These are a collection of posts written to empower today’s parents to grow awesome families.

When Your Soul Craves Distraction

When Your Soul Craves Distraction (FMF: Distraction)

// “Ooooo, pretty. So shiny. Can you see the pretty lights?”

The candlelight danced on the ceiling of our small kitchen, while two unsuspecting little ones pointed and quietly ate their supper.

Spaghetti.

But not just any spaghetti… spaghetti cooked with vegetables in the sauce. I nervously waited for cries of protest, but nobody noticed. Nope. They just ate, bite after bite, all while admiring the flames and the pretty light show around the room. What a lovely distraction. Read more

Speak to be Understood

The Communication Secret that will Save Your Sanity

Speak to be Understood

//  “Oooooh, he is sooo irritating! Came home grumpy AGAIN! That’s the third time this week. I don’t even understand what’s wrong. And he always makes me feel like it’s MY fault. Mine? What did I do this time? It’s like we’re speaking two different languages.”

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard statements like these, I would be a very wealthy woman.

No, I’m not quoting anyone in particular. These words are a culmination of many people that I’ve run into over the years: friends, church people, parents at school, shoppers at the mall, people on Facebook, actors on television or movies. You know how it goes. Miscommunication is an epidemic. All you have to do is watch Netflix for a while, and you’ll find dozen of examples.

BUT WHY?

Why is it soooo difficult to understand what other people are saying? Why is it so easy to misunderstand your spouse, kids, parents, friends, coworkers… or anyone, for that matter?

WHY DON’T PEOPLE UNDERSTAND ME? Don’t they know my heart?  That’s not what I’m trying to say. I don’t even think that. Why would I say it? I so don’t understand her. Did you hear what she said? I’m so offended. I can’t even… //

Well, my friends, if any of these words have escaped your lips at one time or another, know that you are not alone. We’ve ALL felt that way at some point.

Communication is a challenging thing.

Read more

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Happy 50th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

//  My eight-year-old imagination was spinning. What would it be like to be her?

Mom and I were cleaning out the downstairs closets. It’s amazing how many blankets one family can collect over the years. Blankets and books, suitcases and sleeping bags… and keepsakes.

This was where my mom kept her most prized possessions. There were baby books and baby booties, and matching mother-and-daughter dresses that she sewed for us when I was little. There were boxes of slides from grandparents that we would occasionally pull out for hours of stories and giggles.

Mom's wedding dress on display

And there were keepsakes from their wedding—treasures that had safely traveled between houses, cities, and even nations, such as…

  • Her wedding dress, enclosed in a garment bag to keep it clean and protected from pests.
  • Photos, safely secured in boxes to protect from breakage and sunlight.
  • And the top tier of their wedding cake, enclosed in glass to protect from dust, accidental knocks, and little fingers who thought it would taste good. (In case you were wondering, it doesn’t taste that good.)

All of these treasures and more were saved for one reason and one reason only….    Read more