As I said good-bye to my Dad last week, I realized the huge whole he has left in my life. I knew it would be hard when he died, but even I didn’t understand how he had touched every area in my life. And just like my Dad taught me so much during his lifetime, he has taught me another lesson through his death. We don’t have to be perfect parents to leave a lasting positive legacy. Here are 4 ways to leave a lasting legacy as a parent that I learned from my Dad. [Read more…]
6 Life Areas to Balance for Real Personal Growth
I love the idea of balance. My husband likes to joke how much my side of the family is all about “everything in moderation.” And when it comes to personal growth, it can very beneficial to step back and look at our life from a distance. We may want to ask ourselves if there are any areas of our life that are hurting our personal development. If we are doing fabulous in most of our life but our family life or finances are a train wreck it will soon began to wreak havoc in other areas. Here are 6 life areas to balance for real personal growth. [Read more…]
3 Ways Humor and Laughter Bring Joy into the Home
Growing up my older brother was always the funny one. But really he isn’t. I am. OK, so maybe he is actually pretty funny, but I still feel that I was not fully appreciated. Perhaps its due to the fact that I can tend to be serious at times. But I have discovered that finding the fun in everyday life is pivotal . Humor is a vital element in creating an emotionally vibrant home. So here are 3 ways humor and laughter bring joy into the home! [Read more…]
3 Needs of the Introvert Teen
A while back, I was working with a mom who was attending one of the groups I teach. One issue in her life was that she tended to dislike schedules and often struggled to follow through in a timely manner. As I got to know her I could see that she was definitely a free spirit. We discussed how being more relaxed with a schedule is fine as long as you move a few things up the priority list that “have” to be done. But there was another concern. She described one of her daughters as “really good” but always “anxious.” The more I listened, I realized that the daughter was probably an introvert. And as an introvert, her needs were very different from her extrovert spontaneous mom. So what are 3 needs of the introvert teen? [Read more…]
Surviving a Blended Family Wedding
Last fall, our oldest married. When two people commit their lives together, it is truly a reverent occasion. And it’s always so special to see a bride transformed on her wedding day into the most beautiful woman in the room! But weddings can also be full of tension, stress and unfilled expectations. Add in a blended family and the wedding can become a ticking time bomb. Here are some surprise lessons we learned, and how my husband and I went about surviving a blended family wedding. [Read more…]
4 Keys to Maneuvering Through Life Transitions
We just got back from a lovely vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Our cabin on the mountainside was beautiful and the view was breathtaking. It was so wonderful to slow down for a while and relax. And yet, at the same time I felt a little sad. Our youngest was with us, but College Boy did not join us on vacation. And as a woman and mom, I am making my way through another stage in life. Here are 4 keys to maneuvering through life transitions that have been very helpful. [Read more…]
5 Secrets to Deepening Your Family Bond on Vacation
Our mini van was struggling. It was so weighed down, I wasn’t sure we were even going to make it up the drive much less 4,000 miles. Country Boy started throwing out all the extra water I had crammed into every crevice as I hollered at him that we needed all the extra water. Tensions were high as we were attempting to pack for 5 people for a 3 week camping trip out West. But you know what? Our 3 week camping trip ended up being our best vacation ever! It really brought us closer as a family. So today I’m sharing 5 secrets to deepening your family bond on vacation! [Read more…]
Create a Summer Contract for Teens
Summer is almost here! That means school is out and a break from the typical routine. Which can be great. It can also spell varied expectations, household tension, and extra work for parents. So get ahead of the game and create a summer contract for teens. PLUS, to make it super simple I created a FREE Summer Contract with Teens Printable Packet!
Dear Friend, You are the Perfect Mom For Your Child
Dear Friend! You are going to laugh at me, but I had an epiphany about motherhood the other night. It only took me 20 years. I’m so quick, I know! Ha! But anyhow, it reminded me of a conversation we had awhile back. So I wanted to share my epiphany with you. And of course, I just wanted to check in with you too:) So here’s my brilliant realization! My Dear Friend, YOU are the perfect mom for your child. [Read more…]
