O…P…Q.

Back to the ABC’s…
Q is for Quiet Time.
For this particular instance, I’m referring to the “quiet time” we have with our heavenly Father as followers of Christ. (I do wholeheartedly advocate down time, or quiet time reading and playing alone, for children as well!) If you struggle to have a disciplined time with God [...]

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Squash and Quinoa Pie

I first saw this wonderful fall dish in a Martha Stewart Living magazine last year, but have since misplaced the magazine and reconstructed this recipe from memory…
Quinoa (keen-wah) is a super nutritious versatile grain. Unlike many other common grains, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it exceptionally complete in [...]

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M is for Money. N is for Nagging.

N is for Nagging.
May I encourage you—don’t do it. Nagging is continuous urging to the point of irritation. When has that ever produced the results or the attitude we desire in our children? This is how I try to lead my children to obedience:
1. Assess what I’m asking for. Is [...]

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L is for Legumes.

L is for Legumes.
Back to food again, legumes are plants of the pea or bean family (that splits into two valves with the seeds attached to one edge of the valves). Think peas, beans, sprouts, soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, lentils…
Why should they be part of our child’s diet? They are low in fat and [...]

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Reconciliation

Taking pause from the ABC’s, I must spend a moment to respond to what the Lord is teaching me on the gift of reconciliation…
There is no feeling like the punched-in-the-stomach pangs of knowing someone is angry with you. Equally as painful is being angry yourself while having an unresolved conflict with someone you care [...]

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G…H…I.

I is for Instruments.
Whether your personal preference in music is jazz, classical, pop, or country, there is no denying that life would unbearable without musical instruments.  Instruments are voices of expression that require skill to communicate.  It used to be that all children learned at least one instrument at some point in their childhood; but [...]

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The Best Homemade Granola

So…after much experimentation and research, I present to you our family’s favorite homemade granola. I’ve got it packed with fiber and have perfected the recipe to yield crunchy clusters, like store-bought, minus all the additives. Fiddle with your own add-ins…and as usual, my cooking style is less than scientific. Enjoy!

Ruth’s Granola [...]

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F is for Fiber.

F is for Fiber
Yup…it’s not just for the old folks. Our kids need it for digestive health and for qualitative & quantitative eating habits. Ways we sneak it in at our house:

add ground flaxseed meal and wheat germ to oatmeal for breakfast
make homemade granola
serve only whole wheat (introduce it early [...]

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C is for Celebrate

C is for Celebrate.
When was the last time you celebrated your child’s accomplishments? We are so quick to point out their mistakes, but often overlook a right decision, a good attitude, a choice to share, an obedient response. Celebrating does not necessarily mean new toys or ice cream. Our kids are encouraged [...]

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A…is for Apologize.

A is for Apologize. 
The prerequisite for parenthood is not perfection. Far from it! Being a mom has highlighted some of my worst propensities and attitudes. Yet, somehow, we struggle as moms to apologize and ask forgiveness of our children. We seem to forget that authority is earned and not merely demanded. [...]

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