Store shelves are overflowing with paper, pencils, and notebooks. The aisles are teeming with parents who are trying to fulfill long lists of school supplies. This sounds like a scene I’d like to avoid! I won’t avoid it entirely, though. I have minimal need for school supplies because my kids are young and we homeschool the only one who … [Read more...] about Find Deals on Everyday Items During Back-to-School Sales
15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
I know so many individuals who are hurting right now. The reasons vary (miscarriage of a baby, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.), but all of these folks are feeling pain and need both comfort and hope. Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words when I interact with someone who is hurting. I don’t know what I could possibly say that would … [Read more...] about 15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
Super Easy Beef and Rice Casserole
Sometimes a recipe catches my attention because it sounds like it’ll result in a delicious dish or because it calls for unique ingredients. On the other hand, sometimes a recipe catches my attention because it sounds like it’ll yield an easy-to-prepare meal. This recipe definitely falls into the latter category! There’s nothing flashy or … [Read more...] about Super Easy Beef and Rice Casserole
Book Review: Your Marriage Today…And Tomorrow
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
