A simple, easy meal from scratch – caprese pasta, roasted brussel sprouts and breadsticks

The air had been heavy with rain all morning before it finally drenched our home and yard. It didn’t stop the kids from wanting to go out and play, who could blame them? The cool rain held promises of summer holding out just a little bit longer, and so we did just that….summer things. I let the dough rise in the kitchen while I captured mom moments. You know…the moments of a home filled with little ones, a house creaking and groaning under the weight of so many toys, millions of loads of laundry, and kids slamming the front door.  …

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A Day in the Life of a School Teacher

Wowza! Who’s ready to go teach today? Teaching IS one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs on the planet. I speak from experience. And what people say about teachers being underpaid and overworked…Yes it is TRUE! There is no other job where you get to teach the subject you love, be a like a parent to a bunch of kiddos, be a disciplinarian, be stern yet loving, be going a million miles a minute, be entertaining, be challenging, be inspiring, be a shoulder to cry on, be a club sponsor, and the list could go on and on. I rarely had my …

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Are You Kidding? 4 Organization Tips to Keep You Sane

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23. Lauren, my daughter, looked across the kitchen as I unloaded the dishwasher one morning. Instead of putting the dishes in the cabinets, I set them on the table for dinner. “Are you kidding?” she laughed. “Mom, you really do things ahead of time.” For a few months several years ago, Lauren, her husband, and two young boys stayed with us while they house shopped. During that time, Lauren got a bird’s eye view of the organization tips that kept me sane when she and …

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A School Time Prayer

Father God, as I place my kids in the care of their school I pray Your hand of safety and guidance surround them. Help them to develop a love for learning. Give their teachers wisdom in how best to inspire a love for knowing. May their desire to know draw them closer to You. Father be with the other kids in their classes. May my kids be lights of encouragement to all the kids in their classes. Help them to treat others how they would want to be treated. May they point others to Your love and kindness. When they …

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When Your Child’s Path Looks Bumpy

On the night before he began kindergarten, my youngest son, Joshua, announced he’d “rather go to jail” than go to school. His big brother mumbled something sarcastic about the prison bars in the principal’s office, while his sisters attempted to soothe Joshua’s anxieties by pointing out the perks of being a kindergartener. “Did you know that when you lose a tooth at school you get to bring it home in a tiny treasure box?” my daughter Hannah asked. Joshua grinned and poked his finger in his mouth to check for loose teeth. But when it was time to brush those …

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Tips for Parents of Kindergartners

This week my twin girls start kindergarten. How did they get to be so big? Somehow, in five years my bubbly babies have grown into little girls. While this mama is a little sad, I’m also so excited to parent them through this new stage of life. While we are getting them ready to go back-to-school, I’m trying to be proactive with what to expect this year in both their development and school. I’ve asked a friend who does “Mommy School” with her five year old and our Preschool Minister at church for some tips on parenting kindergartners, and today …

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Overnight Oatmeal Casserole (Gluten Free)

Moms around the world, suit up–it’s time. Moms around the world, suit up–it’s time. School starts & we’ve got help! Click To Tweet School is starting. While some of you may be jumping for joy, many of you may be bawling because you, me–we STRUGGLE with routines, baking, and getting every child out the door on time. Either way, I have a sure to please recipe that is not only healthy but a great way to start your day tomorrow. It is a gluten free baked oatmeal recipe. You have the option of putting it all together early in the morning or prepping …

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The One Word That Will Revolutionize Your School Year

    It’s that time of year again. Every other commercial is advertising back-to-school sales, store aisles are packed with parents holding lists and mumbling to themselves, and kids are trying to figure out a great hiding spot where no one can find them and drag them away from their swimming pools, video games, and late-sleeping, warm beds.    It’s school time! I have always loved September, even when I was a kid and that meant my freedom would soon be over. September means the air will be a little more crisp, routine will return (because I am such a …

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Rest for Today

  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Come. Don’t worry about your hair, your clothes, those dishes piled in the sink. Just come. Are your children are fighting you every step of the way? Come. Do you feel like all of your life is a battle? I have given you armor. I am your …

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Times Tables and Shoelaces: Living with Weaknesses

“What is…4×12?” the app asked my daughter. 48….I will her to answer correctly. “Absolutely brilliant! All your answers were correct!” And my heart longs to hear those words. “Absolutely brilliant! All your answers were correct! You are the best mom with the best kids in the world.” But, I wonder if I can even teach my kids their multiplication tables much less how to love God with their lives. I mean my seven-year-old still can’t tie his shoes! And, how on God’s lovely green earth do I teach my kids that they are not entitled to data phones or days …

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