I have a few questions to ask you: ---Do you feel stressed, tired, worried, or frazzled much of the time? ---Do you feel your life is moving by too quickly? ---Do you feel like you have much to do and not enough time? My answer to those questions is yes. I have certainly felt all those feelings. My commitments can stack up on top of each other; my unread email inbox is out of control, I am driving hurriedly from one appointment to the next, and I misplaced my grocery shopping list. Can you relate?? I crave an escape where I can slow down, rest, and recharge. I recently had that opportunity. A few weeks ago I returned from a wonderful weekend women's retreat at Redwood Christian Park. I have been going to retreats there for about six years now and come home blessed every ... View Post
Breakfast Bites
Breakfast bites, otherwise known as energy bites or protein balls, are another family favorite. I make a batch or two of these every week and find them to be the perfect thing to nibble on with coffee or as a pick-me-up during the day. My kids love them for breakfast. There are many recipes out there for these and after trying a few, I like this combination best. You can add, change, or omit some of the ingredients to your liking. I love that they require no baking and can be made in 30 minutes! Here is the recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/3 cup honey 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes 1/2 cup ground flaxseed 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Mix all ... View Post
Mystery Trips!!
If you read my post on surprise rides, then you know we have some fun family traditions. My family had another fun custom besides those that we called "Mystery Trips." What are "Mystery Trips?" One year my husband and I were talking about what to buy our children for Christmas. We decided they had plenty of "things'" and that their main gifts would be a trip to a secret destination. There would be less under the Christmas tree, but we figured the little vacations would be more memorable than a bunch of new toys. The first year we began this they were a little confused as to the lack of gifts. Once we explained that their presents wouldn't be as tangible as something they have, but rather something they got to do or see, they were curious (and a little skeptical!). When ... View Post
Marvelous You
I recently saw an idea for writing prompts, and it reminded me of something similar I used to do with my students. At the beginning of each school year, I had my students make a "Marvelous Me" booklet so that I could get to know them better. These booklets were always one of my favorite assignments, and I loved, loved, loved reading their little books. Before they began writing, I would tell them that there isn't any "wrong" answer for the "Marvelous Me" pages. The booklets were about them as individuals, about what made each one of them special and unique. I wanted their responses to be authentic; therefore, they weren't allowed to look to see what others were writing. This was often a struggle because some students wanted to make sure they had the "right" answers or that no one ... View Post
Surprise Rides
When I ask my children what some of their favorite childhood memories are, they always include Surprise Rides. While many things we have done together over the years were fun, this stands out as a favorite. It was a tradition we began when our youngest child was one. I regularly combed books for creative ways to entertain, reward, and surprise my kids. As a parent and educator, I read many, many books on child rearing, incentives, discipline, and fun ideas; I also listened occasionally to family radio programs. I cannot recall where we got the idea for our Surprise Rides, but wherever it came from, it was a fabulous suggestion! Because these rides were so popular with my children, I thought maybe your family would enjoy it, too. Let's talk about Surprise Rides. Here are some ... View Post
25 Great Date Ideas
If you read my post on "Dating Your Spouse," then you know I am a firm believer in regularly dating your mate. When leading a church couple's class, we request that the couples go on at least one date a month. We suggest the husband and wife alternate planning the dates. This all sounds easy in theory, but oftentimes people are at a loss for new or interesting date ideas. Couples typically end up doing dinner and a movie, and while that's fun, there are plenty of other options out there. It is fun to switch it up once in a while and do something different. Novelty is healthy for your marriage :) I have compiled a list of ideas so next time when you are stumped when trying to plan a date, use one of these. Some of the dates are free, some moderately priced, and some are more ... View Post