There is something so beautiful about older siblings teaching younger ones. Not going to lie—sometimes it looks a little like the blind leading the blind, 😂 but for the most part, it’s an incredible blessing. The older learns compassion and patience (whether they like it or not), and the younger soaks up every word in… Continue reading When Siblings Become Teachers
Tag: childhood
Sometimes They Just Want Us
As summer winds down and our hybrid school routine looms on the horizon, I’ve been intentional about carving out days for Lucy’s imagination to lead the way. One day a week, she gets to choose what we do (among mom-approved options, of course 😉), and we follow her lead. This week, I was fully expecting… Continue reading Sometimes They Just Want Us
A Homeschool Hybrid That Feels Like the Best of Both Worlds
Last night was Lucy’s Meet the Teacher Night, and I couldn’t help but feel so thankful for the unique path we’ve found in her education. While I homeschool Lucy at home, she also attends a local Christian Homeschool Connection Program one day a week. It’s the perfect hybrid that gives her both the freedom and… Continue reading A Homeschool Hybrid That Feels Like the Best of Both Worlds
🏖️Sand, Sandwiches, and Sunshine
There’s something magical about a simple beach day. No grand plans, no complicated logistics—just sand, sandwiches, and sunshine. That’s exactly what God gave us today. We spent the afternoon with friends, and it was everything I didn’t know I needed. I had some much-needed grown-up conversation with another parent (the kind that fills your cup),… Continue reading 🏖️Sand, Sandwiches, and Sunshine
🧺Because I Said Yes: A Picnic, Some Petunias, and the Gift of a Simple Day
This morning while we were out walking the dogs, Lucy looked up at me and asked the sweetest, most specific little question: “Mom, can we come back here this afternoon and have a picnic?” There was no reason to say no. No schedule to outrun, no deadline more important than this invitation. So I said… Continue reading 🧺Because I Said Yes: A Picnic, Some Petunias, and the Gift of a Simple Day
Lead with Laughter: The Power of Playing Games with Your Kids
As a former dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how leadership and play go hand in hand. One of my favorite stories comes from a longtime park ranger who observed wolf packs over the course of his career. Of all the alpha males he tracked, the most successful—the one who led the longest and raised the… Continue reading Lead with Laughter: The Power of Playing Games with Your Kids
Pancakes, Pencils, and the Joy of Learning at Home
There’s something sacred about learning together at home. Whether you’re a full-time homeschool family or just sitting down after dinner to help with homework, there’s a beauty in showing up—present, patient (most days 😅), and willing to turn the ordinary into something meaningful. At our house, we try to sprinkle joy over even the most… Continue reading Pancakes, Pencils, and the Joy of Learning at Home
Strong Starts: Our Daily Vitamin Routine (And Why None of Them Are Gummies)
There’s nothing “basic” about our morning vitamin routine over here. I’ve spent years researching what goes into Lucy’s little body—and just as much time making sure we’re not adding things that don’t belong. A daily lineup of power-packed goodness! One of the biggest things I steer clear of? Gummy vitamins. Yes, they’re cute. Yes, they’re… Continue reading Strong Starts: Our Daily Vitamin Routine (And Why None of Them Are Gummies)
Kicks, Confidence, and Conversations: Lucy’s Soccer Camp Debut
This week, Lucy tried something brand new: **soccer camp!**⚽️☀️ One of the best parts of parenting is watching our kids bravely try new things just to see what might spark. We’ve done gymnastics, dance, karate, tennis, and swimming—and while not every activity sticks, the courage to keep trying is the spark that matters most. But… Continue reading Kicks, Confidence, and Conversations: Lucy’s Soccer Camp Debut
One Chart, Two Homes: A Blended Family Strategy That’s Working Wonders
In blended families, even the most well-intentioned routines can feel like emotional whiplash for our kids. Different rules, different rhythms, different expectations—it’s a lot. And while it’s okay that every household runs differently, it’s also okay to admit that the inconsistency can be tough on our kids. Recently, we noticed that Anderson seemed a bit… Continue reading One Chart, Two Homes: A Blended Family Strategy That’s Working Wonders
Raising Light 