Top 5 Favorite Toys

Toys come and go but some are classics that stick around whether you want them to or not. Sometimes the simple toys are the ones that all the kids like. After having four kids there are a few staples that all the kids enjoyed. I get a little tired of buying toy phones and cans of Play Doh but each child should get their chance to play with some of the classics. I will never quite understand how my children are so attracted to a toy phone since I cannot stand talking on the phone. But, I must admit I … Continue reading →

A Tote for All Seasons

I am a sucker for a good tote bag. I love stuffing things in a tote and carrying it all with me. I keep a tote in my car to fill with items for field trips, groceries, extra clothes, or blankets during the winter. I struggled with totes that were flimsy or small until I found the Large Utility Tote from Thirty-One. On the day I took this picture my Large Utility Tote helped my daughter carry all her art supplies to the park for a fun arts and crafts day. The tote works full time in my home so … Continue reading →

New Apologia Picture Book

Product: How do we know God is really there? by: Melissa Cain Travis Type of Product: Picture book Publisher: Apologia Cost: $16.00 Sample: Click for a sample and to order. Summary: Thomas and his father escape to their backyard tree house most evenings to watch the night sky through a telescope. Thomas is dazzled by what he sees of God’s creation, but he has questions. “Dad, how do we know God is out there?” he asks one night. “I know the Bible says He’s there. But how do we really know that’s true?” Together, Thomas and his father begin to … Continue reading →

Need a Boost of Valor, Moms?

When we think of “acts of valor” images of soldiers emerging victorious from the battle field come to mind. While we may not face enemies on a literal battle field, as moms we face battles of our own. From a child who has to be told not to touch the TV about fifty times a day to chicken that refuses to defrost by dinner, we continue to fight with an apron tied tight while balancing a laundry basket on our heads. We refuse to give up on our families, homes, and children. It takes courage to be a mom. But … Continue reading →

Being a Playful Mom

“If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play!” ~Charlotte Mason When is the last time you laughed, enjoyed being outside, or played a game of kickball with the kids? It is easy to forget the simple things when you are busy homeschooling your children. Homeschooling moms wear many hats during the day from cook to teacher to janitor. The days are filled with teaching, cooking, cleaning and laundry. Children are nurtured, discipled, taught, loved and given opportunities to … Continue reading →

Toys that Stand the Test of Time

Legos: The longest lasting toy through four kids and many painful random steps goes to Legos. All of my children love Legos and it bridges the age gap. The whole family can sit and build together. My husband’s collection from his childhood is still played with today. Miniature Plastic Character and Animal Toys: You know those tiny plastic toys you wonder why your kids keep around or carry with them. They come in a variety of name brands to dollar store specials but they are loved equally. We have a box filled with princesses, toy cars, safari animals, sea creatures, and … Continue reading →

Balancing Blogging and Mothering

I squinted to make sense of scattered letters through the glare on my screen. Focused attempts at deciphering HTML became distracted by bursts of giggling from the other side of my window. Rejoicing from finally making a text box that scrolled, I missed a small excited voice asking me to “look at me”. Dripping hair and sopping wet footsteps ran inside to beckon me to join their mini water park complete with a blow up monkey pool. Promising just five more minutes I shooed away wet fingers from my computer. Next I looked up and the time for sprinklers, popsicles, and water slides … Continue reading →

Mom Devotion: 5 Ways to Wisely Chose How to Spend Your Time

Pray. Ask the Lord daily to order your steps each morning. Pray for wisdom in how you conduct your day. Always take time to pray over involving yourself in any activity, ministry, job, or program. Just because something sounds like an amazing opportunity does not mean it is the opportunity God has for you now. Understand your role in the Lord. There are things you never need to wonder if you should put time into being a wife and a mother if God has blessed you with being a wife and a mother. You already know God has called … Continue reading →

Easy and Fun Play Dough Recipes

Preschoolers love to get creative with play dough. They get so creative that in no time you have nothing but brown play dough from all the mixing, pounding, and creating. As a mom who gets tired of replacing brown play dough with original colors, I have resigned to making my own from time to time. The wonderful thing about making your own is you already have most of the ingredients right in your kitchen. Making your own can extend the fun and lesson if you allow your child to help by teaching following directions, orderliness, and creativity. Scented Play Dough … Continue reading →

Broken is Beautiful

I shared this story on my Facebook fan page for my personal blog. When I posted it I did not expect such a response. However, the simplicity of the message touched hearts. “My seven year old was playing and somehow knocked over my Willow Tree statue. It broke in half and the girl’s elbow also broke off. She looked panicked when she told me. I was sad but not angry. She then took clear school glue and glued it back together and proudly told me she fixed it. The glue doesn’t hold it the best and you can see the … Continue reading →