Have you ever made a bucket list? They are a fun and practical way that can help you connect with someone, and also something you can do in all phases of life, with all types of people that you love. A relationship bucket list isn’t just something that you want to tackle before you pass away—make it a game! Bucket lists encourage you to spend time with those whom you love, helps to create memories through having common experiences, and…
When Mark and I had young kids, I spent most of my time at home with the children. While being a mom was my main focus, I craved a creative outlet and I pretty much became a professional volunteer. Mark didn’t understand that. He couldn’t imagine why I’d want more on my plate. “You don’t get me!” I would say to him when he would try to talk me out of adding more to my life. He was trying to…
It is rather bold, I admit, to say that I have done it all when it comes to school options. But I have participated in almost every kind of schooling. I have had at least one of my five children in the following: Elementary school–public, private, private home, charter Middle School–public, private, public online, charter High School–public, public online, military, dual enrollment College–public, private It sounds crazy, but my kids are all crazy different. I have…
Are you a competitive person? The popularity of reality shows and sports attest to the fact that most of us enjoy the competitive aspect of an individual striving to be the best. Unfortunately, my competitive drive must be satiated as a spectator for I cannot sing, run, or come up with an idea innovative enough for Shark Tank. There is one exception. In this challenge, I can (and clearly I am commanded) to compete. Matthew, the apostle, must have been a…
Before we got married, Mark and I went to premarital counseling. At the first appointment the counselor gave us a test. At the second appointment we reviewed our results. Before he started the review the counselor asked us, “So, do you two have a date?” We answered, “Yes, on March 4th.” We were 6 months away. He then said something that should have alarmed me more than it did. He said, “Would you consider changing it?” The counselor then explained…
In every wedding, you will hear the “Do you?” questions. Do you take this man…? Do you promise to…? Perhaps, if you are like me, you have heard them so many times you almost tune them out. However, these questions and our affirmative “I do” commitment are the substance of what marriage is made of and cannot survive without. To love well, there are things we must do and don’t do in our marriage. The foundational list for how to love well…
When we bought our “forever” 1920’s house and spent a year renovating it, I remember thinking, It’s a shame I won’t ever do this again because I know so much more now that I have walked through the entire process. Now that my oldest child is 27 I am thinking the same thing, It’s a shame I won’t ever do this again because I know so much more now that I have walked through the entire process! I made some…