HOPE

April 27, 2013

On a busy road near my home, there is a billboard that has suddenly been changed from its advertisment for auto insurance to one big word: HOPELESS. After driving by it a few times—and inadvertently letting out a long sigh each time—I started to imagine vandalizing it.  What if I persuaded my daughter Louisa to [...]

Read the full article →

No-Drama Mama

April 23, 2013

Spilled milk Fierce lightening storms Lost shoes on Sunday morning A snake on the bathroom floor My first little guy quickly taught me that if Mom skrieks, that’s the signal for the child to cry and be afraid.  And you’ve doubled your trouble. Eventually, I was forced to learn to smile, say “nice snake!” and [...]

Read the full article →

Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen

April 12, 2013

Nobody knows, but Jesus. That’s the way it is, friends. The last year has been an exquisitely painful “growing time”. I can hear my mother’s voice from my childhood: “What doesn’t kill you will make you strong.” Yep, I’m still alive. Everyone gets their turn, of this I am certain. But no one is waiting [...]

Read the full article →

Take Time

April 10, 2013

Take Time Take time to hold me on your lap, To joke with me and make me laugh; Take time, Mommy; this time will go so fast. Take time to give me extra hugs, To teach me a nursery rhyme or song; Take time, Mommy; I won’t be little long. Take time to tuck me [...]

Read the full article →

My $164 Lesson

April 8, 2013

When we bought our new dishwasher, the salesman—and the nice glossy advertising posters and brochure—assured us that there was no need to rinse dishes, that there was a “soft food disposal” built into this top-of-the-line model, along with a pot scrubber feature and this dishwasher was going to end all our dishwashing woes forever.  I [...]

Read the full article →

April Fool!

March 28, 2013

Hello! April Fool’s Day is just around the corner, and you definitely need some planning time, Mom!  I am re-running one of my most popular blog posts to give you some ideas to get ready!  Have fun! Diane Here comes one of the “funnest” holidays! I make the most of April Fool’s Day, because it [...]

Read the full article →

Wedding Bells for Mark!

March 27, 2013

Wedding bells are finally ringing for my son Mark (32), who has waited a long, long time for his true love!  And the sweet girl he will marry this Friday is well worth waiting for! Jessie is a first grade schoolteacher and just as bright and cheery as her very red hair! Just sharing my [...]

Read the full article →

Easy Advent Calendar

December 4, 2012

Granddaughter Rachel with her mama’s creative stocking advent calendar! Here’s an exciting way for kids to count off the days to Christmas!  Simply safety pin Christmas socks up on the line.  The kids can help you make it. You can buy them at the dollar store in a variety of designs and sizes.  It’s easy and [...]

Read the full article →

Pumpkin Pie and Ice Cream, Sugar Free!

November 19, 2012

It’s that pumpkin time of year! “Better-than-Libby’s” Pumpkin Pie (Sugar Free) 2 cups cooked pumpkin (use a “sugar pumpkin” from your garden, or the grocery store, or use one 15 oz can or half of the big 29 oz. can, which is about 1 3/4 cups—still works) 2 large eggs 1/3 cup honey 10 drops [...]

Read the full article →

Take Apart Toys for Your Little Guy

November 16, 2012

This Year’s Best Toys! Have you got a little boy that loves to turn a screwdriver?  I wish these toys had been around for my little guys! These take-apart vehicles are ranked as the #1 construction toy and I know why. It is so fun to actually build something! Take it apart, then use the [...]

Read the full article →