A few years ago I wrote a post about the importance of grandparents. I noted in that post that grandparents have a wealth of knowledge that they can pass along to their grandkids and that they help connect grandkids to their history. Given kids can learn so many things from their grandparents, perhaps it is best not to take a laissez-faire … [Read more...] about 40 Questions for Kids to Ask Their Grandparents
Strengthening Family
5 Things I’ve Learned from Watching My Parents Interact with My Kids
We recently had the pleasure of having my parents visit for a little over a week. My kids adore their Grandma and Mebop (their name for grandpa), so it’s always special when we can all be together. As I watched my parents interact with my kids during this last visit, I realized that there are a number of life lessons that I can learn … [Read more...] about 5 Things I’ve Learned from Watching My Parents Interact with My Kids
4 Wonderful Things About Interracial Families
I’ve heard a few mixed-race adults discuss the race-related challenges they experienced while growing up. For example, some struggled with identity, feeling like they didn’t really belong. Others were teased or felt misunderstood. I’m hopeful that my own children (who are mixed) will never feel this way. There are several reasons why I … [Read more...] about 4 Wonderful Things About Interracial Families
Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
As my family has grown in number, it has become challenging to practice hospitality. It is especially tricky when we want to welcome a large family into our home for a meal. Where will everyone sit? Can we afford to feed everyone? Do I even have enough bowls for everyone to use? Thankfully, with a little advanced planning, I’ve been … [Read more...] about Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
26 White Elephant Gifts from Around the House
Pretty much every year of my adult life I’ve attended at least one holiday gathering where there was a white elephant gift exchange. Though the specific details vary, most of these have involved the exchange of silly, strange, or humorous gifts. I often scramble around the house a day or two before a white elephant gift exchange in an … [Read more...] about 26 White Elephant Gifts from Around the House
12 Bible Verses to Encourage Grandparents
Grandparents play an invaluable role in the lives of their grandkids. However, parents and grandchildren rarely take the time to honor and encourage the grandparents in their lives. Though we should do this throughout the year, we have a specific reminder to do so every September on Grandparents Day (this holiday is held annually on the first … [Read more...] about 12 Bible Verses to Encourage Grandparents
Grandparenting is Great Because of Perspective
I’m honored that today’s post is a guest contribution from my father, Roland Thiel. He wrote this piece a few years ago to express why he loves being a grandfather. Though he never intended for it to be a blog post, he sent it to me a few weeks ago and asked if I would like to share it here. I think many of you will appreciate it, especially … [Read more...] about Grandparenting is Great Because of Perspective
6 Air Mattress Alternatives
I’m so thankful that my family’s home is large enough that we are able to use one bedroom as a guest room. However, sometimes one guest room isn’t enough to accommodate all of our guests! For example, my husband’s youngest brother and his girlfriend came for a short visit a couple of weeks ago. Their visit happened to coincide with a visit … [Read more...] about 6 Air Mattress Alternatives
