When it comes to raising children, one of the most important lessons we can teach them is how to protect themselves. Lucy goes to karate, where she’s learning incredible skills that build not only strength but also confidence. But beyond class, the real learning often happens at home—through conversations and role-play. One of Lucy’s favorite… Continue reading Teaching Our Children the Power of Self-Defense
Tag: intentional
Harmony at Home: How Classical Music Shapes Our Homeschool Days
Homeschooling is one of the greatest joys of my life—and one of the hardest careers I’ve ever taken on. People sometimes assume it’s “easier” than working outside the home, but let me tell you, the amount of patience required could rival that of a monk. Some days, I joke that it should count as an… Continue reading Harmony at Home: How Classical Music Shapes Our Homeschool Days
Don’t Let Kids Eat Off the “Kids Menu”
Let’s be honest—most “kids menus” at restaurants are a recipe for a lifetime of obesity and diabetes. Chicken nuggets, fried everything, mac and cheese with zero nutritional value, fries on repeat, and maybe (if you’re lucky) a side of applesauce drowning in sugar. Vegetables? Nowhere in sight. And don’t even get me started on the… Continue reading Don’t Let Kids Eat Off the “Kids Menu”
Scot Anderson & Soft Parenting: Why Gentle Isn’t Enough
Parenting is full of buzzwords these days—gentle parenting, soft parenting, free-range parenting. Each promises a better way, but not all deliver what they claim. One voice I’ve come to trust on this subject is Scot Anderson, lead pastor at Living Word Bible Church and creator of the Train Up A Parent program. I haven’t personally… Continue reading Scot Anderson & Soft Parenting: Why Gentle Isn’t Enough
Shining into Fourth Grade ✨
Today we’re celebrating a big milestone—Lucy has officially finished third grade academically and is beginning fourth grade! 📚💡 Her love of learning, her determination, and her curiosity have carried her here, and I couldn’t be more proud. Watching her snuggle into her books, ask thoughtful questions, and tackle challenges with a smile has been such… Continue reading Shining into Fourth Grade ✨
Reading: Pathways Beyond the Page
Reading is so much more than just reading. It’s a spark that lights up endless passages and pathways in the brain, creating connections that reach far beyond the page. Lately, I’ve had the joy of watching Lucy’s reading blossom into something even more incredible—cross-referencing. The other day, she was working on a journal prompt that… Continue reading Reading: Pathways Beyond the Page
First Day of 1st Grade – A Celebration of Confidence and Connection
The first day of school always feels like a milestone, but this year carried a special kind of joy for Lucy as she stepped into 1st grade. Last year was full of unknowns—new routines, new classrooms, new friends. She handled it beautifully, but there were naturally some jitters. This year, the difference was striking. Instead… Continue reading First Day of 1st Grade – A Celebration of Confidence and Connection
From “Have To” to “Get To”
Yesterday, during our homeschool “recess break,” I told Lucy we needed to do some deadheading in the garden. Her response? A very honest: “I don’t feel like doing that today.” To which I replied, “Me either. But taking care of our home is a way we can show our gratitude to God for blessing us… Continue reading From “Have To” to “Get To”
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
Holy Cheese Nibblits, Kids Really Do Hear Everything
A friend of mine recently watched Lucy for the afternoon. At one point, she had some music playing, and So What by Pink came on. She didn’t think much of it—Lucy loves music, and kids usually don’t notice or process the lyrics… right? Well, not Lucy. My friend said she kept peeking at Lucy in… Continue reading Holy Cheese Nibblits, Kids Really Do Hear Everything
Raising Light 