When I was a brand-new mom, I came across a book that advocated getting your infant on a schedule as soon as possible, preferably within the first few weeks of their life. At first, this sounded like a great idea to me. Though I was utterly in love with her, I wasn't really a fan of the way this tiny bundle had completely upended every single thing about my life - especially when it came to my beloved sleep. Plus, when she was about three weeks old, she suffered from colic, and I was willing to try anything to help us both cope just a little better with life. It wasn't long before I came to realize that while ...Read More
Foods Easy, Healthy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
I have a confession to make. I'm a frustrated foodie. I love to cook. I love to experiment and take time creating new recipes. But with three little ones running around the house, culinary technique falls by the wayside for quick and simple recipes that sometimes lack the amazing flavors that I love. Not with this recipe however. I was THRILLED when I found out how simple it was to prepare chicken drumsticks on the grill. These grilled chicken drumsticks are not just amazingly easy and healthy, but one of the best tasting recipes I've made in a while. Looking for gluten-free recipes and resources? This Everything Gluten ...Read More
40+ Text Messages to Send Your Teens
In this high-tech modern world, you might find it handy to have this list of encouraging text messages to send your teens on hand for inspiration. I love that my thirteen-year-old has an iPod. With it, she's able to download and play worship music that suits her tastes. She can keep in contact with extended family members and friends through the social media apps we allow her to have. She enjoys the depth and convenience of electronic Bible-reading and devotional apps. And she has quick and safe access to the internet thanks to the accountability software we've installed. (That's not just for kids, by the way. The ...Read More
Kid-Friendly Fruit Kabobs
Need a healthy treat to feed your kiddos or take to your next picnic/potluck? Try these Kid-Friendly Fruit Kabobs! Fruit for the win! My kids generally aren't picky eaters. There's the occasional dislike of cooked spinach or boiled zucchini, but other than that there's not much they don't like. Especially in the fruit department. Barring my 9-year old's strawberry allergy, I can't think of a fruit they won't devour on sight. They demolish whole pineapples, watermelons, and pounds of berries like they might never see food again. Of course, since there's five of them (the kids, that is) everything gets eaten up ...Read More
Homeschooling How to Teach Cursive Writing: a Homeschool Guide
Do you teach cursive writing to your kids? While cursive may not be many people's favorite school subject—it certainly isn't mine—it sure is an important skill to learn. Someone with the ability to fluently write in cursive has a distinct advantage when it comes to note-taking and essay-writing. Cursive actually activates regions of the brain involved in working memory. We teach cursive writing not because we love cursive but because we want our kiddos to love learning—and the ability to quick and legibly write is a good way to get there. We teach cursive not as an end in and of itself, but as a tool. Here's how ...Read More
How video games are robbing your son…and how you can guide their hearts
The kids are bickering—again. You just got them a new video game. It was so fun seeing their excitement, but when it was time to turn it off, they got upset. Somehow normal life morphed into a waiting room for the next video game fix. Their minds are preoccupied with one thing and one thing only—when is the next time they can play again? But, you justify it. After all—let’s admit it—video games are exciting! In fact, you’ve probably come across countless articles that tout their benefits: video games boost hand-eye coordination, help kids learn, allows family bonding, foster collaboration, teamwork, ...Read More
The Beginners Guide to Intermittent Fasting
"Don't fast, it'll slow down your metabolism!" "Fasting is just starving yourself, and that makes you lose muscle." "Eat 5 small meals a day, that's the best way to speed up your metabolism." These are all comments I've personally heard from others—and yet they're all misconceptions. There most definitely is a time and place for fasting. In fact, our bodies are built for it. If you're looking to learn more about this practice, here is your beginner's guide to intermittent fasting! I've invited my friend, Jennifer, from Purposeful Nutrition to share some great information with you on intermittent fasting. This ...Read More
Even YOU can be patient with your kids — here’s the key!
I didn't say a word, but I was stewing internally when my daughter's little hand reached over the counter and dropped her cup in the sink. How many times do I have to tell these kids to rinse their breakfast dishes and put them in the dishwasher? It's times like these when I'm tempted to let my temper erupt. I almost feel like I deserve the release what would come with letting my kids have it. (After all, I've told them at least a hundred times.) But I've been doing this parenting thing long enough to know that losing my temper won't make me feel better in the long run. Not only is it woefully ineffective at ...Read More
