The other day while cleaning out a kitchen cabinet I came across a set of tiny lunchbox notes I’d found on clearance. I bought them for Eldest when she was…
Babies & Toddlers
Do Your Children Appreciate You?
Not likely; at least not most of the time. You’ve just taken them on a special outing. Or you set aside your agenda for a couple of hours to do something…
3 Ways to Embrace Messy Days
I don’t know about you, but I was a messy child and teen. Growing up, my room could have been considered a danger zone. It was hard to walk through…
When the Vacation Is Over…
The vacation is over. We’re headed home. You probably have a range of emotions swirling around you depending upon who is in your car. Some kids can’t wait to get…
Teaching Our Kids Manners
When our five kids were small I found that one of the hardest things I had to do was teach them to have good manners. Over and over I had…
The Child Who Is Just Like Me
My brother and his family came over for a visit after church on Sunday. It was certainly a blessing to see them all. I was so excited to spend quality…
Family Vacations—With Toddlers?
I used to think vacations equaled rest. Sleeping in, curling up with a book, long walks, and romantic dinners with my husband … and then I had kids! I distinctly…
Barbara Shares a “Stress Paralyzed” MOMent
You’ve been there, right? You look around at all that needs to be done, you look around at the little faces that depend on you, and you think, There’s no…
Going Crazy
Every once in a while when I put my sunglasses on, I pretend my sage colored minivan is a shiny black Escalade fully loaded, with all the sparkly trimmings. Windows…
Dear Jesus, Hold My Hand, Please
When my son was just a tot, he only prayed one prayer whenever it was his turn: “Dear Jesus—hold my hand, please.” That was it. Trying to figure out where…