The flash of anger in my tween daughter’s eyes surprised me. We’d been camping, and Maddie’s 6-year-old sister, Aly, had just burned her finger on hot ash. As I treat the wound, Maddie strode up. “I hurt myself, too,” she said, with attitude. “Last night when we were making S’mores.” “Hold on,” I said. As… [Continue Reading]
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How to Homeschool Adopted Kids
How to Homeschool Adopted Kids When John and I planned on adopting children, I knew that I wanted to homeschool them. I homeschooled our oldest three from preschool through high school and it was a wonderful experience. Yet homeschooling my adopted kids didn’t happen as easy (or as quickly) as I thought. Homeschooling Alyssa… [Continue Reading]
How to Say “Yes” to God
How to Say “Yes” to God I don’t know about you but as soon as I became a Christian I wanted to do something FOR God. I was a pregnant teen who found forgiveness and freedom and I wanted to make my life count for Him. Over the years I found many ways to… [Continue Reading]
27 Ways to Show Your Husband Respect
27 Ways to Show Your Husband Respect When John swept into my life, I was a teenage mom, and I saw him as a godly man who worked hard and made good choices. I could tell he loved God and cared for people. I looked up to him with respect. Then came marriage . …. [Continue Reading]
Mom, Are you Selfish?
Mom, Are you Selfish? I really don’t like to admit it, but as a mom I’ve known to be selfish at times. I’ve hidden cookies so I could have them later, and I’ve extended my kids’ nap time so I could read “one more chapter.” I’ve also gotten my family’s schedule off track because I… [Continue Reading]
Creating Kids in MY Own Image
Creating Kids in MY Own Image One thing that has always gotten me overbooked and overwhelmed was trying to create my children in “my own image.” No, I’m not talking about making mini-mes. I’m talking about the image in my mind. A mix of kid that looked like a Gap Kids model, played sports like… [Continue Reading]
How to Serve Your Spouse
How to Serve Your Spouse Marriage isn’t all about romance or heart connections. (Don’t we wish!) The everyday stuff of life includes housework, yard work, and more. Much more. I’ll never forget the look on my new husband’s face as he took a bite of the stew I’d had simmering in the crockpot all day…. [Continue Reading]
What Makes a Man? Dirt!
What Makes a Man? Dirt! Little boys who play in dirt grow up to be big men who play in dirt . . . and I’m thankful for that! I’m a mom of three boys and three girls. I’m also the mom of a grandson and a granddaughter. We believe in being even-Steven around here…. [Continue Reading]
Overcoming Performance-Based Love
Overcoming Performance-Based Love I have three sons ages twenty-four, twenty, and three. The thing I love about boys is they adore their mom. My approval of them matters and I forget sometimes that my disapproval hits the heart of a boy. I’ve been reminded of this after raising another young boy after having big guys… [Continue Reading]
What It Means to Start Again in this Man-Making Business
What It Means to Start Again in this Man-Making Business “You’re starting again?” I get the same response every time I explain the ages of my six kids: 24, 21, 19, . . . 6, 4, and 3. “You could be empty nesters, traveling the world, and driving a convertible.” “Yes,” I nod. “Yes, I… [Continue Reading]
Let Boys be Boys: Hard Truth for Fluffy Moms
Let Boys be Boys: Hard Truth for Fluffy Moms God must have had a sense of humor when he gave me boys. To be truthful, I’m as “fluffy” as they come. I enjoy snuggling up with a good book, bubble baths, and mochas (with extra chocolate). I’m gentle and soft-spoken, and my idea of outdoor… [Continue Reading]