After 40 years of marriage, we still need Date Night because every relationship needs to be nurtured and cared for.
Making My Home a Refuge for My Grown Children
I want my home to be a refuge my grown children look forward to coming back to as often as they can.
The Unique Privilege of a Homeschool Graduation
Recently I had the privilege of emceeing the Lighthouse Christian Homeschool Association graduation ceremony. In addition to founding this support group 25 years ago, I served as president for 3 different terms, and also served in numerous other Board and leadership positions, including on the Graduation Committee for many years. I have continued to be …
Grammie’s Mary Poppins Bag
I love Mary Poppins! Witty, wise, confident, adventurous, and undeniably magical, swooping in to set things right with her umbrella and carpetbag. Seems to me that is just what a Grammie should be! After my first grandchild was born, I dug out the box in the attic where I had stored away a few favorite …
Bible Journaling: The Visible Image of the Invisible God
Have you ever thought “If only I could see God.”? The Bible tells us in Colossians 1:15 that we CAN see God in the form of his Son. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” We can see him and know him. From before time began, Christ has possessed the exact qualities, attributes, …
You Can’t Be Sad When You’re Holding a Cupcake
Back in the spring of 2011, my teenage daughter and I were brainstorming ideas for raising money to pay for a summer missions trip to Uganda. I’ve always enjoyed baking, so I suggested we try a cupcake fundraiser. We decided to spread the word through social media to local friends, church members, neighbors, etc that …
Bird Watching and Backyard Dreams
For many years now we have had a wild backyard. Just weeds and trees and a pit in the middle of the yard for burning the branches that regularly fall out of the surrounding pines and sweet gum trees. When the kids were young, we had a big wooden swing set and climbing tower, a …
Dog Poop Brownies
Many years ago I came across this memorable little story and shared it with my children. I’m sure it will be shared with the grandkids at some point in time as well. ~ One day a particular father was listening to his children make their case for permission to watch a movie that all their …
Managing Valentine’s Day Expectations
When I list adjectives that describe my hubby and me, there are a number of opposites. While I tend to be creative, artistic, and optimistic, he is much more practical, logical, and realistic. I am a teacher, baker, and artist. He is an engineer, coach, and analyst. I lean toward the romantic but he is …
Creating Thanksgiving Memories
I love holidays and the opportunities they bring for creating meaningful traditions and memories with family. Thanksgiving for me will always bring back memories of my grandparents’ little farm in West Bridgewater, where grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gathered for a big, traditional New England Thanksgiving dinner on the fourth Thursday in November. The menu …