I’m always excited when I receive an email about an opportunity to review a new book. Most of my excitement is because I get to read a new book (if you’re a bibliophile like me then you’ll understand this). However, some of my excitement is because I didn’t choose the book—it’s often a book that I would not have picked up on my own! This means … [Read more...] about Book Review: Your Marriage Today…And Tomorrow
How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
A number of celebrities have committed suicide in the last several months. This has turned the spotlight to the topic of mental illness. While I wish the suicides hadn’t happened, it is a good thing that people are thinking about and talking about mental illness. Why is this? Mental illnesses carry a stigma that most physical conditions … [Read more...] about How to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Your Community
2017-2018 Homeschool Year in Review
We will soon be wrapping up our first year of homeschooling! This past year I provided a casual, play-based preschool experience for my oldest daughter. As promised, I’m going to let you know what materials worked for us and provide some reflections on our experience. First, I’ll share the things that worked for us. I’ll then share the … [Read more...] about 2017-2018 Homeschool Year in Review
10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
There’s something about seeing a pregnant woman that seems to loosen tongues. I’m not sure why it is, but people seem to throw off all restraint and say whatever is on their minds. This obviously isn’t beneficial to expectant mothers. Thankfully, each of us can exercise restraint and choose to say uplifting things instead of things like … [Read more...] about 10 Things You Shouldn’t Tell a Pregnant Woman
Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
It’s no secret that I enjoy Christmas music. In fact, I enjoy it so much that sometimes I’ll listen to it in the middle of the summer. I haven’t done that yet this year, but when I was listening to it last winter I noticed that there are a number of Christmas songs that aren’t all that Christmassy. What I mean by this is that the lyrics aren’t … [Read more...] about Christmas in July: Christmas Songs that Are Great for Year-Round Listening
8 of the Best Snacks for Pregnant Women
At certain points during pregnancy, I tend to feel really hungry. I’ll want to snack throughout the whole day. Unfortunately, unrestrained snacking isn’t good for mom or baby, so I have to put the brakes on and be judicious about what I eat. I may desire foods like pretzels, cookies, and ice cream, but these aren’t the best … [Read more...] about 8 of the Best Snacks for Pregnant Women
Lemon Berry Popsicles
It doesn’t matter if folks are age 2 or 92, popsicles seem to be a big hit during the hot summer months! We’re in the midst of these hot months, so it’s no surprise that my girls have been asking for popsicles for snack. It would be easiest to grab a box of these while grocery shopping, but popsicles made with real fruit tend to be … [Read more...] about Lemon Berry Popsicles
Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
We get so carried away with red, white, and blue desserts, parades, picnics, and fireworks that it’s easy to forget that the 4th of July isn’t just a day for relaxing. It’s Independence Day—a day for celebrating our nation’s history, namely our independence from the British Empire. When I look at the political section of the news these … [Read more...] about Avoiding Discouragement in Our Volatile Political Climate
