This Christmas, I’ll only have a few simple gifts to prop under the tree for each family member. But my life is overflowing with rich bounty, and my heart is overflowing with thankfulness. Thankfulness that my children will all be under our roof together, after I pick up my eldest from the bus station this afternoon. Thankfulness that […]
Every December we drag out a large box of unique book reports that my daughters began compiling many moons ago. Why would we revisit a crate full of elementary- and middle-school book reports every yuletide season? Because they aren’t chicken-scratch-filled, wide-ruled papers exuding uninteresting details of easy-reader books that no one will ever read again. They’re origami ocean creatures, Shrinky Dink Anne Shirleys, mini Sculpey clay cakes that
Unique Yuletide Book Reports… yes, book reports Read More »
Warning: the history or whoopie pies and recipe and all the can’t-resist calories that accompany this knowledge follow below. A Delicious Solution. A few nights ago I wanted something chocolate. (Who am I kidding? That’s every night.) She wanted something decadent. But neither of us wanted to spend long in the kitchen, because we had all christened the
Whoopie Pies in a Cookie You Can Make Tonight Read More »
So there we were, following God’s direction. (Read my last post for the full scoop.) He was wiping off OUR desires and writing HIS desires on our hearts. (Psalm 37:4) With indelible letters. The first day of our long journey to our new life, I discovered a verse that was new to me. It eventually became
Following Directions (part 2) Read More »
Following God’s lead in your life is a hard concept, on every level. And our family’s move from suburbia to rural life was a very long, difficult one. But one thing I know, from (reluctant) personal experience, again and again? If you want God’s direction in your life, ask. Truth is, He directs us even
Our move from suburbia to rural life Read More »
Most of the leaves had given in to the pull of last week’s showers to abandon their perches. Some were happy to ride along with gentle fall breezes this weekend to become crisp carpet under our Bean boots and the ducks’ webbed swaying. The ones that remain have all chosen to agree in beautiful auburn
A Family Tradition: Our Thankful Tree Read More »
As I jammed the plant stems into brown paper bags, I doubted my attempt at drying herbs in a paper bag would be fruitful. But when late-summer nights ushered in chilly thoughts and earlier evenings, I knew I had to do something with my daughters’ plethora of herbs before Frost made them worthless with her silver-coated, suffocating touch. DISCLOSURE: This
5 Simple Steps to Drying Herbs in a Paper Bag Read More »
When we, as parents and teenagers together, roll up our sleeves and delve into a project around our homestead, everyone tends to be pleasantly surprised at the outcomes.
5 Reasons We Should Tackle a Project With Our Teens Read More »
Planning a family leaf peeping trip this weekend? Or would you just like a great excuse to get outside and enjoy a beautiful fall day with your child or grandchild? These photography tips are for you! ♥ DISCLOSURE:This post contains affiliate links. ♥ As the American poet, William Cullen Bryant, so perfectly professed, Autumn is “the year’s last loveliest smile.” Why
5 Simple Photography Tips for Amazing Fall Photos Read More »
My 12-year-old and I enjoyed learning new Photography Tips in our self-guided mini Summer Photo Challenge. She was deeply intrigued in the beginning, which revolved around a lazy July morning. I suggested we each take some pictures–a Mother/Daughter Photo Challenge–using some interesting techniques. My young author listened eagerly, immediately seeing potential for improving her blog posts. (Yes, my 12-year-old
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