Yesterday I picked Lucy up from her Critter Barn camp, and the first thing she said—before even buckling her seatbelt—was, “Can we please have a playdate with my new friend?” I smiled and asked what any mom would: “What’s your friend’s name?” She looked at me, shrugged both shoulders high with a sheepish grin, and… Continue reading The Heart Before the Name
Tag: childhood
Holding On, Letting Grow
There’s something so sacred about this in-between space—the space where your child is growing up right before your eyes, but still reaching for your hand. Lucy just turned six. And lately, I’ve felt the quiet shift—these small but powerful signs of her becoming. She can now pour the milk from the fridge all on her… Continue reading Holding On, Letting Grow
Our Favorite Faith-Based Storybooks (That Aren’t Cheesy)
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes mid-story while reading a children’s devotional or Christian picture book, you’re not alone. We’re a Jesus-loving family who also appreciates good writing, beautiful illustrations, and books that speak to children’s hearts without sounding like a PowerPoint presentation. Over the years, we’ve found some gems—books that actually move us, inspire… Continue reading Our Favorite Faith-Based Storybooks (That Aren’t Cheesy)
🌱 When They Don’t Need You… As Much
This morning, I caught a moment that stopped me in my tracks—Lucy, stepstool in place, reaching into the fridge to grab the milk all on her own. No help needed. No “Momma, can you…?” Just confidence, independence, and quiet capability. It was such a simple thing. But it whispered something deeper: She’s growing. It’s what… Continue reading 🌱 When They Don’t Need You… As Much
🌤️ He Painted the Sky Just for You
“Momma, did you see the beautiful clouds God made for you today?” That’s what Lucy asked me the other day, and I nearly melted into a puddle of love right there. She wasn’t just pointing out a pretty sky—she was offering me a glimpse into her heart, and into the faith that’s quietly taking root… Continue reading 🌤️ He Painted the Sky Just for You
📚 Words That Paint Pictures: Why Vocabulary-Rich Books Matter
There’s a quiet magic that happens when a child is immersed in quality literature. It’s not flashy or loud—it’s subtle and steady, like a stream that carves out beauty over time. And if you listen closely, that magic starts showing up in the way they speak, the way they think, the way they see the… Continue reading 📚 Words That Paint Pictures: Why Vocabulary-Rich Books Matter
The “Tooty” Shapes Lesson
There are days when homeschooling feels like magic—and sometimes, that magic sounds a little like… tooty. 😆 Lucy and I were working through a math lesson on two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional shapes. Every time I read the phrase “2D,” she started giggling uncontrollably. I kept going, but her laughter just kept growing. Finally, I paused and… Continue reading The “Tooty” Shapes Lesson
Delayed, Detoured, and Deeply Grateful: A Travel Tale with a Twist
Well… we almost made it home smoothly. 😂 Our travel plans were cancelled, rebooked, rescheduled, delayed, re-delayed, flipped inside out, and spun around more times than a toddler in a swivel chair. We left our dreamy vacation in Mexico only to be told—surprise!—our flight was cancelled. 😑 Then: ✈️ New flight booked for the next… Continue reading Delayed, Detoured, and Deeply Grateful: A Travel Tale with a Twist
The Gift of a Birthday: Celebrating Who They Are, Not Just How Old They Are
Birthdays in our home aren’t just about getting older—they’re about honoring the unique light God placed in our children. Today, our sweet Lucy turns six, and while she’s growing taller and wiser by the minute, it’s not just the number that makes us pause and celebrate—it’s who she is becoming. We still do some presents,… Continue reading The Gift of a Birthday: Celebrating Who They Are, Not Just How Old They Are
Learning Never Stops: How We Keep Little Minds Engaged All Year Long
While many families take a full break from school in the summer, our rhythm is a little different. In our home, learning is a lifestyle—something we nurture year-round, even on vacation. 🌎✈️ No, we’re not pulling out worksheets on the beach or doing multiplication flashcards by the pool. But most days—whether we’re home or away—Lucy… Continue reading Learning Never Stops: How We Keep Little Minds Engaged All Year Long
Raising Light 