Are you a maid or a mom? The answer to that question really matters when it comes to figuring out how to get children doing chores regularly. A maid serves. She does all of the work because it’s less frustrating than figuring out how in the world to get her kids to pitch in. A mom trains. She knows that if she doesn’t, she’ll be wearing that maid’s uniform forever. I’ve seen it in my own house with my kids—if they know I’ll…
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 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…
I hear it from moms everywhere I go, I’m just not a good mom. No matter how hard I try, I am not the mom I want to be. I messed up again, today. I know how you feel. There were many days, especially when my children were toddlers and teens, that I felt like I had missed the mark. But as my children have gotten older — I’ve gained perspective. I have learned from hindsight and I want to…
“Here you go again…” “Maybe if you didn’t always…” “Let’s not forget it was you who…” These are scripts of unforgiveness that inflamed many an otherwise common argument in my marriage. The phrases were hot coals left smoldering from past unforgiveness. While small statements, they packed such heat that when thrust into an argument the fire invariably burned and wounded the relationship far more than the initial argument warranted. There have been times Mark and I have hurt each other deeply…
Every picture on Instagram tells a story about life. Or does it? Recently, we were on a family ski vacation in Park City, Utah. It was gorgeous, and especially so to us because we live in Florida sans snow, mountains, and views of anything but water. Being an early bird who relishes quiet morning moments with God and coffee, I was enjoying our pristine panoramic view by a roaring fire when two sleepy beauties approached with their coffee and plopped…