Don’t Make a Mountain out of a Molehill

So after school today one of my son’s friends told him that I was the coolest mom ever.  Why?  Because I didn’t get mad when Austin somewhat inconvenienced me.Now I can tell you that there have been many times that I didn’t handle that kind...

Fair, But Not Equal

So tonight we had a discipline issue at our house.  After getting in trouble, Boy #1 said something about his brother to the effect of, “He never gets in trouble for doing this, but I always do.”  Now we often have trouble with Boy #1 with this...

Spring Break Ideas for Moms

It’s Spring Break season…If you are not planning on making a trip to some warm, tropical getaway during the week of Spring Break, think about some of the things you’ve been wanting to take the time to teach the kids.  Consider also some of the places...

Growing Grateful Kids

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know a wonderful mom from Minnesota.  Susie Larson first spoke at a Hearts at Home conference several years ago.  We connected as speakers first, but quickly found out that we had alot in common as moms.Susie has...

Life is changing…

Last weekend was the first time I ever went shopping for an outfit to wear for the upcoming Hearts at Home conference without having one of my daughters weigh in on the decision.  Two weeks ago we moved Erica down to Augusta, Georgia, to be near Kendall at Ft....

But God Knew…

Dear Kolya,Sixteen years ago today a mother labored to bring you into this world.  She knew she didn’t have the ability to raise you, but she lovingly gave you life.  She didn’t know what your life would look like.But God knew.Sixteen years ago...

I Don’t Want My Children To Be Happy

Occasionally I run across a post on another blog that I just absolutely have to share.  Please click here and read Missy’s words in a post titled “I Don’t Want My Children To Be Happy.”  I couldn’t have said it any better. ...

To Save A Life

Lst weekend a friend told me about a Christian movie that came out that many youth groups were going to.  I hadn’t heard anything about it at all, but over the past week I heard more and more about this effective piece of media.Yesterday Mark and I decided...

Am I coming to your area?

I’ve got some upcoming speaking engagements…and I just might be coming to your area!  Each of these are open to the public.Note the Feb 6 parenting event….if you’ve ever wanted your husband to experience a little bit of Hearts at Home, or...

There’s light at the end of the tunnel!

So tonight my newly married daughter, Erica, accompanied me to a speaking engagement in Morris, IL. After it was over and we were packing up the book table she said, “You did a great job tonight, Mom. I think the last time I helped you (which was a couple of...

A Different Dream for My Child

As a parent of older children, I’ve learned that my older children may not share the dream I personally have for their life. Coming to grips with the reality of that is an essential part of letting go and launching them into adulthood.But what if the...

“Plugged In” is a great resource for parents

When our kids started wanting to go to movies with their friends, Mark and I discovered Focus on the Family’s “Plugged In” Resource. We subscribed to the monthly magazine and tapped into their online movie and video reviews. In fact, our kids soon...

The "why" behind our cell phone decision

Yesterday, a blog friend asked why my husband and I feel cell phones are “bad” for our kids. I’d like to share with you the “why” behind our decision.First, we don’t think cell phones are necessarily bad for kids. We just...

Life is So Unfair!

So my 13-year-old son wants the world to know that he is the ONLY kid in 8th grade who doesn’t have a cell phone. I told him I was happy to tell the world for him. After all, I think it’s only fair for people to know how unfair Mark and I are to our children. And...