Here is an idea that I just read about in a book I've been reading called Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson (LOVED IT!)... Before heading into a new season, it's good to gather as a family and reestablish family ground rules and expectations. So, a couple of weeks before school begins (now is … [Read more...] about Back to School Family Meeting
Mad Libs and Famous Amos
Before Noah was born, Ryan and I were hardly ever home. Our days were filled with work and our nights were filled with church activities, studies, rehearsals, dinners, etc. We would often get home just in time to plop into bed before the whole cycle began again in the morning. After Noah was … [Read more...] about Mad Libs and Famous Amos
Where the Lost Things Are
I am convinced that there is a magical land full of all the things that I have lost over the years. It's a beautiful place - the clouds are made of fluffy matchless socks, the ground is covered with colorful hairbands, pens grow from the ground like flowers, random buttons dot the bushes, the … [Read more...] about Where the Lost Things Are
The 2 Dollar Date – Complete with Mints on the Pillow!
Yesterday my mom called me up and asked if Ryan and I wanted to go on a date because she and my dad would be willing to come and watch Noah. LOVE HER!!!!!!! But date nights are a tricky thing! Ryan and I are always eager to find ways to go out and have a great time together - without having to … [Read more...] about The 2 Dollar Date – Complete with Mints on the Pillow!
Zucchini Magic
Does anyone else think that this basket of zucchini is the most glorious sight ever?!?! It's summertime and the livin' is easy because zucchini is in season!!!!!! I can't get Noah to eat any green vegetables except for zucchini! He LOVES zucchini! So I decided to blog about it in honor of him. … [Read more...] about Zucchini Magic
First Day Letter from my Mom of the Universe!
One of my FAVORITIST Back-to-School traditions that MY mom did for me when I was growing up was a note every year on the first day. I still remember the first time I stumbled upon my mom's First Day of School note. It was the first day of kindergarten. I was wearing sunshine yellow shorts and a … [Read more...] about First Day Letter from my Mom of the Universe!
Marriage and Laughter
Last night Ryan and I spent the evening watching our favorite summer program, So You Think You Can Dance, and playing a board game called Last Word. By the end of the night we were in tears from laughing so hard at all of the silly responses we had to the board game. It was heaven! I thought, Now … [Read more...] about Marriage and Laughter
Teachers Need a Lunch Pail Too
Last year when August rolled around, instead of beginning my 5th year of teaching 2nd grade, I had the ultimate privilege and joy of continuing what had become my new favorite job - being a stay-at-home-Mommy to my son, Noah. But I am a teacher at heart. I love freshly sharpened pencils and could … [Read more...] about Teachers Need a Lunch Pail Too
Except For When…
When I was growing up I developed this deep need to be perfect - to do everything perfectly and say everything perfectly. Being a people-pleaser, I never wanted others to be upset with me, so I just tried to be perfect all the time so as not to rock the boat. As I grew in my walk with the Lord, I … [Read more...] about Except For When…
First Day Snapshots
The first day of school is the perfect day for capturing memories on camera! When your little back-to-schooler is dressed in his/her crisp new clothes and is sporting his/her brand new backpack, take a picture of them standing by your front door. Or your could change the location and take the … [Read more...] about First Day Snapshots
Candy Countdown
I just found this sweet idea at Everything Moms! Her Happy Buddy is sooooo excited about preschool that she decided to start counting down NOW. She got a simple glass jar, wrote SCHOOL DAY across the front and then let him decorate it with school themed stickers (You can find these at Target). She … [Read more...] about Candy Countdown
Back to School Treasure Hunt
While at Wal-Mart the other day I noticed that their school supplies were on mega sale! A 24-count box of Crayola crayons was just 29 cents! I suddenly felt an urge to buy 600 boxes! I mean, who can resist the smell of a brand new box of crayons? That smell was definitely one of my favorite … [Read more...] about Back to School Treasure Hunt
“Pudding” on a Happy Face
I loooooooooooooooooooved pudding when I was a kid. In the summer, my mom would occasionally make pudding as a special treat for after dinner. She'd mix up the vanilla powder with the creamy milk and pour it into fancy glass bowls so that we each had our own special portion in our own special … [Read more...] about “Pudding” on a Happy Face
Sweat and Contentment
Noah and I decided to visit our local Wal-Mart yesterday. As we closed the door to our house and walked toward the car, I was immediately perspiring. Carrying my 24 lb man-baby and a rather large diaper bag, I grumbled to myself, "Holy moly it's HOT out here!!! Why did I bother taking a shower … [Read more...] about Sweat and Contentment
Kickball in the Dark
On a few random nights throughout the summer, my parents would announce at the time when we normally would be going to bed, that we would be going out to play a family game of kickball instead. My dad was the music director for our church which was just one block away from our home in New Jersey. … [Read more...] about Kickball in the Dark