
Every Mother is a Woman of Valor
“Thank you for making this dinner! But I think I like Dad’s spaghetti better.” It was so close to being a compliment. And given what I know about my cooking ability, I’ll take it. My five-year-old was right. I put forth a good effort, but his dad is... Read More
Celebrate Easter
Every Easter my brother, sister, and I got brand new and coordinating Easter outfits and baskets. My mom wasn’t the kind of mom who baked cookies and did crafts with us. In today’s terms, she wouldn’t have been a “Pinterest Mom.” I mean, she had three kids in... Read More
Redefine Valentine’s
Whether you’re single or married, excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day or dreading it, there are plenty of ways to leverage the momentum of this February holiday to the benefit of our families, and you don’t even have to load your kids up with candy. PRESCHOOLERS When it comes... Read More
Don’t Pack Up Christmas
I love Christmas decorations. They have a way of making everything more beautiful. Even the most humble of homes becomes a breathtaking site with just a few strands of twinkling lights. Our family has accumulated quite the collection over the past 19 years. Every yard ornament and strand... Read More
Celebrations | Elementary (K-5th)
3 Sounds That Lead to A Great Christmas In Your House
Christmas—it’s a time of peace. It’s a time when all mankind seems to pause and bring out their best. It’s also a time when my family can turn on each other like Rottweilers fighting over a piece of bacon. This year, I’m going to try and remember three... Read More
Celebrations | Create A Rhythm
Don’t Be Late For Dinner
As you head into Thanksgiving, remember that there’s more at stake than just a feast. You’ll be gathering with your circle of people, deepening that sense of belonging that somehow gets strengthened even more deeply when you’re sharing food. Read More
Perfect Easter Eggs
My husband often tells me “the happiest and healthiest people are those whose expectations meet reality.” I frequently need reminding of this. I live in expectation—anticipation—playing things out in my head of how I would like them to unfold. The problem is, as you might imagine, the more... Read More