About two weeks ago, we got a phone call from my husband’s cousin and his wife. They were letting us know that they were on their way to our house (they live in Louisiana and were evacuating because of Hurricane Ida). Once my kids went to bed, I jumped into action: I quickly wiped down the bathroom, I made sure clean towels were available, I … [Read more...] about Hospitality in an Imperfect Home
September 2021 Dinner Menu
We are in one of the most challenging times of the year for us in terms of weather. As I’m typing this, I’m watching coverage of damage left by Hurricane Ida. I was planning to post this menu yesterday, but I didn’t get it finished because we had family evacuate Louisiana and come here on Saturday. Spending time with them is more important … [Read more...] about September 2021 Dinner Menu
Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
When I clean our bathrooms, I clean the fixtures in particular ways. When I fold laundry, I fold the clothes in particular ways. When I get my kids ready for bed, we complete the bedtime tasks in a particular order. It will likely come as no surprise that, when he helps around the house, my husband doesn’t use the same approaches that I … [Read more...] about Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
Kids and Cookbooks: A Strategy for Getting Kids to Try New Foods
Like many of their peers, my kids are picky eaters. They love some foods that are generally well liked among kids including pizza and chicken fingers. However, when it comes to other foods, they often don’t want to eat a single bite! The funny thing with them is that they often decide they don’t like a food even though they’ve never … [Read more...] about Kids and Cookbooks: A Strategy for Getting Kids to Try New Foods
How to Make Healthier Pizza
When I think of healthy foods, pizza isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind. However, when I’m planning a menu and ask my kids what they’d like for me to put on it, pizza is pretty much always the first thing that comes to their minds! Thankfully, there are little things that we can do to prepare flavorful, nutrient-packed … [Read more...] about How to Make Healthier Pizza
15 Bible Verses to Encourage Kids as They Go Back to School
The summer has flown by and it is already back-to-school season. Kids experience numerous emotions as they get ready to head back into the classroom—excitement, anxiety, enthusiasm, unease, etc. This emotional roller coaster may be especially intense this year given that last year was so unusual and this year is cloaked in uncertainty because … [Read more...] about 15 Bible Verses to Encourage Kids as They Go Back to School
Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini
I have a love-hate relationship with slow cooker recipes. They are so convenient to prepare but I find that many taste somewhat bland and contain certain components that are mushy (it’s hard to cook veggies and meats well when they are all in one pot at one temperature). Nevertheless, I’ve been using my slow cooker at least once per week in … [Read more...] about Slow Cooker Meatball Tortellini
How to Help Kids Willingly Get Rid of Old Toys
Regardless of how many toys my kids have or how much they mature and no longer need toys designed for babies and young toddlers, they almost always resist the idea of getting rid of their old toys. However, they can’t hang on to all of their toys forever! When it’s time to get rid of some toys, there are a couple of approaches I can take. One … [Read more...] about How to Help Kids Willingly Get Rid of Old Toys
