There were many words of wisdom Matt and I received from our pre-married counselor, words that I come back to again and again over the years.  One of those pearls began with a question to me:  "Wendy, what are you most afraid could happen in your marriage?"  It took me but a second to respond, "I'm scared that I'm going to serve and serve and serve, and eventually I'll end up losing myself."  Pastor Ken looked Matt square in the eye a...

If you haven't read the book, "The 5 Love Languages" by Dr. Chapman, DO! It's a wonderful read for married couples to explore how each of us gives and receives love in one primary way, such as physical touch, words of affirmation, or quality time together.  I've heard many couples say that it was the most helpful book in their marriage.  While I agree that it was useful in learning how to communicate love to my husband, and recognize whe...

School began again today. Getting up before dawn this morning was torture. I was sure some kid had punk'ed this ole mom by dispensing a tiny drop of super-glue under each of my eyelids as I slept. Seriously, opening them was painful! That said, I must confess that we pushed our vacation fun to the eleventh hour (not literally, of course.)

I've heard it said that during this season of life with many young ones at home, The days are long, but the years are short.  With only 10 days till my first born's 8th birthday I have to agree.  My days are long and challenging, but this year is racing by at neck-breaking speeds.  

W...

I've read multiple good parenting books now that teach the glorious and effective "Uh-oh."  Especially useful for a talker, like me, who tends to lecture over every little wrong my children commit, the "Uh-oh" let's them know that you know they've made a poor choice.  It's also the sound that naturally comes out when we make a mistake, and so it reminds me that mistakes happen.  And it sounds so much nicer and more Gracious than, "how many times have I told you..."

I've joked with friends about my psychological condition I've finally labeled, "Homeschool Envy."  Recently, however, it's become quiet intense.  Not only do many of my dearest friends homeschool their children, but most of my on-line mentors educate their children at home as well.  But the deepest pull is that three years ago I felt God ask me if I would be willing to homeschool... it was a long road before I said, "Yes."  And then a number of things...

I'm currently reading through the Bible; I just wrapped up Deuteronomy and embarked upon Joshua's journey into the Promised Land with the children of Israel.  There have been numerous themes, but the most profound lesson thus far is the one I'm currently mulling over.

Before crossing over the Jordan, Moses commissioned his predecessor Joshua to take over...

The other day in the car, as we rocked out to the Beetles,  I heard my littlest say "I'm gunna p-way da guitar!" and then proceeded to play a mad air guitar from his five-point harness.  It was rad.  But as I watched from my rearview mirror I felt a twinge of sadness too, for this was the first time my three (going on sixteen) year old, called his favorite instrument a guitar and not a Tee-tar!

As I put my eyes back on the road I heard my rock star wail, "It's...